2024 March Rising Leadership Program Graduation

On Thursday 5 September, our 2024 March Rising Leadership Program cohort took part in their final Experience Day and enjoyed their Graduation Ceremony.

Experience Day

During their final Experience Day, our cohort presented their Community Impact Projects, which aim to make an impact and improve our Western Australian community.

The projects included:

• No Poverty – The No Poverty team developed a three-phase plan to improve the accessibility and awareness of essential services such as Connect WA for people in crisis. They reviewed and developed new promotional materials, discovered new promotion channels and conducted a gap analysis to update content on WA Connect.
• Reducing Inequalities – The Reducing Inequalities team developed GenPals, a project based on reducing inequity through promoting social inclusion, reducing ageism and connecting seniors with their community. They created a space where youth and seniors could come together, share stories, wisdom and laughter.
• Zero Hunger – The Zero Hunger team looked to improve the water consumption of school children within Warburton – an area where access to clean drinking water can be challenging. Through the distribution of reusable filter water bottles and the implementation of a reward-based system, they are promoting healthier hydration habits.

Thank you to our not-for-profit mentors who generously donated their time, insights and support to our cohort throughout their Rising Leadership Program journey and Community Impact Projects:

• Mark Slattery, Executive Manager Services, Ruah Community Services (No Poverty team)
• Suzanna Robertson (Signature 2021), General Manager, Rise (Reduced Inequalities team)
• Moira Aynsley (Rising 2022), Senior Manager, Strategy, Brand and Technology, Foodbank (Zero Hunger team)

We were also delighted to be joined by Jodi Cant (Signature 2007), Director General of the Department of Finance who shared her leadership journey from the arts to the public sector, outlined the four mantras identified in the book ‘The Four Agreements’, that she lives by, and encouraged the cohort to know their skills and not to underestimate themselves!

Graduation Ceremony

Over the past six months, these 30 talented leaders have demonstrated a strong eagerness for learning, building connections, and exploring new ideas. They have established invaluable relationships that will support them in their ongoing journeys and have made a positive impact on Western Australian not-for-profits through their Community Impact Projects.

We would like to extend a special congratulations to Jo Draper, Manager Brand Marketing and Creative Services at Edith Cowan University, who was voted Valedictorian of the cohort. In her acceptance speech, Jo reflected on standout moments from the Program and shared three key themes that stood out in her leadership toolkit that included, know your purpose, nurture relationships and find balance.

We also congratulate, Chamara Dias, Project/Contract Manager at Main Roads Western Australia, for receiving the first ‘Centre for Stories Award for Journey of a Lifetime’.

The award, created in collaboration with Centre for Stories, aims to recognise leadership through storytelling and is presented to someone who embodies the shared values of Leadership WA and Centre for Stories, demonstrates a sound understanding of storytelling techniques, engages their audience through emotion and vision and represents themselves as a person with the potential to keep growing.

Congratulations to all our new graduates! We warmly welcome you to our growing Alumni Network of nearly 1300 leaders.

Thank you to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia for being one of our valued Program Partners and for hosting our Experience Day and Graduation Ceremony.