Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network

At the recent AGM we were able to honour immediate Past President, Roz White, who has been an extraordinary leader for the past three years and someone that I am so privileged to now call a friend, due to this amazing network. Roz leads with style, grace and determination. She is strong to purpose, has raised the profile of SCBWN and been so generous with her time to ensure membership and sponsorship value within SCBWN is at a premium. For me personally there are not enough words to express my respect and admiration for Roz and I am honoured and humbled that she would see me as the next evolution of SCBWN Presidency.

I would also like to acknowledge all past presidents of SCBWN, many of whom I know personally. Their legacy is strong within SCBWN and I have the utmost respect for their contribution, which in most cases, is on-going today. Thank you to past president Karen Neuendorf for facilitating our June AGM. Your involvement at this event highlights the long-lasting effects being involved with his network brings, and the fact that you are still involved speaks volumes.

Despite new leadership, our purpose remains the same “To empower and celebrate women to achieve in business.” As a purpose-driven network, this remains central to all of our decisions, discussions, and actions. We live this purpose every day and we invite you to join us on this mission.

Of course, taking the lead of a network of this size is only possible because of the extraordinary volunteer committee that joins me. Congratulations and thank you to newly appointed vice president, Paula Williamson. Having arrived on the Sunshine Coast only 3.5 years ago, Paula has already generated a sizeable network and has passionately lead the network development portfolio, constantly questioning how we increase value to sponsors and members alike. We also welcome a new secretary, Jaymee Martin, former SCBWN Young Business Woman of the Year award recipient to the team. Taking over the reigns from Michelle Hamer (another long and outstanding contributor to SCBWN), Jaymee has a corporate background in a highly regulated industry that will see her govern SCBWN with finesse.

I am also grateful that the full complement of the committee return with Anita Owens continuing her outstanding success of keeping our finances in order in her role as treasurer. Clare McCarthy, Natalie Crombie, Lizzie Henebery, Kaitlyn Akers and Jeanette Allom-Hill leading their respective portfolios with expertise. What a team!

We take the reigns right as we lead into my favourite time of year, awards season. On behalf of the SCBWN Executive Committee, congratulations to all finalists and also all of those that were courageous enough to enter a submission. You are all to be applauded. In my previous role as judging chair, I got to hear the stories and read the submissions and every year we are overwhelmed with this incredible business community. For 21 years we have highlighted the contribution of women in business to the Sunshine Coast and are proud to do so again in 2021. Thank you to the 2021 judging chair, Michelle Hamer.

Over the coming year I look forward to standing beside all of our members and sponsors in continuing to grow the legacy of those before us. The Sunshine Coast is an exciting and dynamic place to do business and SCBWN is the support network you need to achieve your greatest heights.

With gratitude,

Min Swan
President