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I originally started this newsletter with happy new year wishes, which when re-reading felt a bit ‘old news’ given tomorrow is February! So, I took them out - though I do hope you have started 2025 ready for whatever the year has in store 🌟

I have started January with no illusions - 2025 is going to be a big year for the FW team. We are approaching the end of our NSW Health grant, so we have sustainability and innovation on our mind. We have just launched our 2025 Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Programs in NSW, ACT and an inaugural pilot in Victora (hooray!) and are getting ready to launch a new initiative for early-mid career women in our sector – both in response to requests from you!

While I am excited (and proud) that FW is at a stage of growth allowing us to reach more in our sector. I am also little bit nervous about the work that lies ahead.

I am not one for new year’s resolutions, but I have chosen a mantra that I am going to hold close while I navigate this year, which is to remember that ‘I am in control’. Obviously, there will be many things that happen which will be completely out of my control, but this mantra is to remind me that most things are in my control even if it may not feel it at the time. Whether it be getting rid of back-to-back meetings, fitting in that pilates class for my wellbeing, or just something as simple as changing my mindset. These are the things I can control, and I plan to 👊

I hope you enjoy reading our first FW newsletter of 2025, with lots of inspo for the year ahead – from mentoring programs to understanding menopause, and a sneak peek of our first event for the year (did someone say, goal setting?)

Here is to a year of taking control!

Happy reading,

Applications open now for Homeward Bound Program #1

Many people wonder what drives a person to shift from a lucrative career in law to the challenging field of global health. For me, it was a profound commitment to social justice. Like many law graduates, I was lured briefly by the prospects of large firm environments. However, I was quickly disillusioned with the workplace culture and profit focus of the major firms. I looked at the experiences of senior women around me and couldn’t find many examples I wanted to emulate. I accepted a year-long volunteer placement doing human rights advocacy in Cambodia. The health challenges I witnessed there ignited a new calling, steering me towards global health...

When I turned 50, I held a party of sorts that I called a ‘launch’, of me, into my ‘power decade’. The breadth and depth of all my past experience had me feeling more capable and confident than ever before, and the decade ahead was the time to bring it all home. 

Yet, by 53, I faced unexpected challenges – brain fog, thinning hair and waning motivation. As a conference presenter, losing my words and losing hair was unnerving to say the least. Unaware these were symptoms of perimenopause, I nearly scaled back my career aspirations...

In’s for 2025! New year new me thinking is out at Franklin Women! Instead, here are some of our current favourite in’s that have been bringing joy to our year so far

Till next month, your Newsletter Curator, Amy

Thank you to St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research for investing in Franklin Women and our mission to create a health and medical research ecosystem where women thrive.