Cathy Hunt: WOW Australia

Cathy Hunt is Co-Founder of Of One Mind, the non profit company behind the development of the WOW (Women of the World) Festivals in Australia. The purpose of WOW is to celebrate the achievements of women and girls and to have tough conversations about the barriers which are holding them back essentially in the areas of economic independence, education, the prevention of domestic and family violence, leadership and all issues relating to gender equality.

Cathy has created the opportunity for hundreds of Queensland women to have their voices heard, be inspired by others, develop new networks, create connections and celebrate success. Ensuring the voices of First Nations women, those from rural, regional and remote areas and diverse cultures are heard has been a critical aspect of all events.

Cathy’s work with WOW is one of the many ways she has assisted women in Queensland for the past 20 years. The other is in her role as one of the founding Directors of cultural sector consultancy Positive Solutions. This has included providing mentoring, job opportunities and financial support (through the QuickstART microloan fund) for women artists and creative enterprises. This is also reflected in her work in the community, as one of the early members of Brisbane’s giving circle Women and Change, and in her Board roles, most recently her appointment to the Board of Screen Queensland and as an Advisor to the Yunus Centre in the Business School at Griffith University where Cathy is also an Executive in Residence.

MOST PROUD OF

Seeing a woman seeking to make change in her life after participating in WOW – seeking a pay rise, going back to University, putting their hand up for the local Council or seeking financial advice. Also, suggesting some years ago to Jude Kelly, founder of WOW, that she should make the project global including bringing it to Australia!

WHY I LOVE QUEENSLAND

Queensland is truly a place where change can happen demonstrated by the role models within the current progressive Queensland Government led by a female premier and 50% female cabinet bringing a more expansive people-centered approach to many essential policy/strategic issues.

Queensland is unique in Australia with two First Nations’ cultures, Torres Strait (TS) and Aboriginal, and we have much to learn from their culture and their leaders.

MY VISION FOR QUEENSLAND

Cathy’s vision for Queensland, particularly through her work with WOW and in partnership with the Government and other stakeholders, is to position Queensland as a progressive State culturally, socially and economically for the future.

ADVICE FOR QUEENSLAND WOMEN

Life is short, eat dessert first – overturning the patriarchy takes a lot of cake! And more seriously, understanding early on that you need to take control of your own finances. Nobody else is necessarily going to.

Source:

30/9/2019 | Posted by Jade Collins in Female Leaders