Top 50 Women Awards 2026

Jenny Ahmet is a marketing and communications executive with more than 20 years’ experience across government, retail, manufacturing, and energy. As Head of Campaigns, Brand and Design at DFFH, she focuses on strategies that positively impact society. Jenny led the delivery of complex public campaigns including Free Pads and Tampons. Period. and The Unsaid Says a Lot. Known for her collaborative approach, she is dedicated to building inclusive, high-performing teams and finding innovative, meaningful ways to connect with and support Victoria’s diverse communities.

With a career spanning regulation, aviation and mining, and extensive leadership experience across multiple countries, Michelle is passionate about leading people and delivering outcomes in complex environments. Her leadership approach is grounded in integrity.

Michelle values collaboration, inclusion and creating environments where people can perform at their best. Leading more than 60 Inspectors at the BPC, she has reshaped in field inspection approaches through innovation, including regional compliance campaigns, targeting unlicensed and unregistered practitioners and supporting effective regulation to better protect Victorian consumers. Michelle is proud to serve the Victorian community.

Georgia Blackie is Director of the Policy and Specialised Legal Division at the Office of Public Prosecutions. She leads work at the intersection of law, policy and practice, providing strategic advice on reform initiatives and building capability.

Known for her clear, practical approach, Georgia brings people together to strengthen decision-making. She is a trusted adviser who communicates clearly, shares knowledge generously, and builds collaborative relationships across the justice system, with a focus on improving how it operates in practice.

She is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and a member of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Criminal Law Executive Committee.

Corinne Bowen, a public purpose leader delivering exceptional impact across climate resilience, Indigenous partnerships and community wellbeing. She has led numerous award‑winning and nationally recognised initiatives that elevate cultural authority, strengthen community safety, and advance sector‑wide resilience.

Recognised for her integrity, collaborative leadership, cultural intelligence and commitment to public sector values, Corinne’s exceptional crisis leadership skills have guided communities through major emergencies while championing inclusive, culturally grounded governance. Her leadership strengthens, inclusion and gender equality, supported by her governance roles and mentorship of emerging women leaders.

A national‑level athlete, Corinne exemplifies the next generation of values‑driven, community‑centred public sector leadership.

With over 20 years experience across the private and public sectors, Mel has led complex service delivery, reform and engagement functions. As a Director at Consumer Affairs Victoria, she oversees funded community programs, sector engagement, front line compliance services, and a range of supports for regulatory operations.

Mel recently contributed to reforms strengthening community based financial counselling and renting advice, advocacy and front-line support, including increasing funding and improving sector capability. She is passionate about achieving outcomes for the community and brings a collaborative, practical approach to working with partners across government and the community to deliver meaningful, lasting improvements.

Lucia is Senior Manager of Development and Innovation at AMES Australia, a unique Victorian Government organisation leading successful settlement in our State. She develops cross-sector partnerships and initiatives that expand opportunities for migrants and humanitarian arrivals to fully participate in Australian society.

Working across government, industry and community, Lucia champions programs that support welcome, education, employment, inclusion and connection. Known for her ability to build value in the undervalued, she brings people together to deliver public value and inclusive solutions. On weekends, Lucia runs multicultural inclusion and youth programs in her community AFL club and promotes the benefits of volunteering.

With more than 20 years in the public sector, Jayne is an accomplished finance leader known for integrity, accountability and inclusive leadership. As Director Finance and Deputy CFO, she provides strategic financial stewardship and governance for programs supporting settlement, education, employment and participation in Australian society.

Recognised for building strong cross-organisational relationships and aligning financial decisions with frontline service delivery, Jayne has contributed to major government initiatives and remains committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable communities while ensuring organisational sustainability.

Jayne is a Banking and Finance graduate, holds an Executive MBA, is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Chartered Accountant.

Namrata is an experienced public sector lawyer with a strong record of delivering strategic legal advice and managing complex litigation across health, child protection, and community services. In her current role, she works on matters of significant public importance, including coronial matters and state responses to major commissions.

Namrata’s career reflects a deep commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities, supporting fair outcomes, and strengthening government decision making.

With a background in policy and defence, she brings a broad, collaborative perspective, motivated by public service values and a commitment to achieving meaningful, community focussed outcomes through law, advocacy, and integrity in practice.

A journalist by trade, Tamara commenced her public service career as a communications specialist before moving into emergency management.

She has overseen the delivery of many significant emergency programs, including the COVID-19 homelessness support and food relief programs, and the $35 million social recovery program after the October 2022 floods.

Tamara joined the Department of Government Services in 2023 to establish its 24/7 emergency management function. She is one of the department’s inaugural State Agency Commanders and a Cyber Security State Controller.

Tamara strives to be a calm and compassionate leader during emergency events with a focus on community outcomes.”

Megan Knowles is a Victorian public sector executive with experience establishing and leading corporate and governance service functions. She has guided and led organisational establishment, financial stewardship, and enterprise-wide transformation, supporting effective and accountable public service delivery.

Megan brings a background spanning education, public health, and community sectors, underpinned by a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and communities. She leads with a values-based, people-centred approach and strong systems thinking, empowering teams to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes in complex and evolving environments and delivering integrated, sustainable solutions that strengthen public sector capability.

Jacqualine is a purpose-driven public sector leader shaping how technology, AI and governance are used to deliver better outcomes for people. She is known for leading with integrity, empathy and a people-focused approach, bringing others together to navigate complex change in practical and inclusive ways.

Jacqualine is passionate about responsible innovation, strengthening workforce capability and empowering others to lead. She also contributes to future leadership initiatives, sharing her experiences to inspire and support emerging leaders. Through her work, she helps build safer, smarter and more future-ready public services for Victoria.

Clare is a driven executive leader of the Department of Families Fairness and Housing North Division leading public housing operations across City of Yarra.

With extensive public sector experience, she combines strategic insight, operational expertise and a passion for social justice to elevate lived experience and work purposeful with key stakeholders to achieve best outcomes of people.

Her desire to make a difference for people the department serves drives her strengths in culturally sensitive, resident-focused services and successfully implementing initiatives that have strengthened customer service approaches including employment of public housing renters to reflect a workforce that the department serves.”

Emma is the Group Manager, Operational Planning and Performance at South East Water. She has a background in R&D, Innovation, Partnerships, Program Management and Marketing. Emma held various roles in innovation commercialisation at GE Digital, APAC before joining South East Water via it’s commercialisation arm, Iota.

She studied Business and Financial Economics at the University of Leeds in the UK, and moved to Melbourne, Australia in 2009.

Emma is a Director for Water Research Australia, the Victorian President of the Australian Water Association and a member of the SWAN APAC Leadership Group.

Annette is known for her calm, thoughtful leadership and the genuine way she brings people together. At Cenitex, she takes pride in creating a supportive, connected team culture where people work well together and feel valued.

Respected by colleagues, peers and senior leaders alike, she is known for balancing encouragement with constructive challenge to help others achieve shared goals. Her move from the private to public sector has shaped her as an adaptable and pragmatic leader, open to growth and new experiences. Annette is deeply people-focused and committed to finding practical solutions that support both organisational outcomes and staff wellbeing.

Belinda Stewart has dedicated more than 25 years to the local government sector, leading diverse portfolios across Community Services, Diversity, Community Compliance and Safety. With a Bachelor of Human Services, leadership certifications, and recognition as a Sally Isaac Award finalist, she is deeply committed to improving community outcomes through strong leadership and team culture.

Belinda is known for empowering others, inspiring potential, and fostering connection. A mother of two daughters, she is creative, personable, and widely respected for her values-based leadership and her commitment to building capable, connected and high-performing teams that serve community needs.

Jo van Loon joined the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) now known as the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), as the Deputy to the State Building Surveyor in 2022.

Prior to coming to the BPC Jo worked in Local Government for 22 years between 1990 to 2012, then moved into private practice for 10 years between 2012 to 2022. Jo brings her passion and knowledge spanning across both sectors into the Office of the State Building Surveyor to provide guidance to the BPC and the building industry.

Janelle is a senior executive with 20+ years in vocational and higher education, recognised for connecting policy, providers and industry to deliver innovative, future-focused skills outcomes. She has transformed delivery models, led large distributed portfolios, and built partnerships across government, industry and the training system.

In 2026 she joined DJSIR to lead Apprenticeships Victoria, after serving as Chief Industry & Education Officer at Bendigo Kangan Institute where she led the TAFE to two Australian Large Training Provider of the Year wins and championed women’s participation in trades.

She is driven by building cultures of excellence that empower learners and staff.

Sharon Barry is currently the Executive Director – Thriving Kids Taskforce at the Department of Education. Sharon has been instrumental in her leadership of the Disability Inclusion (DI) reforms, which is increasing and improving support for students with disability in Victorian government schools.

Sharon is regarded as a leader in the disability education space, building on her prior experience in the community and disability services sector. Sharon is passionate about inclusive education and is known for her authenticity, energy and ability to connect with people from all walks of life and empower others to succeed.

Carlee is the Director of Design and Optimisation for the Transformation Program at the Transport Accident Commission. A strategic leader at the intersection of people, technology, and organisational change, she drives customer and employee experience uplift while equipping teams for the future of work.

With experience across major consulting firms and enterprise leadership roles, she simplifies complexity, aligns senior stakeholders, and delivers customer‑centred transformation. Carlee brings deep expertise in operating models, process optimisation, digital change, and workforce readiness. She holds a Master of Leadership and is committed to building resilient, high‑performing teams.

Rebecca is an experienced regulatory leader with a passion for best practice regulation and regulatory capability. Rebecca is the Chair of the National Regulators Community of Practice (NRCoP) – a network that connects, inspires, enriches, and educates over 7000 regulatory professionals across Australia (in partnership with ANZSOG). She is also a Commissioner of the Essential Services Commission Victoria (ESCV) and South Australia (ESCOSA), with responsibility for making regulatory decisions in the long-term interests of consumers across the energy, water, transport and local government sectors and a board member of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Sandy Carveth is a highly regarded public sector executive with extensive experience in procurement, governance and organisational transformation. She is recognised for leading with integrity, strengthening compliance and accountability, and building high-performing teams that deliver lasting results.

Her achievements include leading major procurement reform, negotiating complex high-value initiatives, improving operating models and governance, and guiding critical COVID-19 procurement that supported safe school operations across Victoria. Known for trusted judgement, strong stakeholder engagement and values-based leadership, she has made a significant and enduring contribution to public sector performance and service delivery.

Kristen Cherry is Director City Services and Living at Hume City Council, leading a diverse portfolio that supports community wellbeing, participation and connection.

With more than 25 years’ experience in local government, she is a values-driven leader known for building high performing, inclusive teams and delivering meaningful community outcomes.

Kristen has led major organisational and service reforms, improving accessibility, equity and long-term impact for growing communities.

She is widely recognised for her collaborative approach, strategic thinking, commitment to social justice, and her ability to foster cultures where people feel empowered to contribute and thrive.

Samantha (Sam) is the Executive General Manager, Road Safety at the TAC, her career in road safety beginning in 1992.
Starting out as an economist evaluating blackspot programs, she has driven major programs in vehicle safety and behavioural change, including TAC’s public education campaigns.

She currently oversees the TAC’s accident prevention investments across infrastructure, vehicle safety and road‑user programs. A committed advocate for the Safe System approach, Sam has dedicated her career to eliminating road deaths and serious injuries and has advised multiple in advisory committees, including to the UN/WHO.

Michelle Cowling is Deputy Commissioner at Fire Rescue Victoria, bringing more than 32 years of experience in the fire and emergency services sector, including extensive service with the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). She has a strong background in operations and operational leadership, business management, and driving organisational change.

Michelle is a passionate advocate for advancing women in emergency services, championing innovative strategies to attract, support, retain, and promote women across the sector. Her leadership is recognised for fostering inclusive cultures and modern workforce practices that strengthen capability, resilience, diversity and inclusion within emergency service organisations.

Reporting to the Governing Board, Joss leads EPA and is responsible for its day-to-day management and operational performance, while working with the Board to set the organisation’s strategic direction. Joss has built a distinguished career in senior executive leadership roles across the petroleum, transport, and building and construction industries, both in Australia and internationally.

Joss brings a strong understanding of duties-based legislation and regulatory standards. With a degree in civil engineering and an Executive Masters in Public Administration, Joss combines deep regulatory expertise with strategic thinking, a collaborative approach, and a passion for high-performing teams.

Elisha Curcio is the Chief Procurement Officer and Director of the Procurement Unit at the Victorian Department of Health. She is a values‑driven public sector leader who has rebuilt and scaled the department’s procurement capability and led major budget and governance reform initiatives. She champions procurement practices that advance social outcomes and deliver value for money, enabling the department to achieve the best outcomes for the Victorian community.

Elisha leads with integrity and fosters a team culture grounded in respect and kindness. She made a significant contribution to Victoria’s 2019-20 bushfire response, for which she was awarded a National Emergency Medal.

Shelley is a people and safety executive with experience across the public and private sectors, including Parks Victoria, Victoria State Emergency Service, RMIT and AusNet Services. She has led complex portfolios spanning human resources, health and safety, customer service, emergency management and facilities management.

Shelley holds a Senior Executive MBA, a Master of Industrial and Employee Relations, and a Bachelor of Business (Honours), and is a Williamson Community Leadership Fellow. She is known for strengthening organisational performance and engagement, delivering meaningful outcomes for people and communities.

Lily Dekic is a seasoned senior executive and currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Inspectorate Victoria (WIV). She joined WIV in 2022 and has played a pivotal role in leading the change management and legislative reform of Child Employment laws in Victoria.

With over two decades of leadership in the regulatory sector, Lily has held senior management and executive roles at Department of Transport and WorkSafe Victoria, and served as a complex case inspector within the federal workplace relations system. Her career reflects a deep commitment to regulatory excellence, strategic reform, and public service.

Georgina Grant has worked in the Victorian Public Service since joining as a VPS graduate in 1996, spending most of her career at the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF). She worked for around 10 years in Budget Division, advising on resource allocation across government departments, and then as a manager of Social Policy at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

Returning to DTF in 2016, she held Director roles in Intergovernmental Relations, Revenue Forecasting and Tax Policy. Georgina is currently Executive Director of the Financial Assets and Liabilities and Workplace Safety Group within Commercial Division at DTF.

Lucy has over 20 years of legal experience, starting in commercial litigation before moving into human rights law and support for victims of crime.

Lucy has held senior litigation roles in the Department’s Legal Division before taking up the role of General Counsel in 2025, where she manages a team of lawyers who provide exemplary support for the Department’s delivery of an outstanding education for Victorian children.

Lucy is a trusted advisor with a deep understanding of the sectors she serves. During her time at the Department, Lucy has developed trauma informed litigation practices and wellbeing support for her legal teams.

Throughout her professional career, Lee-Anne has worked in vocational education and training. Working across state and national training authorities and industry associations, she has most recently held the role of Deputy CEO of the Victorian Skills Authority. She has held executive positions across data and analytics functions, major areas of vocational education and training reform and led the establishment team of the Victorian Skills Authority. She is known for her commitment to the sector and open and supportive leadership style.

Renee Handwerk is an accomplished public sector leader with over 17 years’ experience across organisations including TAC, NDIA, Comcare, AMP and ANZ. As Senior Manager, Guided Recovery Health at TAC, she leads large multidisciplinary teams delivering improved outcomes for people recovering from injury.

Renee is known for authentic, compassionate and values‑driven leadership, consistently fostering inclusive, psychologically safe environments. Her lived experience strengthens her empathy, resilience and integrity. She models ethical decision-making, transparency and accountability, empowering teams to perform at their best. Renee champions diversity, drives strategic transformation, and delivers measurable improvements in client outcomes, organisational performance and community impact.

Georgie Hill is the Director of People, Partnerships and Performance at Brimbank City Council. She is an experienced local government executive who leads work across governance, partnerships and organisational performance in complex and politically sensitive environments.

Georgie is a strategic and future-focused leader who works collaboratively with councillors, staff and partners to solve complex problems and deliver lasting outcomes. Known for her constructive and inclusive leadership style, she focuses on building strong relationships, developing teams and driving reform. Her work is grounded in a commitment to public value, innovation and improving outcomes for the communities she serves.

Nicole is the Chief People Officer at the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission and an experienced public sector leader recognised for delivering people and culture transformation that improves organisational performance, engagement and governance outcomes.

A collaborative and people-focused leader, Nicole has worked across a diverse range of portfolios including water, health, transport and infrastructure. She is committed to shaping inclusive, high-performing cultures where people feel a strong sense of belonging and are supported to deliver their best.

I am an experienced executive leader who partners with Boards, Chief Executives and senior leadership teams to deliver workforce reform, organisational transformation and contemporary people strategies across complex public sector environments.

With leadership experience spanning emergency services, health, education, science and government, I specialise in workforce strategy, organisational development, industrial relations, leadership capability and culture reform. I am recognised for providing trusted, strategic and evidence-based advice in highly complex environments, with a strong focus on operational excellence, inclusion and sustainable workforce outcomes. I am passionate about building resilient, capable and high-performing organisations that deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.

Anastasia is a highly respected executive with almost 30 years of regulatory, operational and strategic leadership across Victoria’s public purpose sector. A transformational leader, she has modernised regulatory systems, led major statewide reforms, and shaped government decision-making in energy, safety and circular economy policy.

As Executive Director at Recycling Victoria, she delivers nation-leading reforms including the Container Deposit Scheme, Waste to Energy Cap Scheme and RV’s inaugural compliance framework. Known for her integrity, collaboration and people-centred leadership, Anastasia is a dedicated mentor who champions the development of women leaders across government.

Shobini Mahendra is a strategic and thoughtful leader with over 20 years’ experience in senior legal, policy, research and dispute resolution roles across different regulatory environments in Australia and Malaysia.

As Chief Analyst at the Building and Plumbing Commission, Shobini brings a systems-wide lens that helps the regulator, government and industry better understand consumer harms and develop effective regulatory solutions.

Shobini has had the privilege of leading successful, well-respected, collegial and independent teams who are passionate about improving public outcomes. A lawyer and accountant by profession, Shobini leads her teams and engages stakeholders with integrity, professionalism, responsiveness and mutual trust.

Kerri-anne Millard is a lawyer, specialising in policy and legislative development, with over 25 years of experience working for independent regulators across the Victorian public service in diverse areas including environment protection, earth resources, biosecurity, consumer affairs, and currently legal profession regulation at the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner.

Kerri-anne leads the delivery of programs and expert advice in policy and regulatory strategy, strategic communications, research, evaluation and impact, funded partnerships and programs, lawyer wellbeing and stakeholder engagement. A passionate collaborator Kerri-anne enjoys achieving strategic outcomes for the Victorian legal profession, consumers of legal services and the Victorian community.

Karen is a highly respected policing leader with over 34 years’ experience serving the Victorian community. Currently within Victoria Police’s Our People function, she plays a key role in shaping workforce capability and future policing outcomes. Karen is known for inspiring inclusive, high-performing teams and leading with integrity, accountability and empathy.

She has led critical responses to the Porepunkah police murders and the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating strong leadership in complex environments. Passionate about education and developing future generations, Karen is committed to building capability, driving sustainable organisational improvement, and strengthening safer, more inclusive communities.

Kate has 25 years’ experience in public policy, infrastructure procurement, contracting and capital budgeting at both Commonwealth and State Government levels.

Kate is a strong advocate for advancing women in DTF as the gender equity champion and co-founder of DTF’s Women’s Leadership Network.

As a values-based leader, Kate considers collaboration is essential to achieving positive reform. The most rewarding aspect of Kate’s role is leading a connected organisation where teams perform to their full potential and people can grow and enjoy the work they do on behalf of Victorians.

Sharon has over 15-years experience in the Victorian public service, working across economic, policy development and advisory functions, and delivery of critical programs including the Victorian Homebuyers Fund and the Social Housing Growth Fund.

Sharon has held senior leadership positions within the Department of Treasury and Finance, including her current role as the Executive Director of the Social Group. The Social Group provides social policy advice and analysis on major social systems, intergovernmental negotiations and reform, delivers the world-leading Early Intervention Investment Framework and the Victorian Government’s social impact investing program.

Melissa is the CEO of State Trustees, where she has led a strong focus on client-centred culture and purpose-driven leadership. Since becoming CEO, she has championed the Voice of the Client across the organisation, contributing to record low client complaints, improved client satisfaction and higher employee engagement.

Melissa is recognised for her authentic, inclusive leadership style and commitment to care, people, and connection, and has been featured on the Caring CEO Podcast and in Great Leaders Care. Prior to State Trustees, Melissa held senior executive roles at AGL, NAB, Sensis, Esanda Finance and Westpac.

With over a decade of experience in the rail and transportation sector I currently serve as the (acting) Program Director Integration and Interface at VIDA Rail focusing in on the first stage (enabling works) for the Melbourne Airport Rail project. And prior to that led the trial operations phase of the Metro Tunnel Project.

My expertise lies in stakeholder management and bridging the gap between project delivery and rail operations. I am passionate about advancing transportation infrastructure, creating strategic solutions while fostering strong team dynamics and cross functional partnerships

Dr Kirsten Shelly is the Deputy Secretary, Water and Catchments, appointed in 2024.

She has held roles including Director of Water Strategy at Queensland Water Commission, Director of Strategies at Queensland Department of Energy and Water Supply, and Senior Water Advisor to former Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville.

Since 2016 she has held roles at Melbourne Water, Executive General Manager, Services Futures.

Experience includes Victorian Catchment Management Council and Peter Cullen Trust board, and completion of the the AICD program.

She is a Peter Cullen Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Biology and a Postdoctorate in Marine and Freshwater algae.

Catherine Sherwin is a respected planning leader with more than 20 years of experience across local government, international urban regeneration, consultancy and the Victorian State Government.

She is recognised for leading complex city-shaping projects with integrity, collaboration and a strong commitment to public value. Catherine has consistently demonstrated strategic leadership in advancing inclusive, accessible and equitable planning outcomes, while influencing broader professional practice through advocacy and volunteering. As Convenor of the Women’s Planning Network, Co-Chair of the UN Women Melbourne Chapter, and a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, she exemplifies values-based leadership with lasting sector and community impact.

Fiona Sparks is Director, Technology Uplift at Victoria Police, a senior public sector technology leader with more than 20 years’ experience driving digital transformation across government, health and community services and law enforcement.

She has led major strategy, investment and service reform initiatives that have improved outcomes for frontline staff and the Victorian community. Recognised for her authentic leadership, strategic insight and commitment to innovation, Fiona is passionate about modernising public services, building high-performing teams, and supporting women in leadership and STEM.

Phuong Tram is a senior executive in the Victorian Public Sector with extensive experience leading complex reform at the intersection of economic, environmental and community outcomes.

As Executive Director, Corporate Services at Parks Victoria, she leads the organisation’s core corporate functions, ensuring strong organisational performance and government alignment. Previously, she led Victoria’s forestry transition at DEECA, managing high‑stakes negotiations, Cabinet processes and stakeholder engagement. Phuong is recognised for her calm leadership in contested environments, clear advice, and ability to deliver outcomes under pressure, supported by deep expertise in fiscal strategy, reform delivery, and public sector governance.

Kerri Villiers is the Regional Director Gippsland at Parks Victoria, leading the management of more than one million hectares of parks and reserves across eastern Victoria. With over 20 years’ experience across Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory, she brings a strong cross-jurisdictional perspective to conservation and public land management.

Kerri is known for building trusted partnerships with Traditional Owners, government and industry, and for shaping initiatives that deliver tangible community, tourism and environmental outcomes. Her practical, place-based leadership connects policy with on-ground delivery, creating lasting public value and strengthening Victoria’s reputation for accessible, well-managed public land.

Katie Warner is Chief Executive Officer of the North East Catchment Management Authority, with extensive experience in business development, policy development, and strategic planning. She has worked across government and regional organisations, leading strategy and major initiatives.

Katie is committed to her community, having served nine years on the Beechworth Health Service Board, including four as Chair, and as a board member of Alpine Valleys Community Leadership. She also sits on the La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board (Albury-Wodonga) and the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership. Katie is also strongly connected to family farming and community sport in northeast Victoria.