Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2017

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GRAMMAR WOMAN, JULIE McKAY IS WELCOMED TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

WE RECENTLY WELCOMED MS JULIE MCKAY (2000) TO THE BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

Throughout her career, Julie has worked to advance gender equality and understands the critical role that the education of girls and women plays in realising the benefits of equality. Along with her exceptional skills and experience, Julie brings an international outlook and a strong ongoing desire to lead and advocate for positive change. Julie is the inaugural Gender Advisor to the Chief of the Australian Defence Force and has recently been appointed as Partner, leading diversity and inclusion for PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). She previously spent a decade as the Executive Director of the Australian National Committee for UN Women, a role she accepted at the age of twenty-three. Julie attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School (1996- 2000) and went on to study a Bachelor of Business/Arts at The University of Queensland. She has also completed a Master of Public Policy through the Australian National University and an Executive MBA through the University of Sydney. Shortly after commencing her career in a graduate banking position, Julie recognised that her passion lay in supporting people to reach their full potential and addressing the laws, policies and attitudes that prevent gender equality and social justice. In her role as Executive Director of UN Women, Julie worked with government, business and community organisations to challenge the laws, policies and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality. She led the organisation’s fundraising and, in addition to growing the operations, raised $2.5 million for international development projects empowering women and girls. Julie has worked with a range of businesses to design their diversity and inclusion strategies, including coaching CEOs and senior leaders of leading Australian businesses in understanding the biases and attitudes that prevent women reaching senior leadership roles.

Julie was the 2013 Young Australian of the Year and 2012 Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year in the Australian Capital Territory. She has completed a Churchill Fellowship continuing her research into women’s leadership in non-traditional sectors, is a Fellow in Ethical Leadership at the Melbourne Business School and was appointed the Chair of the Women’s College within the University of Sydney in 2016. She also convenes the Queensland Male Champions of Change, a network of ten CEOs of Queensland’s largest employers, working to challenge their thinking on driving workplace equality. Of her time at secondary school here at Girls Grammar, Julie said that the School instilled in her the idea that with the privilege of education comes great responsibility. ‘I always had an interest in social equality, but having such a strong, feminist education meant that I became very aware of the need to stand up for human rights, equality and justice in my work and life. ‘Much of the work I do now to challenge attitudes about women’s role in society is underpinned by having had access to a good education. I am certain that the education of women is central to empowerment and equality and this helps to drive my thinking and work,’ Julie said. ‘It is an incredible honour to be appointed to the Board of Trustees of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. I am passionate about ensuring our students continue to receive an exceptional education and when they leave, they enter a world that treats them as equals. I hope I can make a lasting contribution to both through this role. ‘I am really looking forward to getting to know more of the current students and working with the Board to ensure our girls’ dreams and potential are realised through our strategic and master planning.’

‘ Every time I walk through the front gates, I am reminded of what the School gave me: an education, a sense of purpose, an understanding of my own authentic leadership style, and most importantly, lifelong friendships. I feel very humbled to now have the opportunity to take on a leadership role for Brisbane Girls Grammar School.’ Ms Julie McKay (pictured right)

WINTER ISSUE / 2017