“Lucy” Inspires Leadership 

UNSW Careers and Employment and Deloitte proudly hosted the closing celebrations of the Lucy Mentoring Program on Thursday 29th November. It was a deserved finale for all participants, as it represented the coming together of female mentors from business, law and government who inspired, motivated and educated their younger student counterparts. 

The outcomes were indeed inspirational and were evident as the young women presented their experiences and the value they added to their field of study. Deputy Chancellor Ms Gabrielle Upton spoke on behalf of UNSW and reinforced the necessity of such a program to foster future female leaders. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Richard Henry also offered his congratulations to the program participants and organisers. 

The Lucy Mentoring Program achieved its objectives, and more, in its inaugural year at UNSW and was highly praised by Ms Kate Parker, Acting Assistant Director, NSW Office for Women. As a representative from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, she applauded Taye Morris, Manager of Careers and Employment for implementing the program at UNSW. She reiterated the programs aim to communicate the diversity of opportunities available to women in both the private and public sectors and to provide students with access to a network of senior managers.  

Undoubtedly, these objectives were accomplished as mentors from various high profile organisations such as Deloitte, Middletons, Allens Arthur Robinson and Switzer Group, alongside other inspirational women, enthusiastically supported their mentees throughout the duration of the program.  Ms Margaret Dreyer, Partner Assurance and Advisory with Deloitte and leader of the Deloitte Inspiring Women Program played the role of MC for the official proceedings.  Ms Nicole McKenna, Director of Partner Development delivered a moving speech on behalf of the mentors and commented that her participation in the program and mentoring relationship with her student gave her hope for the future of women as leaders. 

At the closing, the students regaled the attendees with the heartfelt triumphs, the trials and tribulations of venturing into the business world. Many spoke of a ‘new awareness’ of organisations and the importance of having someone to help guide you and in turn vowed to be mentors in the future. 

In return, the mentors spoke of having formed an ongoing professional bond with the UNSW students, with many inspired to extend their services to the future of the program.