Nicola was the first female Emmanuel College Students’ Club President in 1991.
What challenges did you face as Emmanuel’s first female Students’ Club President?
Being listened to, was a big challenge, and getting people to take you seriously. So, you just had to keep on asking and persisting and challenging the College Council in particular, by questioning the reason for their decisions. I had to argue to be heard. I had moments where I asked myself, ‘Did I get walked over then? And why did that happen? Is it because I’m a female? Would that have happened to a male?’ And I had to say to myself I’m not prepared to let that happen. It was about standing up for myself.
How did your experience as the ECSC president influence your life and career?
The student leadership position influenced me to stand up for myself. I gained confidence in challenging and questioning the status quo, and putting forward new ideas and alternatives. The ability to do all of that started in my role as president, and has been invaluable throughout my life and career.
What sparked your interest in physiotherapy?
Like a lot of physiotherapists my interest was sparked as I really enjoyed sport as a child and growing up. I wanted to work with sports people. I was going to do a Physical Education degree, but I didn’t really like children and when I went through uni that was really the major option, so Physiotherapy was suggested. Ironically I am now a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and prefer to treat spinal injuries and leave the sports people (mainly) to the Sports Physiotherapists.
Have you faced barriers due to gender?
My profession has traditionally been very female dominant, I think we used to organise a ball with the Engineering students due to the female/male ratio, so perhaps this was not as prevalent as in other professions. So no, I have never experienced any barriers or have not been aware of them or have just ignored them.
What are some ways that we can support and uplift women in the workplace and in educational environments?
I think the best way to support and uplift women in the workplace and education is to ensure they have equal opportunities. This needs to come from schools, institutions and the community. I would like to hope that these days women are given the same opportunity as their male counterparts. Emphasise there are choices and options in terms of a career and family and give examples. In the workforce women need to be encouraged to apply for roles, and I think mentoring can play an important role. I also think it is important to acknowledge that raising children and having a career is possible. Try and plan what you want to achieve and strive for it and don’t accept it is not possible.
What are your hopes for the next generation of Emmanuel Women?
When I look back at my time at Emmanuel College there were differences in how the males and females were treated on occasions. I think we just dealt with it and tried to change it but didn’t make a great fuss about it. I would like to think that this doesn’t occur any longer and I do believe society has changed. 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. Most importantly enjoy your time at college -it can be, and should be a wonderful experience.
In 2025 Emmanuel College is celebrating 50 years since women were admitted to the College. If you know of an inspirational female-identifying alumnus, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at alumni@emmanuel.uq.edu.au.
