The Australian National University Postgraduate and Research Students Association (PARSA) invites ANU staff, students and their friends and family to celebrate the achievements and empowerment of women in the ANU community at a free sit-down lunch on March 8. The event will feature a number of awards, to be presented to members of the ANU community and a panel of outstanding women opening discussion about issues of women's leadership, empowerment and success.

PARSA Equity Officer Ms Jessa Rogers can be contacted for further information at jessica.rogers@anu.edu.au

Only 70 spots are available to attend this free celebration. To confirm your spot please visit the Eventbrite site.

In addition to a panel of influential women, Sophie Ryan, CEO, Sony Foundation will present over lunch on the day.

Sophie Ryan is responsible for the management of the Sony Foundation, the charity arm of Sony Group of Companies Australia. Prior to this, Sophie was a lawyer at Allens where she worked in Mergers and Acquisitions and Commercial Litigation. During this time, she was also an International Consultant for the United Nations Office of Vienna, working in the Criminal Justice Division on drugs and crime. In this role, she went to Southern Sudan where she worked on a UN Prism Reform Project. Prior to this, Sophie worked as a research assistant for the UN Special Rapporteur for Torture – Dr Manfred Nowak. In this role, she investigated torture allegations and reported findings to the Human Rights Commission.

Find out more about Sophie here.