International jewellery superstar Samantha Wills leads an incredible line up of inspiring women speaking at the local International Women's Day event on Monday, March 8.
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The breakfast event at Panthers Port Macquarie will also feature a panel discussion on this year's theme, Choose to Challenge, with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council CEO Dr Clare Allen, boxing legend Shelley Watts, and leader in Aboriginal education Heather McGregor, emceed by local entrepreneur Stacey Morgan.
This popular annual breakfast, which has sold out, is hosted by the Hastings Business Women's Network, Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams MP and the International Women's' Day Committee.
HBWN president Kelly King said the #ChooseToChallenge theme calls on men and women to challenge gender bias and inequality.
"Like the amazing women who will take the stage at this year's event, we can all choose to challenge the status quo, celebrate women's achievements, inspire change, and create an inclusive world," Mrs King said.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the annual event had raised over $111,000 for Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services in its 11-year history.
"We'll hear from Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb and prevention specialist Brooke Maggs about the impacts of COVID-19 on local families experiencing domestic violence, and what we can all do to choose to challenge violence-supporting stereotypes and inequality," Mrs Williams said.
Those who cannot attend can donate at liberty-iwd.raisely.com
About the speakers
Named a "tycoon of her times", Samantha Wills took her jewellery business from Port Macquarie to New York where it became a celebrity favourite and international success.
Samantha will share the personal and professional reasons behind her decision to close the global business, revealed in her recently released memoir, "Of Gold and Dust".
Dr Clare Allen became a CEO in her 20s and recently took on the top leadership role at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Clare is a proven business performer with experience in not-for-profits, private equity and government organisations.
Shelley Watts is an accomplished boxer, 2016 Australian Olympian and 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist.
Outside of the ring, Shelley is a driven and determined lawyer, a mother and ambassador for the sport of boxing.
Heather McGregor is the Director of First Nations Student Success at Charles Sturt University.
Her role and teams work across the University campuses and online to support First Nations students.
Previously, Heather was a Head of Skills Team in TAFE NSW for Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science, Creative and Design Ideation.
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