International Women’s Day – meet our leaders!

6 March 2023

A collage of six black and white photos of women smiling at the camera

Here at VMCH we’re lucky enough to have an incredibly diverse group of women working across our organisation. This International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of our female leaders about what the day means to them, their leadership style, and advice they’d offer their younger self…

Patrice Lumsden, Coordinator, Community Connections

What does Int. Women’s Day mean to you?

It is a day to remember the smallest to the biggest achievement any woman has made in her life journey, to be thankful to the brave women who stood up and spoke out in our past, and to those who are fighting the same battle in the world now.

What career advice would you give your teenage self?

Don’t just have one option. If you are looking to study after high school, study an area of interest first so you can learn about the whole industry. Let’s face it, school is such a small part of our life journey and teachings. School only tells you what they want you to know. People are really our biggest teachers; their life experiences their reference material.

Bridget O’Shannassy, Chief Mission Officer

What does Int. Women’s Day mean to you?

A great opportunity to celebrate all women and the gifts they give to others.

Do you think being a woman influences your leadership style?

I think it supports my leadership style of living with empathy, integrity and kindness.

What career advice would you give your teenage self?

Believe in yourself and be kind to yourself. Reach for the stars, you never know where you will land!

Shilpa Chandrapalka, Residential Services Manager, O’Neill House

What does Int. Women’s Day mean to you?

Women are still struggling for basic rights all over the world. I am scared to think that every second, a woman is abused, exploited or humiliated because of her gender.

In my culture (South Indian), society and norms hinder gender equality in every step of life. Fortunately, I was born in a family where gender had minimal significance in my progression. Growing up my sisters and I observed our mother multi-tasking and working full time as a lecturer, and our father managing his own business full time, and never hesitating to initiate household duties.

Despite all odds, we three sisters persisted to break the (cultural) norm, biased towards males.

International Women’s Day is a time to recognise gender equality in all life opportunities and celebrate respect, empowerment and support.

Women who have influenced your leadership style…

Every woman who challenges herself every day with work life balance is my inspiration, but in particular…

Mercy Manjula (my mother), Kalpana Chawla (NASA astronaut and aerospace engineer) and Jacinda Ardern (former New Zealand Prime Minister)

Kate McCormack, Chief Human Resources Officer

What does Int. Women’s Day mean to you?

As a diversity champion, female and mother of two adult daughters I am despondent.

Australia’s national gender pay gap is 13.3%. Whilst it is still the narrowest on record women still earn less in every industry. For every dollar on average men earned, women earned 87 cents!

Sydney University recent research found:
• Young Australian women are less likely than their male peers to think they are treated equally in their workplace
• They are more pessimistic about whether they are as likely to be promoted as men
• The amount of women wanting respect in their workplace has stayed at 90% and only 75% believe they have already got it.

Do you think being a woman influences your leadership style?

I don’t think being a woman has influenced my leadership style. I just try to bring a human element to the workplace, have fun and treat all people with respect.

What career advice would you give your teenage self?

Manage your own career, don’t expect anyone else to do it for you!

Natalina Velardi, Chief Legal & Risk Officer/Company Secretary

What does Int. Women’s Day mean to you?

An opportunity to think about the changes to the way a woman’s role has changed over time, and to reflect on how much more needs to be done to ensure gender equity, not just equality.

I have been fortunate enough to live in a time where I had great opportunities to be educated, work and make choices in a way that were not open or available to my mother. I want to ensure my children and their generation enjoy more equitable opportunities than I have had.

Do you think being a woman influences your leadership style?

Everyone’s background and experiences influence their leadership style, so being a woman influences my style. I hope my experiences as a woman and being led by both men and women, help me to be a more empathetic and understanding leader.

What career advice would you give your teenage self?

The loudest, most assertive voice is not always the right one. Back yourself, trust your view, and voice it.

Marisa Servaes, Client Relationship Manager

What does Int. Women’s Day mean to you?

Int. Women’s Day to me is recognising what women have achieved all over the world, to reflect on how far women have come, and to keep empowering each other to be the best we can.

Do you think being a woman influences your leadership style?

I feel being a female leader brings a softness to my approach, and I feel this shows in the respect I have for not only my staff but the entire organisation.

What career advice would you give your teenage self?

To put all the negative thoughts behind you and to believe in yourself. Keep focused and do not listen to everyone else. You will be successful no matter what you choose to do.

International Women’s Day – meet our leaders!

Patrice Lumsden, Coordinator, Community Connections

Bridget O’Shannassy, Chief Mission Officer

Shilpa Chandrapalka, Residential Services Manager, O’Neill House

Kate McCormack, Chief Human Resources Officer

Natalina Velardi, Chief Legal & Risk Officer/Company Secretary

Marisa Servaes, Client Relationship Manager

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