The United Nations theme for this year’s International Women’s Day on 8 March is For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. What could be more appropriate for the international education sector than this theme?
To acknowledge this year’s IWD and celebrate the talented women that we have working in international education in Australia, ten women from across our sector generously agreed to answer three questions.
Be prepared to be inspired by their stories, insights and experiences. And a special nod to the mentors and role models (across genders) who have guided them on their journeys.
Rahma Mashood, University of South Australia
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
My journey in international education began as a teacher in Sri Lanka, where I witnessed the transformative power of education firsthand, especially for students from diverse backgrounds. This experience ignited a passion within me to help them access International opportunities, leading me to pursue roles in student career counselling and international recruitment. What keeps me motivated is seeing the success stories of students I’ve guided, knowing I played a part in their journey.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career, but one who stands out is Mark Charnley, General Manager, Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) at the University of Adelaide now. He was my first reporting manager when I initially relocated to Adelaide four years ago. He taught me the importance of perseverance, building strong relationships, and always putting the student’s best interests first. Beyond professional guidance, he was also instrumental in helping me navigate my transition to a new country, offering significant support and advice. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping my approach to international student recruitment.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
In my voluntary role co-chairing the IEAA Young Professionals (IEAA YP) in South Australia, I’ve observed the power of networking. One lesson I wish I had known earlier in my career is the significance of networking and building connections early and consistently. International education thrives on relationships. A robust network isn’t just helpful, it’s a catalyst, opening doors to collaborations, mentorship, and opportunities that significantly accelerate career growth. Building those connections from the start is essential. I’m glad my current role as an IEAA YP allows me to provide this opportunity to other young professionals in the industry.
Joanna Kelly, Academies Australasia Polytechnic
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
My introduction to international education was completely accidental. In my final year of university in Poland, I was randomly assigned to assist a company at a Study Abroad fair. I must have made an impression because, after just two days, they offered me a job! That experience was my first glimpse into international education and Australia’s education system. Inspired by what I learned, I moved to Melbourne as a student in 2003—and the rest is history. I chose to build a career in international education because of its diverse opportunities and the chance to develop a global network. Most importantly, helping students achieve their education goals and build a future is incredibly fulfilling — that’s what keeps me motivated.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
I really admire Melanie Perkins, a co-founder of and CEO of Canva. As a very young woman, she and her co-founders launched a platform that revolutionised graphic design, making it accessible to non-designers, and transforming the industry. Despite facing countless rejections in the early days, she persisted, and her journey is a powerful example of the drive to create opportunities for others. Beyond their business success, the Canva founders are also among Australia’s most generous philanthropists, making a positive impact on the world through the Canva Foundation. Their commitment to giving back is inspiring, and it further reflects their values of accessibility and empowerment.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
“Adaptability is everything”. Policy changes, visa regulations, market demands are constantly evolving. Add a global pandemic into a mix, and you either sink or swim. The ability to adjust to these rapid changes is crucial for survival and success. Recognising the importance of adaptability early in your career is invaluable, as it equips you with the skills to face any situation that comes your way.
Melissa Banks, The Lygon Group
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
I am a true believer in education. I come from a family of teachers and principals and studied education and arts myself. So venturing into international education was not such a stretch even though it was in the fledgling days of Australia’s international education sector which at that time in the context of the Dawkins review was transitioning from an aid based sector to the incredibly successful export sector that it is today. My motivation comes from knowing that education is inherently good. International education adds another dimension and enriches our classrooms, our communities and the lives of so many.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
In the early phases of international education there was little precedent or established practice to inform direction. It was largely trial and error by individuals often operating in isolation unable to draw on the collective wisdom of others in the sector.
My first role was at RMIT in the commercial arm known as Technisearch. RMIT was an early adopter and embraced international students and international engagement. It established one of the first senior leadership roles dedicated to leading the institution’s direction in international education. Prof Tony Adams was the first Dean of International Programs and brought several young professionals working in disparate parts of the university together (this was how I met Deb Langton and Stephen Connelly). Tony created a community of practice that provided us with support and feedback. And so began decades of Tony’s mentorship.
Many years later after Tony had finished building one of the largest and most comprehensive international programs in Australian universities at Macquarie University, Tony and I joined forces on various projects often joined by Alan Olsen and Rob Lawrence. Working collaboratively with Tony, Alan and Rob are some of my happiest and most rewarding times in my career.
Tony taught me to explore, inquire, collaborate with those around me who share my passion for international education regardless of backgrounds or roles, that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
I am incredibly fortunate to have played a part in building international education in Australia. Today I would prefer to see more emphasis on the cultural, societal and diplomatic benefits than the economic but perhaps the economic success will provide the means for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach going forward.
I am particularly grateful to my younger self for having a go at anything from being on project teams to establish foreign campuses and pathway colleges to designing scholarship programs and joining graduation celebrations. So if I was to draw any learning it would be to have a go and embrace the opportunities you will meet regardless of the accompanying uncertainties.
Sasha Hampson, Pearson
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
During high school I had the opportunity to participate in a study tour to Japan and this inspired my love of Asian languages and culture. I went on to study an Arts degree at Monash University where I majored in Korean language, and this led to the opportunity to undertake a master’s degree at Yonsei University in Seoul. I spent five years in South Korea studying, volunteering with NGOs, teaching English and using Korea as a base to backpack around Asia.
This was a transformative experience in so many ways. Being taken out of bayside Melbourne to land in a huge Asian city and being surrounded by students from around the globe really opened my eyes to the opportunities of the world. Trying to truly master the Korean language proved to be an insurmountable feat for me but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to experience how language does not just support functional communication but also shapes our view of the world. I think the fact that I went on to have a career in English language learning and assessment in part stems from my understanding of the challenge of foreign language acquisition and empathy with anyone trying to master the English language.
In a world where we seem to see increasing levels of intolerance and conflict, I continue to strongly believe in the power of international education to develop cultural awareness, increase open mindedness and understand ourselves better.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
One of the things I love about international education is how many female leaders we have. Just this month I attended the IEAA National Symposium and observed the balance of female leaders participating in every panel discussion. No panel of men and a token woman in this industry!
Early in my career it was powerful to see the likes of Sue Blundell and Christine Bundesen lead the ELICOS industry. More broadly in international education leaders like Helen Zimmerman and Rebecca Hall have always made an impact on me.
Personally, I have had great fortune to have some great managers who have always believed in me more than I probably believed in myself. People such as Fraser Cargill from LanguageCert, and David Barnett and Freya Thomas Monk from Pearson. All have demonstrated to me the humility of leadership – fostering trust and respect as the necessary foundations to underpin personal and organisational success.
Finally, I always love to learn from the young professionals in our industry, particularly those who came to Australia as an international student and have gone on to make their mark. Leticia Li is a valued member of the PTE marketing team who came to Australia as an international student from China and I will always admire her for her attitude to make the most of every single learning opportunity Australia provides her with.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
During my university studies I followed my passion of learning about Asian languages, culture, history and politics. In the early years of my career the critical thinking and communication skills developed in my degree served me well, but it took me some time to realise that to advance my career I would need to develop business and financial acumen. I think this is a common experience that many women lean into developing interpersonal leadership skills but shy away from, or are not given, the opportunities to build financial, strategic and commercial acumen.
For us to see more women in leadership though we need to provide both opportunities for learning and for more women to actively seek opportunities to develop these skills. I have been fortunate that my career at Pearson allowed me to develop those skills both through on the job learning but through mentoring and professional development learning opportunities. I think without those skills it’s easy for those imposter syndrome feelings to rise to the surface.
I often think about Michelle Obama’s quote that she has sat at tables with some of the most powerful people in the world and she realised “they’re not that smart”. It’s a useful tonic to remember to back yourself.
Dom Harden, La Trobe College
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
Like many in this field, I didn’t exactly plan to end up in international education—I stumbled into it after working in staff training and then TAFE education. Navitas lured me away from Swinburne PAVE, where I had already been working with many international students, and I never looked back.
What keeps me going? The students. Every year, I watch a fresh group of young people—many barely 18 years old—leave everything they know, travel across the world, and land on this island at the bottom of the world to study. They bravely take on a new language, a new culture, and the ever-present risk of sharks, spiders, and whatever else Australia decides to throw at them. Their courage is nothing short of incredible. At 18, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have made it past airport security, let alone willingly moved to a place where even choosing a footy team is treacherous.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
Jan Stevenson, Head of School of Marketing Management and International Trade at Victoria University, was my guiding force. She had an incredible ability to balance straight-talking leadership with kindness, humour, and a love for fishing.
Jan supported me early in my career when I was still figuring out how to stand up for myself and juggle work with family life. She worked hard, expected the same from her team, and always put students first. The biggest lesson she taught me? Work hard, expect high standards, but never forget that your team have lives outside the office—and that students should always be at the heart of everything we do.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
I wish I had finished further studies sooner—getting all that post-grad training out of the way earlier would have been a game-changer. And if I’d started golf lessons earlier, I might be competing in the Singapore Open right now instead of filling out emails. But alas, here we are—no trophy, no green jacket, just a very solid ability to fill out forms.
Derryn Belford, StudyPerth
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
My inspiration for international education came from StudyPerth itself. While working at Tourism WA, I knew of StudyPerth through our shared role in destination marketing, although targeting different audiences. When COVID hit and working holidaymakers left Western Australia in droves, it became clear that WA relied heavily on short-term residents for its tourism and hospitality workforce. We partnered with StudyPerth to create a program helping students find part-time jobs in the sector, adding to StudyPerth’s incredible efforts in supporting students who remained in WA during border closures. When the opportunity arose to join StudyPerth as CEO, I jumped at the chance to contribute to such a meaningful cause.
A key motivator for me has been the students. At Tourism WA, I rarely interacted with tourists, but at StudyPerth, thanks to our seven-day-a-week Student Hub, I engage with students daily, hearing firsthand what they need and aspire to. Alongside our members who educate and train these talented individuals, my team at StudyPerth directly supports their lifestyle and career goals—making every day at work both rewarding and enjoyable.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
Experienced business leader Di Smith-Gander was a member of the Tourism WA Board for several years, and her ability to ask the cut-thorough questions in meetings always impressed me. She could always see the core issue in amongst the ‘fluff’.
When I joined StudyPerth, I was the first CEO not to come from an education background. The Board recruited me and has supported my strategic marketing expertise and fresh approach to the sector. That includes asking the ‘hard questions’.
As a study destination, Perth is a ‘challenger brand’ compared to our East Coast counterparts – we need to do things differently. In the last three years, we’ve transformed from a city many offshore agents had barely heard of into a recognised and vibrant part of Australia’s international education landscape. This in turn supports our members’ student recruitment efforts and has helped attract purpose-built student accommodation investment into Perth, all forming a virtuous circle of activity.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
When I first started my career, I didn’t fully appreciate the power of Perth’s connected business community. After university, I moved to London, drawn to the anonymity of a big city. It wasn’t until I returned home in the early 2000s, working in tourism and later at StudyPerth, that I saw the value of these connections for sparking new ideas and projects. Knowing the right people and not being afraid to ask them for help really does get things done!
Tracey O’Halloran, AEAS
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
I first became involved in international education in 1996 when I started travelling to assist with AEAS-organised Australian school events across Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. At the time, I was on a different career path, taking annual and unpaid leave to participate in a few trips each year. I quickly discovered my passion for the field—the connections with families, agents, school representatives, and others were truly inspiring, and many of those relationships continue today.
I initially worked full-time in the business for a year in the early 2000s before fully committing and taking on ownership in 2009. What continues to motivate me is the ability to provide high-quality services to families, students, agents, and schools through accurate and reliable in-person testing and marketing events. This year marks AEAS’s 40th anniversary—a testament to our commitment to excellence.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
My biggest role model was my mother, Joan, who founded AEAS in 1985 and ran it alongside my father for the first decade. She was a pioneer in international education—passionate, intelligent, and highly skilled at building relationships. She had an incredible ability to connect with people from all cultures and backgrounds with warmth and sincerity.
The values that guide both AEAS and me today—honesty, integrity, and a strong commitment to putting students’ best interests first—are deeply rooted in the example my mother set. Our dedication to ensuring students are set up for success continues to inspire me every day.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
For me, learning has been an ongoing journey rather than a single defining moment. However, when I reflect on nearly 30 years in the industry, I do wish I had taken the leap into full-time international education much earlier. The experiences, connections, and impact of this industry have been incredibly rewarding, and looking back, I see how much earlier immersion could have deepened my contributions even further.
Jana Perera, Stratify Design Lab
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
My passion for international education stems from the belief that education has the power to transform lives. Having worked across higher education, vocational training, and industry engagement, I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality education opens doors, creates global citizens, and builds stronger communities. What keeps me motivated is the impact—whether it’s shaping policies, creating pathways for students, or forging partnerships that drive innovation. Seeing students thrive in careers they once thought were out of reach continues to inspire me every day.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career, but one that stands out is a former leader who taught me the value of strategic thinking and fearless decision-making. They challenged me to take risks, trust my instincts, and always consider the bigger picture.
One of the most valuable lessons he shared was the importance of taking everyone on the journey. That advice has resonated deeply with me—whether it’s leading a team, working with internal stakeholders, or engaging external partners, success isn’t just about having a great vision; it’s about bringing people along, aligning interests, and building a shared commitment to what we’re trying to achieve. That collaborative approach has been a cornerstone of my leadership style.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
I wish I had known that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Early on, I thought success was about working harder and proving myself at every step. Over time, I realised that building meaningful relationships, embracing lifelong learning, and creating balance are just as important as ambition. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you allow space for growth rather than constantly chasing the next milestone.
Dr Sarah Todd, Multiple board and advisory roles
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
Like many who work in international education, I was fortunate to have two formative international education experiences when I was at high school – one a French exchange with a family in New Caledonia and then a year as a Rotary scholar in Japan for my last year of high school. Both reinforced my love of languages and learning about different cultures. Then, as an academic, I was keen to champion student mobility opportunities that were available and that helped me learn more about the work being done in international education.
I was also fortunate to be involved with international accreditation processes and institutional partnerships, which gave me insight into the wider University’s internationalisation. I was privileged to work with some amazing colleagues at Otago’s International Office in support of family and friends of a student who had died while on campus, and the timing of that coincided with the opportunity to apply for Otago’s inaugural PVCI role. And then along came the role at Griffith which offered the chance to further expand my understanding and experience in international education.
So, in many ways, my move into international education was the result of a number of different experiences, all of which reinforced the incredible value international education brings, whether personally or at the broader community level. I continue to be motivated by the impact on individuals having an international education makes, but equally the range of ways in which we can contribute, and the incredible professionalism and commitment of the people who work across the various parts that make up the sector motivate me.
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
I have been lucky to have worked with a couple of people in particular who I was always able to bounce ideas off and seek advice from, knowing that it would be thoughtful and candid. So, while they weren’t formally “mentors”, they have played a mentoring role and been there at times when I have needed to make pivotal decisions.
Role models have been varied and sometimes specific to a particular time or context, but are those who I have admired for the way in which they work and support others, and stand up for what they believe in. Much is said and written about ‘authentic’ leadership and being true to oneself, and it is something I admire, but is often less visible, especially when there are tough decisions that need to be made. I hope that I have learnt from them the ability to strike a balance between doing what needs to be done and taking responsibility for the outcomes but being transparent and acting in a way that is consistent with my values.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I grew up a time when campaigns were being run (in NZ) telling us that “girls can do anything”, which was intended to encourage girls to consider non-traditional occupations. While I agree strongly with the intent, I know that I have often said yes to things that I could equally have said no to… so maybe I misinterpreted the “can do anything” message as “can do it all”!
It is a difficult one though – many of the “extra” things that I said yes to undoubtedly lead to more opportunities that I might not otherwise have had access to. Working as an academic and then leadership roles in international education has often meant the role has been all-consuming, and didn’t fit neatly into set hours. That is also the flip side of being lucky to work in a sector that you are passionate about as it is easy to let it be the primary focus. Trying to put some ‘guardrails” in place and acknowledging it is healthy/necessary to say no occasionally are habits I would encourage others to put in place sooner rather than later!
Anna Kirkham, The University of Sydney
- What inspired you to pursue a career in international education, and what keeps you motivated?
It happened by chance. I previously worked for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs at the Australian Embassy, Jakarta and ended up working for the Migrant Resource Centre when I first arrived in Australia. A job in International Student Services opened at Macquarie University and I thought it would not be too different between providing settlement advice for new migrants from looking after international students. It was a great move!
I have now worked for four institutions in NSW in a few different areas. From student support, quality assurance and compliance, scholarships and sponsorships and covering international development too. What motivates me is different for every role. When I was managing the visa risk index, it was a real satisfaction to see the refusals and visa cancellations going down and eventually drying up.
In my current role, I want to have more students from countries that we do not usually get students from. It’s an international development role after all. I will not stop until we have sponsored students from all 195 countries!
- Who has been a role model or mentor for you, and what did you learn from them?
There are many! The biggest and brightest would be Jo Byng, my first manager in the industry. She helped me not to pigeonhole myself in student support role. Her encouragement helped me grow my confidence. She is my confidant, my sounding board and helped me in every aspect of my life. The other significant one is Josè Alvarez, my ex-boss at the Australian Embassy. I have now known him for almost 30 years. He is my go-to when I need honest feedback. With his dry sense of humour and Latin directness, he grounds me.
- What’s one lesson from your career that you wish you had known earlier?
I wish I was more anchored in my values so I could drive change, develop resilience, and persist in the long term rather than listening to others’ opinions and what they think about me. Now I can walk my own path, be my quirky self, and live and let live.
And the great stories from 2024 are available here if you want to revisit them.
