Juggling motherhood and leadership is no small feat, but these incredible high-profile women are proving that it’s not only possible but can lead to remarkable achievements. In this blog, we introduce you to five trailblazing working mums who have shattered glass ceilings, overcome challenges, and emerged as beacons of inspiration for women everywhere.
1. Nakkiah Lui – Aboriginal Actor/Writer: Redefining Creativity and Motherhood
In the world of creativity and motherhood, Nakkiah Lui shines as a true force to be reckoned with. Known for her iconic shows on ABC like Black Comedy and Preppers, Lui’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience, dedication, and breaking new ground.
Picture this: Nakkiah Lui, a brilliant First Nations actor, writer, comedian, and publisher, renowned for her acclaimed play “Blackie Blackie Brown: The Traditional Owner of Death,” which tackles the complexities of colonization through anti-violence themes, Lui captured HBO’s attention was offered a two-year television writing deal with HBO in the United States. This life-altering opportunity knocked on her door when she was just three months pregnant with her first child.
Juggling dreams and motherhood, Lui’s journey is a testament to the strength that mothers can relate to. Balancing the demands of a skyrocketing career while nurturing her newborn, Lux, Lui epitomises the resilience that mothers embody universally.
As a prominent figure in Australia’s creative landscape, Lui’s path to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Her advocacy for Indigenous voices and storytelling often places her in the public eye, exposing her to both praise and criticism. However, Lui remains steadfast, unafraid to use her voice to champion change and raise awareness.
Nakkiah Lui’s journey is one of shattering barriers, defying stereotypes, and rewriting narratives. As she forges her path on the international stage with HBO, she stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring creatives, mothers, and Indigenous voices alike. Lui’s story reminds us that motherhood and career accomplishments can not only coexist but intertwine to create a powerful narrative of inspiration and empowerment.
2. Katrina Gorry – Matilda: Kicking Goals in Motherhood and Football
Meet Katrina Gorry, a force to be reckoned with both on and off the football field. Gorry’s dazzling performance might make it seem like she’s effortlessly weaving through defenders. Yet, behind the scenes, Gorry’s path to success and single motherhood has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by relocations, triumphs, and setbacks. From making the move to Melbourne in pursuit of her football dreams to being crowned AFC Player of the Year at just 22, Gorry soared to incredible heights. However, life threw its curveballs. Fluctuating form, injuries, and an emotional battle with eating disorders took their toll, causing Gorry to question her dedication to the game she once loved.
But amidst the storm, a shining light emerged. Gorry’s journey took an unexpected turn as she embraced motherhood. A proud single parent, she welcomed her daughter, Harper, after undergoing IVF in Europe. This experience not only reignited her passion for soccer but also instilled a newfound appreciation for her body’s resilience.
“I just try and play with a smile on my face and just enjoy every moment I’m out there — because I was ready to hang up my boots,” Gorry shares with determination.
Gorry’s story doesn’t stop there. An unexpected shift from a number 10 role to a deeper-lying number six on the field has only strengthened her prowess. Her finesse and fearless approach bring an element of unpredictability to her game, making her an invaluable asset to the Matildas.
Katrina Gorry stands as a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of a single parent’s love. Her unwavering spirit and remarkable journey are bound to inspire women across the globe, both on the pitch and beyond.
3. Kristal Kinsela – Author ‘Supplier Diversity How’ – Indigenous Business Leader: A Journey of Family, Empowerment, and Excellence
Kristal Kinsela’s journey is a testament to the resilience and strength that come with making tough decisions for the betterment of one’s family and personal well-being. In the midst of a challenging custody battle and a week-about care arrangement, Kinsela recognised the need for a change. The strain on her physical and mental health, combined with the animosity surrounding the situation, prompted her to take a step back. She made the painful decision to allow her two sons to stay with their father full-time.
However, this decision was met with societal judgment and stigmatisation. Kinsela found herself facing the weight of societal expectations, contending with unspoken assumptions about the role of a mother. Amid the criticism, Kinsela remained resolute, understanding that her choice was rooted in what she believed was best for her children.
Kinsela’s willingness to open up about her experience on the SBS program Insight in 2016 sparked a powerful movement. She connected with other women who shared similar circumstances, providing them with a safe space to share their stories and offer support. Together, they formed a Facebook group called Mothers Together, which serves as a haven for mothers who are not primary carers. Through this platform, women uplift and empower each other, free from judgment and stigma.
Amidst her personal journey, Kinsela’s professional achievements shine brightly. She built a multi-million dollar consultancy business, becoming a trailblazer in supplier diversity. Her expertise has transformed industries, as she collaborates with global corporations and governmental bodies to drive meaningful change. Kristal’s impact resonates deeply, earning her prestigious awards such as the 2017 NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year and a spot on the 2019 AFR 100 Women of Influence list.
Her dedication to advocating for Indigenous businesses and her unwavering commitment to positive change have solidified Kristal’s status as an agenda-setter. As a visionary leader, she continues to make her mark, inspiring others to create a more inclusive and empowered future.
4. Dr. Susan Carland – Muslim Activist: A Multifaceted Journey of Empowerment
Dr. Susan Carland is a remarkable Renaissance Woman whose accomplishments span a wide spectrum of fields. From her prominent role as a media personality to her impressive academic career as a sociologist and lecturer at Monash University, she has left an indelible mark on both the intellectual and cultural landscape. But her journey to becoming an influential figure within the Islamic faith is equally as compelling.
Dr. Carland’s conversion to Islam at the age of 19 was ignited by an intellectual curiosity that led her to discover the true essence of the religion – one that emphasises peace, egalitarianism, social justice, and equal treatment of women. Her choice to wear the hijab is a powerful manifestation of her feminism, as she defiantly reclaims agency over her own body in a world that often commodifies and objectifies women.
Her groundbreaking work, including her published book ‘Fighting Hislam,’ delves into gender, sexism, activism, and the experiences of Muslim women, shedding light on critical issues and advocating for a more just and equitable world.
Amidst her busy schedule, Dr. Carland has embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood, raising two wonderful children, one of whom is a son with autism. Her candidness about this aspect of her life resonates deeply with mothers who understand the beautiful complexities that come with parenting children with unique needs.
In her own words, she has highlighted the incredible significance of motherhood in shaping her perspective and empowering her activism. Balancing the demands of her various roles, she shows us that it’s possible to be a trailblazer while nurturing a loving and supportive family environment.
Named the 2004 Australian Muslim of the Year, Dr. Susan Carland stands as a trailblazer not only for women but also for those seeking a deeper understanding of Islam and its role in fostering compassion, equality, and social progress.
5. Professor Deirdre McGhee: A Pioneer in Breast Health Advocacy
For much of documented history, women have been excluded from medical and science knowledge production, resulting in a healthcare system that has predominantly been crafted by men, for men. However, despite these historical biases, countless remarkable women have risen above these challenges, striving to prioritise women’s unique health needs.
One exceptional trailblazer leading this charge is UOW Associate Professor and graduate, Deirdre McGhee. Her journey embodies a multifaceted role as a physiotherapist, academic teacher, and researcher, with a unique focus on female breasts – a defining feature of a woman’s anatomy – for over two decades.
Reflecting on her evolution, Associate Professor McGhee shares, “As a teacher, I have guided thousands of students. But, as a researcher, I am a catalyst for change. Helping women all over the world has been the driving force of my work.”
A driving force indeed, as Co-director of Breast Research Australia (BRA), Associate Professor McGhee collaborates with respected institutions like Sports Medicine Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Her groundbreaking efforts have led to the creation of the first sports medicine guidelines for effective breast support during exercise – a crucial resource for active women and female athletes.
A true visionary, she co-developed the innovative Sports Bra app with Professor Julie Steele, serving as a beacon of support for women of all ages, breast sizes, and activity levels. This app helps women find the most comfortable sports bra, a vital step towards enhancing their physical comfort during exercise. Notably, BRA’s research has unveiled a staggering statistic – 85 percent of Australian women wear ill-fitting sports bras while being physically active.
Collaborating with Breast Cancer Network Australia, she has transformed her extensive research into accessible community-based education resources. These resources play a pivotal role in aiding women’s physical recovery and overall well-being after undergoing breast reconstruction surgery following battles with breast cancer.
A passionate advocate for female mentorship and empowerment, Associate Professor McGhee candidly addresses the challenges women face in carving out research careers, noting, “It’s hard to achieve a work-life balance and most of the time you cannot ‘have it all’.” Her personal journey stands as a testament to this reality, marked by unyielding determination. “For seven years, when I was finishing my PhD, I worked from 1:30am to 5:30am while also being a part-time academic and a mother of young children. There was no balance at that time and a lot of hard work. But it was worth it,” she reveals.
Her legacy reverberates through her tireless quest for equitable solutions, effectively transforming challenges into avenues for empowerment and change. Her journey not only drives progress in scientific knowledge but also fosters a healthier world for women everywhere.
The stories of these five inspiring working mums exemplify the remarkable achievements and resilience that women bring to their roles as leaders, mothers, and change-makers. From breaking barriers in creative industries, redefining sports and motherhood, advocating for Indigenous businesses, challenging societal norms, and reshaping healthcare, these women are rewriting narratives and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Their journeys remind us that motherhood and leadership are not mutually exclusive, but rather, they can empower and amplify one another. As we celebrate these remarkable women and their accomplishments, let their stories serve as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us.
