Women in Leadership Awards 2025

On 19 November at Crown Sydney, Liquid Learning hosted the inaugural Women in Leadership Awards – an evening that brought together more than 300 women leaders and allies from across Australia. The room was filled with genuine warmth and pride, and a shared respect for the journeys that sit behind strong leadership. Across sectors and industries, the night celebrated not only achievement, but the resilience, courage, and purpose that drive it.

What These Awards Stand For

The Women in Leadership Awards were created to shine a national spotlight on women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and redefining leadership across industries. They recognise leadership in all its forms – the visible achievements, and the quieter, behind-the-scenes impact that strengthens teams, communities, and progress over time.

As Nisha Padmanabhan, Chief Risk Officer at The University of Sydney, captured so clearly:

“Many of us make an impact behind the scenes, unseen. Yet visibility and recognition are essential parts of creating meaningful change.”

That belief sits at the heart of these awards: when women’s work is recognised, it doesn’t just honour the individual – it strengthens what leadership can look like for everyone watching.

2025 Women in Leadership

Liquid Learning is proud to recognise the winners of the 2025 Awards.

Category winners:

• New South Wales: Lisa Seary - Boral & ABSL ANZ
• Victoria: Mary Baxter - OneSchool Global
• Queensland: Christie Pocock - Princess Polly
• Western Australia: Narelle McMahon - Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
• South Australia: Katharina Richter - University of Adelaide
• Public Sector: Laura Babian - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• First Nations: Haylie Beckett - NRMA
• Healthcare: Liz Carnabuci - Medtronic
• Not-for-Profit: Marian Casey - St John Ambulance NSW
• Emerging Leader: Justine Messinis - Fred & Freda

Woman of the Year 2025: Marian Casey – St John Ambulance NSW

Looking Ahead to 2026

The first year of the Women in Leadership Awards has affirmed something we already believed – Australia is full of women doing extraordinary work, and there is real power in celebrating it.

We’re now beginning the next chapter. The 2026 Awards will build on this year’s momentum, continuing to recognise women early, celebrate them proudly, and connect leaders across industries to drive lasting change.

If someone comes to mind already – a colleague, mentor, emerging leader, or even yourself – we’d love to invite you to submit an early nomination for 2026.

Nominate for the Women in Leadership Awards 2026 here

Here’s to the leaders we celebrated this year, and to the many more stories waiting to be seen.

We also want to warmly recognise every finalist for the depth of leadership they demonstrate in their work and communities. Congratulations to:

Jen Annice - Hancock Iron Ore

Tonia Berglund - Equifax

Lauren Bernays - Systra ANZ

Kim Bryan - Logan City Council

Sarah Corcoran - Plant Health Australia

Sandra D'Souza - Ellect

Liz Del Borrello - Leaders Lobby

Aleena Delore - Standard Chartered Bank

Jenna Downy - LEAP Australia

Janice Elsley - Harissa Business Partners

Ziba Gandomkar - The University of Sydney

Erika Gyengesi - Western Sydney University

Tania Marie Hathaway - Commonwealth Bank

Natasha Hawkins - University of New England

Cathy Howard - Uniting AgeWell

Zoe Jordan - JBI, University of Adelaide

Ewa Kluk - Australian Catholic University

Kristina Main - Gilbert & Tobin

Loey Mak - The University of Hong Kong

Sarah Mccarthy - OneSchool Global

Christine Mcdonald - NSW Police Force

Nathalie Mcneil - AbbVie

Julie Murray - OneSchool Global

Fate Muzondo - Parabellum International

Nisha Padmanabhan - The University of Sydney

Martina Pearce - Penrith Women’s Health Centre

Cherie Porter - Revenue NSW

Mia Sinosic-Cass - Mia’s Teen Dream

Nicki Small - KFC South Pacific

Natalie Stonestreet - Trippas White Group

Lauren Sturgess - St George Hospital

Cass Tratt - ANZ Bank

Bhavika Unnadkat - Australian Parents Council