Half a Century of Her Stories
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Dr Liz Bashford
MBBS, FANZCA, MPH(Int.)
(EC 1976-1978)
“We were all in it together. There wasn’t an ‘us and them’ dynamic between the men and women. We were in the second year of co-residency at Emmanuel—the first year probably broke the ice a bit—but we had great male friends who were respectful.”
Read her story
Dr Claire Baker
Entomologist BSc
(EC 1995-1997)
“Do the hard yards and get the degrees and publications behind you first. It’s a tough field to find your dream job, but this will help.”
Claire Davidson
BBusComn
(EC 1990-1992)
“Women often face challenges that are invisible to others, from societal expectations to balancing multiple roles to pursuing their ambitions unapologetically. Essentially withstanding the pressure to excel in all aspects of life. By holding space for each other’s feelings, thoughts and experiences, we create an environment where vulnerability is met with understanding, not dismissal.”
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Shaima De Sagun
2025 Emmanuel College Communications Intern
Currently studying Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)
“A woman who has inspired me is my mum, Ellen De Sagun. Throughout my life, she has been my rock. She never once doubted what I was capable of achieving at university, and even through the toughest times, she always stayed positive.”
“I could always count on her to be on the sidelines, cheering me on, and she believed in me even when I doubted myself. She’s my number one supporter and the strongest woman I know. Every day, I aspire to be like her and practice the kindness, patience, gratitude, and love she shows to others. Mum has taught me to strive to be a better version of myself every day, and I would be proud to become even half the woman she is.”
Stephanie Gray
2025 ECSC Community Service Convenor
Currently studying Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
“My mum has been my greatest inspiration. She gave up everything so I could have every opportunity. Her story, shaped by sacrifice and regret, drives me. She feels it’s too late to chase her own ambitions, but she has made sure I never have to feel the same. Because of her, I have every opportunity, and with it, I am determined to become the best in my field.”
Carene Hogg
BComm, BBusMan, CA, GradDipAppFin
(EC 1995-1997)
“I also hope that the next generation can define their own success by understanding their personal values early in their adult lives and being able to make choices that align with these values.”
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Rachel Huf
Bachelor of Laws
(EC 1989)
“When I became Chief Executive, women across the organisation approached me and said, ‘You can help represent us.’ I knew I had a responsibility to create a more inclusive workplace.”
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Dr Nicola Hutchinson
FACP, MPhty (Musculoskeletal), BPhty
(EC 1989-1991)
“I would like to see the next generation of women at Emmanuel College continue to strive to achieve what they want and persist if barriers are put in their way.”
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Alice Lane
Community and Events Manager, Auto & General Australia
BBusMan, BIHTM
(EC 2013-2014)
“It’s so important to ask for and apply for opportunities, to speak up and to let people know what you want and where you want to go. So many opportunities can come by chance through conversations so if you don’t share these aspirations with others, these opportunities will probably pass you by.”
Gabrielle Muscat
Currently studying Bachelor of Business Management and Bachelor of Communication
“You really do have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Change brings rejection, failure, and self-doubt—but also resilience, clarity and strength.”
Taylor Nealon
BPsychSc(Hons), currently studying a Master of Professional Psychology.
(EC 2020-2022)
“Although I’m still figuring things out myself, if I were starting at Emmanuel again, I’d remind myself to nurture the connections around me. There are so many inspiring women in this community—learn from them, support them, and let them remind you not to play small.”
Holly Otto
LLB, BA
(EC 2019-2021)
“Take opportunities that open you up to different places and experience, even if it seems like a pause in your trajectory. That curiosity might unveil something unexpected.”
Jayme Walker
LLB, BComm
(EC 2011-2013)
“Workshops and open conversations in the workplace are key to breaking down the stigma around menstrual health. When people feel safe discussing these issues with their teams and managers, it creates real cultural change, one that supports wellbeing, improves retention, and shows employees they’re genuinely cared for.”
Alice Walters
2025 ECSC Vice President
Currently studying Bachelor of Laws
“Women today often face the pressure to be everything at once: ambitious, compassionate, confident, and selfless. One of the biggest barriers is the unspoken expectation to succeed without showing struggle. Creating space for honesty and imperfection is key to building a culture where women can thrive, not just survive.”
Georgina Whittle
Currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
(EC 2021-2023)
“My greatest aspiration is that no matter where I am in the world, no matter my job title or salary, and no matter who I’m with, I wake up every day with pride, passion and a love for what I do. This is how I will know that I have been truly successful.”
Gretel Wilson
CEO & Co-Founder, CASU
JD, BCommun, BJ
(EC 2009-2011)
“The idea of ‘having it all’ seems outdated and too simplistic. New and progressive solutions are needed if women are to have meaningful, decision-making positions in the world.”
Kelly Newton
Director, Keppel Brand
(EC 2001–2003)
You think you've got all the answers when you're on the sidelines. In life and in business, you do have to get involved and that's where your true learning starts.
Read her story