RISE Ventures is celebrating International Women’s Day 2023!
We were lucky to spend time yarning with Leah Simmons. Leah chatted about her career journey and experience. Read on to learn about how passionate Leah is in community and what it means to her.
How long have you been working with RISE Ventures?
I’ve been working for RISE for 11 years.
What inspired you to pursue your current career or business?
My love for remote communities, passion for community development and commitment to mentoring.
When you started with the business what was your role? How has it changed over time?
I first started as an admin assistant and have progressed to Employment Consultant, Team Leader, Regional Manager, Performance Support Unit Manager and most recently Project Manager Pathway Services. I have worked to deliver 3 separate contracts for the AK group and we are currently trialling the fourth in the remote space.
How do you feel supported as a woman in your career with us?
I have had multiple opportunities to progress with in the business which were provided as a reward for my hard work not my gender. AK recognises hard work and rewards where appropriate. We are working at a gender balance in our Senior Executive team which our AK CEO and executives are championing.
How does supporting women in training and jobs impact the community you live and work in?
Supporting women into jobs and training in remote communities supports the family unit as a whole and there are opportunities for household incomes to increase and therefore live a more sustainable lifestyle which supports young children to go to school, have access to nutritional food and education to contribute to closing the gap targets.
How can companies and organizations better support and promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Continue to celebrate achievements and acknowledge excellence by providing opportunities to advance female careers where appropriate.
What’s one piece of advice you would you give to young women who are just starting their careers or businesses?
Always hold yourself to account and your own behaviour, respectfully call out those who would challenge this. Treat others as you would like to be treated and control only what you can.
Thanks Leah for your time and career advice for others, your passion for community shines through with everything you do.
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