Yassmin Abdel-Magied has achieved national and international attention as a leading advocate for social inclusion and cultural diversity, as well as being a prominent woman in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In this special event, Abdel-Magied will be in-conversation with science communicator and chemist, Dr Alice Willamson, and will share her journey to leadership as a Sudanese refugee, balancing her diverse identity as a young woman, Muslim, engineer, writer and founder of the not-for-profit, Youth Without Borders. Yassmin’s debut memoir, Yassmin’s Story, was released in 2015. Copies of Yassmin’s Story will be available for purchase and signing by the author on the night.

Dr Alice Williamson is a chemist, lecturer and science communicator based at The University of Sydney. Originally from the North West of England, Alice moved to Australia to join the Open Source Malaria (OSM) consortium. OSM are pioneering open source drug discovery and are trying to prove that science is better and more efficient when all data and results are shared.

In February 2015, Alice was named as one of ABC RN and UNSW’s ‘Top 5 Under 40’ in recognition of her passion for sharing science stories. Alice cohosts the new ABC podcast, Dear Science, with Bernie Hobbs, hosts a weekly science segment on FBi Radio’s breakfast show and is a regular guest on Dr Karl’s Shirtloads of Science Podcast.

Tickets: $45 YWCA Canberra members / $60 non-members. Tickets can be purchased here and include:

• Entry into the She Leads In-Conversation event
• The opportunity to buy Yassmin’s Story and get it signed by the author (or bring your copy if you already have one)
• A selection of delicious canapés and drinks
• The opportunity to connect with and be inspired by aspiring and established Canberra leaders

The event forms one part of YWCA Canberra’s women’s leadership pathway, She Leads, which comprises conferences for emerging leaders and girls, workshops, and a nationally accredited Diploma of Leadership and Management. 

“Our She Leads program has a joint goal of developing women’s leadership potential, as well as promoting a diverse model of leadership,” YWCA Canberra Executive Director, Frances Crimmins said. 

“Leadership is not just about being a CEO or company director, it’s about building communities, strengthening families, empowering others, and promoting equality. That’s why Yassmin is a perfect fit for our first event of 2017. 

The She Leads In-Conversation series is supported by the University of Canberra, as Venue Partner. This event is the first of four to be hosted in 2017. 

About YWCA Canberra: YWCA Canberra is a feminist, secular, not-for-profit community organisation that has been providing community services and representing women’s issues in the Canberra community since its establishment in 1929. YWCA Canberra employs more than 300 staff across the ACT, and delivers 30 quality programs in children’s services, community development, housing, youth services, women’s leadership, advocacy, and training. Represented in 122 countries, the YWCA has a global reach of 25 million women and girls. As part of this international movement, YWCA Canberra works for a world where reconciliation, justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment are promoted and sustained through women’s leadership. For more information visit: www.ywca-canberra.org.au