QLD International Women’s Day 2027: Leaders’ Breakfast
#LeadTheChange
About the event:
Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking morning at Brisbane City Hall, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2027 with a special Leaders’ Breakfast honouring the extraordinary women shaping Queensland—and Australia.
Guided by this year’s theme, Lead the Change, this event recognises that leadership is not defined by a single path, title, or sector. It lives in boardrooms and laboratories, in public service and industry, and equally in homes, communities, and the quiet, often unrecognised work of caregiving and connection.
Too often, conversations about leadership remain siloed. This gathering brings together influential voices from across sectors—government, defence, business, STEM, law, health, and community—to share insights, challenge perspectives, and demonstrate how leadership transcends boundaries. By learning from one another, we unlock new ways to lead with purpose, empathy, and impact.
Set within one of Queensland’s most iconic civic landmarks, this event celebrates not only the trailblazers who have shaped our past, but also the leaders redefining our future. From pioneering changemakers to emerging voices, we shine a light on the diverse journeys that drive progress and inspire possibility.
Together, we will reflect on the legacy of women who have led with courage and conviction—and look ahead with intention. This is a call to action: to lead boldly, to lead inclusively, and to lead the change toward a more connected, equitable, and resilient future for all.
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM
Governor of Queensland
Professor Lyn Beazley AO
Neuroscientist; 2015 West Australian of the Year; WA’s Chief Scientist(2006 – 2013)
Sallyanne Atkinson AO
First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia
Dr Hilda Turnbull
Former Member for Collie(1989 -2001); First woman elected to the WA Legislative Assembly representing the National Party
Jean McRuvie
Chair, Council on the Ageing Queensland
Professor Samar Aoun AM
Researcher and advocate for end-of-life care, bereavement and grief support; 2023 WA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR; Head of Palliative Care Research, Perron Institute
Emily Edgar
Lawyer, Person with Lived experience, Disability Advocate
Dr Emilia Dauway MD
FACS, FRACS, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.
Andrea Musulin
Founder, WA Child Protection Society and The Child Focused Safety Service WA ; Director Safeguarding Program, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and Safeguarding Lead Police and Community Youth Centres.
Jasmin Diab CSC GAICD
President, Women in Nuclear Australia; Veteran
Miquela Riley
Vice President & Deputy Chair, RSL WA; Veteran and Veteran’s advocate
Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths
Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources
Mary Nenke
Director, Cambinata Yabbies; Mary’s Farm Cottages;
Jacinta Vu
2025 Local Hero for Western Australia
Nominee for Australia of the Year 2025 WA
Oral Medicine Specialist
Linda Ginger
Market Strategist
Asha Bhat OAM
CEO, Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Lisa Ward
Chief Executive Officer, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
Yasmin Khan
2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015
Chithrani Palipana
Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate
Tanya Brown GAICD
National Director – Special Olympics Australia
Director – Hardie Finance Corp
Hon Maryka Groenewald MLC
Member of Legislative Council, Western Australia
Prasitha Chavittupara
Advocate for Healthcare Reform Founder of Aishwarya’s Foundation