Achieving success in our careers doesn't just happen. Having a strong network and access to advice is profoundly important in the career progression of women.
As entrepreneurs and businesswomen, we know that finding wise people to guide and mentor you isn’t easy. We started Mentor Walks to make finding support and networks as accessible and easy as possible.
As proud advocates for women in the workplace, we also know the research; that mentoring is integral to career success, that walking and talking comes easily to most women, and that exercising outside helps us think creatively and clearly about our careers.
After attending Mentor Walks in China - led by the marvellous Michelle Garnaut AO - our co-founders were inspired to bring the Mentor Walks magic to Australia, followed by New Zealand & Singapore in 2022, Canada in 2023 and Dubai in 2024.
In the past 7 years, over 9,000 mentees and 500 mentors have walked and talked together every month and helped each other step their careers forward.
MAKING MENTORING ACCESSIBLE TO WOMEN EVERYWHERE
OUR STORY
Bobbi is the Chair of globally awarded content and communications agency, Mahlab, a company she founded in 1997. She is passionate about media, business, entrepreneurship, diversity and equality. Bobbi is an experienced board member. In 2015 she was selected to participate in EY's Entrepreneurial Winning women program. She is also a judge of the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards. In 2020 she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for significant contribution to women, publishing and philanthropy.
Director of Product at STM Brands, a global company founded in 1998 with her business partner, making distinctive digital accessories designed to protect everyday essential devices. Adina was a member of the 2012 Australian delegation to the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit in Mexico City, is an Alumna of the 2016 EY Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurial Winning Women program, she’s one of the Rare Birds: Australia’s 50 Influential Women Entrepreneurs, and an active member of both the Entrepreneurs Association (EO) and YPO.
Tina has spent the last decade heading up digital transformation and disruption teams and accelerators, here and in the UK. Strategically guiding large corporates, start and scale ups, and key brands to create, build and sustainably operate audience first led experiences. While doing this, Tina ran Mentor Walks Melbourne walk as a side hustle, consulted on their growth and new products and then in 2022 up into the role of General Manager .
Tina is focused on driving Mentor Walks scale, so that any women in any community has somewhere to go for impactful career support.
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We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors past present and emerging.
OUR TEAM
Led by two powerhouse women, we are here to empower women to get the career guidance they need to succeed.
OUR IMPACT
We’re focused on ensuring that women who walk with us feel a direct, tangible impact from their experience. Each year we survey our community to measure the real power of our mentoring programme. See the difference we’re making in our Impact Reports below.
2021 IMPACT REPORT: Mentor Walks continues to have a tangible impact on career progression and building networks for aspiring women. Read the full report here.
2020 IMPACT REPORT: Mentor Walks is having a direct and measurable impact on employment opportunities.
Local senior mentors who are passionate about supporting women, have strong professional networks within local communities, and are the face of Mentor Walks in their region.
OUR LOCAL LEADERS
Incredible women on the ground who make our mentoring events happen locally in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Wollongong, Canberra, Brisbane, Hobart, Christchurch and Singapore
OUR LOCAL COORDINATORS
Adelaide
Elle is a digital marketer with almost a decade's worth of experience building integrated marketing strategies and campaigns for enterprises, startups and education brands. She moved from Sydney to Adelaide in 2018 to support the growth of female-led brewpub Sparkke, and now leads a team of digital marketing experts at The University of South Australia. As a newly converted South Australian, Elle is passionate about not only keeping talented aspiring women in SA, but also helping to build their local professional networks and, most importantly, their career confidence.
Auckland
Incredible women on the ground who make our mentoring events happen locally,
Auckland
Incredible women on the ground who make our mentoring events happen locally,
Brisbane
Tayla is a business transformation and strategy consultant with experience in retail, government and not for profit sectors. She has a passion for diversity and inclusion in the workforce and is an avid supporter of female mentorship. Tayla believes in championing opportunities for women to build professional connections that can have a positive impact on their career. She enjoys meeting new people and learning from the diverse experiences of others. She is a firm believer in bringing an open mind, curiosity and compassion into all interactions.
Calgary
Liliia is a solution-driven professional with over 10 years of experience in consulting, finance, and project management in the private and public sectors. She is passionate about using her skills to help organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. Currently, Liliia works at The City of Calgary with Corporate Consultants on service improvement projects.
Liliia is a strong advocate for gender equality. She believes that all women should have the opportunity to succeed in their careers and personal lives. Through her work with Mentor Walks, she hopes to empower women to achieve their goals.
Canberra
Courtney is a skilled policy officer with experience working across the not-for-profit sector.
She has a keen interest in advocacy, policy communications and stakeholder engagement, and is passionate advocate for gender equality and community engagement.
Courtney spends most her free time volunteering and is fiercely committed to enriching and supporting the lives of others. After participating as a mentor herself, she joined Mentor Walks to help promote and empower the next generation of female leaders.
Christchurch
Shannon is a distinguished professional, demonstrating broad expertise in the marketing and events sphere, with experience across media, retail, and hospitality sectors. Now operating as an independent consultant, she harnesses her deep understanding of campaign analysis, digital strategies, and leadership to provide bespoke marketing solutions. Shannon is passionate about empowering women to make significant strides in their professional and personal lives, inspired by her own journey in a male-dominated industry.
Hobart
Bree has a passion for people and is currently working as a Culture & Capability Coordinator while she continues her studies in the human resources field. Through her studies, Bree is exploring the core driers of employee mobility in Tasmania and seeks to understand how to attract and retain talent in a changing career environment.
After participating as a mentee, Bree was inspired by the local Mentor Walks community and looks forwarded to helping other women grow, network, and gain career guidance.
Melbourne
Amanda is a marketing and communications professional who has recently made the transition into the legal field as she is soon to complete her masters in law (Juris Doctor). Amanda has experience in implementing effective processes and improving communication utilising a range of digital platforms. She loves creating connections with others and has a strong interest in legal policies, advocacy and working towards a fairer society.
Perth
Ati is a science communicator and brand alchemist for technology startups. She has spent a decade telling stories about innovative technologies in renewable energy, green ports, and safe construction practices across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Australia.
Having worked in male-dominated industries, Ati is actively working to increase women participation in tech and startups and empowering all women to gain and achieve financial independence.
Singapore
Incredible women on the ground who make our mentoring events happen locally,
Singapore
Joey is a communications and marketing professional from an integrated marketing agency. She oversees multiple marketing initiatives across various sectors in the APAC region such as technology, healthcare, government, and more. Joey enjoys diving into new projects with an open mind, embracing the unfamiliar and connecting with new people. She’s also an advocate for gender equality and with Mentor Walks, she hopes to provide women with opportunities to be empowered to take big leaps in their careers and personal lives.
Sydney
Abi Carter is an accomplished marketing and events manager with 8+ years of experience in the industry and has a proven track record of successfully planning, organizing, and executing a wide range of marketing campaigns and seamless event experiences across APAC & the US.
She is passionate about everything MentorWalks stands for and truly believes that the unique perspectives our mentors offer, help play a pivotal part in enhancing both mentees personal and professional growth.
Vancouver
Incredible women on the ground who make our mentoring events happen locally,
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Wollongong
Chantelle is a talent and culture professional with a passion for seeing individuals grow, develop and exceed their goals.
Chantelle has almost two decades of experience within the hospitality and hotel industry focussing on developing talented individuals, especially strong female leaders within the industry.
Having had the benefit of working alongside strong leaders at Oscar's Hotels, and coming from a background in education, Chantelle is an advocate for all women having access to a mentor to share knowledge, inspire and support them throughout their career journey.
Adelaide
The Hon Grace Portolesi is a former SA Member of Parliament and Minister and now a senior strategic advisor. She operates her own consulting business specialising in government relations. Following her parliamentary career Grace became the first woman to Chair the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, the State Government's key advisor in advancing and protecting cultural diversity. Grace was previously a board member of SA Leaders, the University of South Australia, Hawke EU Centre, Advisory Panel and the University of South Australia, Research Centre for Languages and Cultures (RCLC), Advisory Panel.
Auckland
Maree co-owns an award-winning communications consultancy, SenateSHJ, the only New Zealand communications firm ranked in the global top 250.
Maree leads SenateSHJ’s corporate communications practice in New Zealand, focusing on our client service, team development, innovation and growth ambitions.
With a career shaped extensively by unique experiences in Australia and China, Maree established a business in Shanghai and consulted to some of New Zealand’s largest businesses operating in the Greater China region.
Auckland
Michele is an experienced senior executive and company director; her previous experience included managing director, marketing and advertising agency roles with expertise in brand, customer experience and digital.
Michele’s executive career In NZ and Australia included roles with Kmart, Metcash, Spark, Woolworths NZ and Air New Zealand.
Michele is now a full time independent director and has experience on publicly listed, private and not for profit boards.
Brisbane
Cissy helps businesses raise capital, increase valuation and sell. She has 25 years and $17bn M&A experience. SheEO Activator since 2018, Impact Investor, Founder of APAC Women's Mentoring Circle, mentor for CPA Australia, UQ, Queensland Government, River City Labs and Inspiring Rare Birds.
Brisbane
Kanani describes herself as determined, optimistic and curious. She's known as a gregarious working mother whose built a long standing and successful career in the automotive industry.
She lives by the words; have courage and be kind, and is passionate about history, traditions and storytelling.
Brisbane
Rebecca has over 20 years experience in leadership and company director roles across Australia, New Zealand, Middle East and APAC regions.
Rebecca is passionate about helping women create a rewarding career pathway and further developing their self-belief.
Rebecca joined Mentor Walks as an opportunity to support talented women who are striving for a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Calgary
Lisa Wall, Chief People Officer, joined Seequent in 2017. She brings nearly two decades of diverse human resources experience to her senior leadership role in this multi-national ground-breaking technology firm. With a background in HR and operations management, a psychology degree from Dalhousie University and Human Resource Management at Mount Royal University and London Business School.
Originally from Canada's East Coast, Lisa is now based in Calgary. As Chief People Officer at Seequent, Lisa's mandate is to foster a world-class place for people to do their best work together.
Calgary
With a career spanning over two decades, Patricia has held a variety of executive roles in finance, FP&A, investor relations, compliance, risk management, and internal audit. Currently, Patricia serves on the Arts Commons Board of Directors Governance Committee. She is completing her ICD.D. Previously, Patricia held a variety of executive positions in finance including Executive VP and CFO of Nexii Building Solutions Inc., Senior VP, Finance at Green for Life (GFL) and several executive roles at Parkland Fuel Corporation i. She also worked for several large multi-national organizations in Canada and Switzerland.
Canberra
Jenet has 19 years in the APS, the last 12 at the Deputy level, and has worked in 6 difference departments/agencies.
Prior to the APS she worked in the private sector; prior to that state governments in WA and Victoria. With a Masters degree in Organisational Psychology, Jenet has a passion for helping organisations achieve their highest level of performance – through their systems, people and processes.
Canberra
Nadine is an accomplished senior workplace director with 20+ years of experience. Her expertise is in driving change and performance, and in large scale structural adjustments.
Nadine is also an experienced Company Director and Deputy Chair in both public companies and not for profit organisations. She is professionally qualified as Company Director with the AICD. Nadine holds qualifications in business, a law degree with honours and a PhD covering organisational change and workplace relations.
Christchurch
Di is an experienced chief executive officer, and board director with a demonstrated history of working with the multi faceted businesses within retail, ecommerce, wholesale, tourism, sports and education. Skilled in governance, business strategy, brand strategy, marketing strategy, high performance leadership, product and design strategy, financial management, transformation project management and mentoring women in business.
Hobart
Ally has forged a strong career in the media over the last 20 years with varied roles across Southern Cross Austereo, one of Australia’s leading media companies reaching more than 95% of the Australian population through radio, television and LiSTNR.
Proudly an active part of the Tasmanian community, Ally is a Board Member for Tennis Tasmania & St Virgil’s College.
On a personal note - Ally enjoys crochet, all things AFL, a good Tassie gin and, occasionally, all 3 together!
Hobart
Erin is a senior energy sector leader with experience across large-scale energy project development, wholesale trading, corporate finance, strategy and operational management.
Currently EGM Strategy at Hydro Tasmania Erin is responsible for the setting of Hydro Tasmania's strategic direction and championing its execution. Erin has held prior senior leadership roles in Corporate Finance, Governance and Wholesale Energy and was recently Head of Commercial on the Marinus Link project. In her early career Erin worked in wind development in Australia and overseas, and in investment banking.
Hobart
Ruth is acting Executive General Manager People Enablement at Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s leading clean energy business and largest generator of renewable energy.
Ruth has worked in energy and climate change for over 20 years, first starting with Hydro Tasmania in 2003. Ruth started her career at American Express in London.
As a graduate of the AICD, she has an interest in governance and has been involved with a number of not for profit boards. Outside of work, Ruth provides taxi, cooking and washing services to her 3 young children.
Melbourne
Andi is an executive coach and facilitator with over 25 years experience in corporate and community based environments. With a background in global corporate enterprises, Big 4 management consulting and boutique leadership development consulting, Andi's worked with organisations such as IBM, KPMG, NAB, Telstra, Corporate Vision, CBA, Australia Post, Deloitte, ANZ, Coles Myer, Holden, and the AFL. Andi’s particular passion is assisting women in transition, career advancement, career change and resilience and work/life integration. Andi is the Director of Life NRG Pty Ltd, an organization that empowers women.
Melbourne
Mim heads up Mim Bartlett Consulting where she leads a team focused on maximising strong authentic leadership and wellbeing. She is a qualified lawyer, psychotherapist, a sought-after coach, facilitator, human rights champion and gender equality advocate.
Mim joined MW to support and empower women to reach their potential across their life and to create a supportive and caring community of women all lifting each other up.
Perth
Alison is an experienced senior executive with extensive background in all aspects of corporate affairs, general management, legal and regulatory compliance, finance, marketing and international business operations. She is passionate about improving diversity and building opportunities for women through mentoring and leads Mentor Walks in Perth.
Welcoming every opportunity to enjoy outdoor conversations about careers, diversity and life balance during walks along the beautiful Swan River, Alison is an enthusiastic promoter of the benefits of Mentor Walks for mentors as well as mentees.
Singapore
Aliza built and led APAC businesses for Google, Twitter and Cloudflare. Prior to that, she was in banking and consulting. She is now a senior advisor for BCG, a Forbes columnist, and a NED (Tyro and HealthMetrics - Australia; Azentio and Healthway Medical - Singapore).
Aliza is the author of Don't Quit Your Day Job, outlining 6 mindshifts you need to rise & thrive at work as part of her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Recently listed in the Top 100 Women in Tech (Singapore, 2021), she's also been named the IT Woman of the Year (Asia, 2020).
Singapore
Belinda is the Vice President of APJ Marketing at Veeam Software and a proud Executive Sponsor of their 'Women in Green' and ‘Mentor Labs’ programs.
Passionate about leadership and advocating for equality, she is a true believer in the power of women supporting women.
Belinda joined Mentor Walks Singapore after a positive experience in Australia, to connect and empower women in Singapore in their career development.
Vancouver
A career entrepreneur, Laura is the co-founder and CEO of Tealish, a market-leading Canadian specialty tea company, founded in 2005. She is also the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of JOYN Botanicals, a cannabis biotech company with patented technology. Laura has created brands and products sold across the continent for some of North America's largest retailers including Macys, Whole Foods, Indigo, Hudson's Bay, Staples, Avon, and Goodfood. With expertise and a history of success creating cutting-edge products in the plant-based wellness sector, Laura's products have garnered attention worldwide.
Vancouver
Penny is an accomplished technology executive with a passion for empowering customers to make better business decisions through innovative technology solutions. Currently serving as the VP of Mining Data Management Solutions for Seequent, she has over 25 of experience in sales and technical roles for large software companies.
Outside of work, Penny is on the board of directors for Vancouver Skating Club and enjoys skiing and mountain biking. She is committed to leading a balanced and fulfilling life, and is excited to share her experiences and knowledge with mentees in the mentorship program.
Wollongong
Courtney West provides taxation, compliance and business services to a range of clients across the Illawarra. Courtney is proud to be KPMG Wollongong’s first female Partner. Courtney enjoys working with her clients and teams to navigate change. With over 20 years experience, Courtney brings insights to help her clients and teams grow and succeed. Courtney is an alumni of the University of Wollongong & the Sydney Business School’s Leadership Program. She is currently on the board of two not-for-profit organisations, but her most important role is mum to Matilda.
Wollongong
Renee joined the Wollongong City Council in 2021 as the Manager Organisational Development.
Renee joined her local Council in pursuit of supporting her local community, through the
development of the human resources function to further enable internal support in building an
extraordinary Wollongong. Renee is an advocate for the Wollongong region and female progression in the workplace. Renee is passionate about supporting her local community and is the leader for Mentor Walks in the Wollongong region and is inspired by advancing career support for females through mentoring and networking in our local community.
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