Jane Hedger
CEO, Volunteering Queensland; Chair, Challenge DV
Jane Hedger
Jane has a strong background in change management, leadership and transformation. Her extensive experience spans across both government and the not-for-profit sector.
Jane has held senior executive positions in corporate services, media & communications, customer experience, information technology and organisational change across a number of Queensland Government departments. In addition, she co-owns and directs StormBirds, a crisis and communications strategy consultancy across Australia and New Zealand.
An experienced board director and current Board Chair of Challenge DV, Jane has a long history of community service and is committed to growing board diversity and effectiveness. Jane has undertaken studies in law, leadership and futurism, and has a strong interest in digital disruption, workforce agility and organisational future-proofing.
She believes that volunteering is about giving back to our community in a meaningful and useful manner that is respectful and empowering of individuals and organisations.
Libby Cook-Black
Founder – The Female Co (Charity)
Libby Cook-Black
Libby Cook-Black is a proud Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islander) woman, former elite athlete, and the visionary behind The Female Co.
With a career spanning professional rugby league, government leadership, and community development, Libby founded The Female Co to break down the barriers she once faced—ensuring young women in regional and remote communities have access to sport, education, and leadership opportunities. Her lived experience, cultural strength, and unwavering belief in the power of women and girls drive everything we do.
She has a wonderful team of trainers, coaches, fitness experts and industry mentors who ensure our level of support and training is of the highest level whilst delivering our programs
Antonia Mercorella
CEO at The REIQ
Antonia Mercorella
Antonia Mercorella is the Chief Executive Officer of The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), where she has served as the organization’s first female CEO. A lawyer by profession, she joined the REIQ as General Counsel in 2010 before ascending to the top leadership role in 2014. Under her guidance, the REIQ has solidified its position as a leading authority on Queensland’s property market, advocating for legislative reform and professional standards across the industry.
Known for her strategic influence and media presence, Mercorella is a prominent voice on housing policy, tenancy laws, and economic issues affecting the real estate sector. She has been instrumental in modernizing the institute’s digital capabilities and training programs, ensuring that real estate professionals remain adaptable in a changing regulatory landscape. Her leadership is frequently characterized by a commitment to data-driven advocacy and the promotion of ethical practices within the Queensland property community.
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