Lead Like a Girl Inspires the Next Generation of Regional Leaders

More than 150 young women from across the Mid North Coast gathered in Kempsey recently for Lead Like a Girl, an inspiring event designed to showcase the opportunities available close to home and empower students to pursue their future ambitions with confidence.

Delivered through a partnership between the NSW Department of Education’s Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program and Country Universities Centre Macleay Valley, the event brought together students, industry representatives, employers and community leaders for a day of connection, inspiration and career exploration.

Hosted across Riverside Cinemas and CUC Macleay Valley, the event welcomed approximately 150 female students alongside 40 industry representatives and community leaders from across the region.

Throughout the day, students heard from female leaders working across a diverse range of industries, participated in interactive sessions and engaged directly with professionals who shared their experiences, insights and career journeys.

For many students, one of the most powerful takeaways was seeing successful women who have built meaningful careers while remaining connected to regional communities.

Centre Manager Kinne Ring said the event highlighted the importance of exposing young women to the opportunities available within their own communities.

“Showing young women the opportunities they have close to home from women who are succeeding in their chosen career made for a really meaningful event. There was so much positive energy, connection and enthusiasm in the room.”

The event reinforced a simple but powerful message: leadership comes in many forms, and young women from regional communities have every opportunity to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact.

The atmosphere throughout the day reflected that message, with students enthusiastically engaging in conversations, asking questions and building connections with local role models and employers.

Students, schools and industry representatives reflected on the event as a powerful opportunity for young women to connect with local role models, build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse career pathways available to them close to home.

Events such as Lead Like a Girl demonstrate the important role regional communities play in nurturing future leaders and ensuring young people can see a future for themselves close to home.

By bringing together education, industry and community, CUC Macleay Valley continues to create opportunities that inspire students to dream bigger, build confidence and recognise the possibilities that exist within their own communities.