Building confidence, leadership and opportunity for young women

The Challenge

Young women in regional communities can face barriers to accessing professional networks, leadership opportunities, career role models and the confidence to pursue their aspirations.

RDA Northern Rivers recognised an opportunity to connect young women with inspiring female leaders while providing practical tools to build confidence, resilience and leadership capability.

The EmpowerHER Solution

EmpowerHER Northern Rivers was developed as a leadership and mentoring program designed to support young women to recognise their strengths, build confidence and explore their future pathways.

A key component of the program was the partnership with Layne Beachley’s Awake Academy, providing participants with access to proven leadership, mindset and personal development resources. The partnership complemented the local mentoring component by helping young women develop the confidence and self-awareness to take control of their future.

Participants were also connected with successful women from across the Northern Rivers, creating opportunities to hear real-world experiences, explore different career pathways and develop meaningful professional relationships.

The Impact

The combination of leadership development, mentoring and regional connections created a powerful experience for participants. Key outcomes included:

• Increased confidence and self-belief, encouraging young women to recognise their strengths and potential
• Leadership and personal development, supported through the Awake Academy's resources and approach
• Greater awareness of career pathways, exposing participants to a diverse range of industries and opportunities
• Access to female role models, demonstrating that successful careers and leadership are achievable in regional communities
• Stronger networks, connecting young women with mentors, business leaders and their peers
• Increased aspirations, encouraging participants to consider opportunities and pathways they may not previously have seen as achievable.

Why It Matters

The strength of EmpowerHER is that it goes beyond traditional career mentoring. It combines personal development, leadership, mentoring and connection to help young women understand not only what they could do, but who they could become.

The partnership with Layne Beachley’s Awake Academy brings an additional dimension of leadership and mindset development, while RDA Northern Rivers provides the local networks and regional connections that make the experience relevant and accessible.

Looking Forward

EmpowerHER provides a strong foundation for an ongoing regional leadership pathway for young women.

By investing in confidence, capability and connections today, RDA Northern Rivers and its partners are helping develop the next generation of women who will contribute to the Northern Rivers' businesses, organisations, communities and economy.