Leading Gold Coast sporting and media identities will share the challenges they have faced 'levelling the playing field' at Bond University Women's Network's annual 'Speak Up Forum' this month.
Olympian Melanie Wright (nee Schlanger), sports manager Caitlin Sippel and media identity Sylvia Bradshaw will present at the 'Women in Action' event at Bond University's Princeton Room on Tuesday August 9, from 3pm.
World Champion, dual Olympian and five-time Olympic medallist, Melanie Wright, will speak about her experience swimming at an elite level for 15 years, while completing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Melanie also commenced studying medicine at Bond University earlier this year.
Caitlin Sippel will discuss the challenges and successes she has faced working for leading UK fitness giant, LA Fitness, and her current position as Hockey Queensland's program manager, where she has led the delivery of a competition management system for all hockey associations and clubs throughout Queensland, along with Hockey Australia's first national online registration database.
Gold Coast Bulletin managing director, Sylvia Bradshaw, will shed light on the various high-profile media positions she has held over nearly four decades, including marketing roles for The Age in Melbourne, South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, News Community papers and Sunday Magazine, along with her first general manager role where she headed the Leader Community Group in Melbourne.
Bond University Assistant Professor Dr Lisa Gowthorp will MC the event, with Bond University Executive Director of Sport, Garry Nucifora, quizzing all four women on the 'Speak Up Couch' about their rise to the top of their respective fields.
Dr Gowthorp, who has worked in high performance sport for 12 years including managing teams at World Championship and Olympic level, said more than a hundred women from across the Gold Coast were expected to attend the event.
"This is a great opportunity to celebrate women who have risen to key leadership roles in sport and media, as well as recognise the challenges many women face in 'levelling the playing field' in a range of industries," she said.
"The theme of the Bond University Women's Network this year is 'Women in Action' and each of the women involved in the forum certainly fit that category.
"We are looking forward to hearing inspirational stories from Melanie, Caitlin and Sylvia, who will each share their unique insight into how they have risen to the top of their respective fields to become role models for the next generation."
The event is open to members of the community and Bond alumni, staff and students for a gold coin donation.
Registration is essential - click here to register.