We are delighted to share the overwhelming success of the inaugural She Leads Gold Coast Schools Summit for Girls, a trailblazing event designed by young women, for young women, with the aim of empowering the next generation of female leaders. This event brought together students from schools across the Gold Coast, creating an inspiring and collaborative environment that placed young women at the forefront of conversations about leadership, gender equality, and the future. The summit was a celebration of innovation and strength, providing a unique platform where girls could reflect on their ambitions and confront the challenges they may face as they move into influential roles within society.
The keynote address set a powerful tone for the day, offering a thoughtful and deeply resonant exploration of the unique challenges girls and young women continue to face today. Key topics included confronting gender bias, addressing the gender pay gap, and advocating for greater equality and representation in education, the workforce, and leadership positions. The speakers, all distinguished leaders in their respective fields, highlighted the importance of acknowledging these barriers while also offering strategies for overcoming them. The summit’s focus on real-world issues gave attendees a sense of purpose, driving home the message that today’s young women are poised to become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
In addition to the keynote, the event featured a range of interactive sessions and panel discussions, led by accomplished leaders from a variety of industries. These discussions provided invaluable insights into navigating personal and professional challenges while building resilience and determination. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own journeys, share their experiences, and participate in critical conversations around leadership, gender equality, and self-empowerment. These sessions fostered a spirit of collaboration and solidarity, encouraging the young women to see themselves as part of a larger movement toward progress and innovation.
One of the key objectives of the summit was to equip the attendees with practical skills that extend beyond the academic realm. The workshops were designed to build confidence and develop essential competencies such as public speaking, creative and critical thinking, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and networking. These sessions were not just theoretical in nature; they provided hands-on experience that allowed the girls to engage with real-world scenarios, offering them the tools they need to succeed in both their personal lives and future careers. By honing these skills, the summit ensured that the participants left with the confidence and knowledge to navigate the challenges of the modern world and take on leadership roles with determination and clarity.
An important highlight of the summit was the mentorship opportunities provided to the attendees. Students had the chance to connect with experienced professionals and leaders who generously offered their insights, guidance, and personal stories of overcoming adversity. These mentoring sessions created a bridge between current leaders and future ones, allowing students to ask questions, seek advice, and gain perspective on their career aspirations. The opportunity to engage with women who have successfully navigated the complexities of gendered workplaces and leadership roles was invaluable, providing the girls with real-world examples of resilience, innovation, and success.
The impact of the summit was evident in the feedback received from both participants and attendees. One of the attending schools expressed their appreciation, stating: "An enormous THANK YOU! For all of the work that went into making yesterday happen! Our girls (students and staff) came back absolutely buzzing about the day!"
A parent who attended the event shared a similar sentiment, saying: "It was amazing to witness an event run by young women, for young women. The energy, engagement, and inspiration that filled the room were remarkable. This summit was truly unique, driven by the girls themselves, and every element—from the interactive activities to the singing—was of great value."
Molly, one of our Meta Masters Captains, also reflected on the day, saying: "Running the event and collaborating with the young women of Meta Masters and our wider community was truly inspiring. Through the speakers, attendees, and staff, we all came together to participate in She Leads and planted the seed to cultivate the next generation of trailblazers. We all left energised, buzzing, and transformed."
The inaugural She Leads Summit has proven to be an invaluable experience, bringing together bright and driven young women, and empowering them with the skills and confidence to thrive in their future endeavours. The event would not have been possible without the support and dedication of the speakers, the participating schools, and the generous sponsors, whose contributions made this empowering initiative a reality.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the future of She Leads and the opportunities it will continue to provide for young women across the Gold Coast. By investing in and empowering these future leaders today, we are laying the foundation for a future defined by diversity, innovation, creativity, and strength. We are already looking forward to the next She Leads Summit in 2025, where we will continue to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of female trailblazers.
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Photography Credit: novasoma photography
