Annual School Event to Inspire a New Generation of Female Changemakers

Leading independent girls' school, Loreto Normanhurst is set to host its annual ‘Women of Influence’ event on Wednesday 13 March 2024. Coinciding with International Women’s Day each year, the enduring event will see three inspirational female alumnae, excelling in their personal and professional lives, take centre stage to empower the Loreto Normanhurst community and a new generation of female leaders.

A prestigious event within the Loreto Normanhurst community, ‘Women of Influence’ has been a celebrated event on the school calendar since 2011. During the two-hour event, current and past Loreto Normanhurst students, parents, and wider members of the school community will have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges, triumphs, and insights of females succeeding in male-dominated industries and making an impactful change in today's world through the lens of three alumnae Mariell Taylor (1991), Sarah Ball (1995) and Barbara Stephen (2001).

For current Loreto Normanhurst students, this positive exposure will help to expand the breadth of their understanding their opportunities, and how a Loreto Normanhurst education can ignite their futures.

“Loreto Normanhurst is committed to creating an aspirational environment and encouraging our students to understand and explore the limitless possibilities that await them beyond the school gates. Our ‘ Women of Influence’ event is an extension of this and an opportunity for girls to consider the impact their education and influence could have in the future” said Loreto Normanhurst Principal, Ms Marina Ugonotti.

Speaking this year, and now at the forefront of organisational change as Operations Project Manager for NSW Rural Fire Service, is Mariell Taylor (1991). For over 25 years, Mariell has been a volunteer with the RFS and joined as staff member in 2002 putting into practice her Bachelor of Science, Graduate Diploma in Education, and Master of Emergency Management and forging a pathway in her chosen STEM-based career. Loreto Normanhurst continues to play a significant role in Mariell’s life with both her daughters currently attending the school.

Sarah Ball (1995) attended Loreto Normanhurst as a boarder and believes the school instilled values of resilience and empathy that are essential to her work in the challenging agricultural industry. Now a distinguished name in the sector, Sarah advises on several panels including the Grains Research and Development Corporation Northern Panel, advocating for the development of the industry and its growers.

For Sarah, her return to Loreto Normanhurst for the ‘Women of Influence’ evening is an opportunity to inspire a new generation of girls into agriculture-based career paths.

“Growing up, I admired agronomists for the knowledge and advice they shared with my father and other farmers. Over the past 50 years, science and innovations have allowed Australian farmers, like my family, to more than double food production on 28 per cent less land. This has been achieved whilst improving environmental outcomes and maintaining access to international markets ( ABARES ),” said Sarah.

She continues, “Girls that are particularly interested in STEM subjects should consider agriculture as a potential career path, with science and innovation crucial to helping the industry feed the world’s growing population sustainably and profitably.”

For Barbara Stephen (2001), a return to Loreto Normanhurst is not only an opportunity to reflect on her own journey, but the chance to empower young women to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence. It was Loreto Normanhurst’s emphasis on holistic education and the arts that encouraged Barbara to explore a career in the creative industries.

Since 2014, Barbara has been the CEO and President of Flying Bark Productions, Australia’s largest independent kids and family-based production company. She and her team of over 500 have produced several award-winning and international box office successes, including Blinky Bill: The Movie, 100% Wolf, Maya the Bee, Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and LEGO: Monkie Kid.

Barbara’s advice to younger generations of women wishing to pursue a career in the creative industries is simple, “bark to your own tune.”

She continues, “This is our number one company value that has helped us forge ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. It’s about celebrating your individuality and stick to your guns. Don’t get discouraged in the face of adversity, be resilient and stay true to yourself and you’ll succeed in any industry.”

‘Women of Influence’ underscores Loreto Normanhurst's dedication to fostering an environment where young women can thrive academically, socially, and personally, preparing them to be influential figures in their chosen paths.