The empowerment program aims to inspire young rural women to reach their leadership potential and create their own path in rural Australia.
Program founder, Hannah Wandel’s passion for ensuring young women living in rural and remote communities have equal access to education and opportunities prompted the business idea.
“The ‘Power Trip’ program is something very close to my heart. I grew up in a rural community and am passionate about making sure young rural women are empowered to reach their leadership potential,” said Hannah.
“In Australia we have a large imbalance when it comes to women in leadership. Women are underrepresented in the boardroom, in executive positions, in politics and primary industries. We need to be really proactive with delivering opportunities to kids in rural areas and provide them with equal opportunities to succeed.”
AgriFutures Australia played an integral role in investing in the program by sponsoring three of the 14 winners to attend the Canberra ‘Power Trip’ to meet with prominent leaders including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, 2017 AgriFutures™ NSW/ACT Rural Women’s Award Winner, Sandra Ireson and National Farmers’ Federation President, Fiona Simson.
The three young women sponsored by AgriFutures Australia came from three very different areas of rural and regional Australia.
Rose Denovan, Year 11 student at All Saints College, Bathurst NSW was extremely grateful for such a great opportunity.
“Country to Canberra has truly been an absolutely amazing and unforgettable experience that I will remember and look back on for years to come,” said Rose.
Rose’s winning entry focused on empowerment starting at a primary level and embedding the ambition in young women through their secondary years.