On 15 November, over 100 attendees from Brisbane’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the UQ community gathered to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (officially marked on 19 November) and the remarkable talent within our network.
The LeadHers Rise event was a vibrant celebration of women’s innovation, leadership, and community impact. Highlights included a showcase of startups from the Female Founders Momentum Accelerator, a fireside chat with keynote speaker Hannah Spilva, founder of LVLY and Done, and the presentation of the annual UQ Ventures LeadHers Awards.
Shining a Spotlight on Women Leaders
Since its inception in 2022, the LeadHers Awards have honoured extraordinary women making waves in business and leadership. The awards are presented in 3 categories:
Entrepreneurship Award: Celebrates women who have developed innovative and entrepreneurial ventures.
- 2024 winner: Jo Thomas, CEO and Founder of Enrola
Student Award: Recognises current UQ students who demonstrate outstanding leadership in professional or volunteer roles.
- 2024 winner: Rheanca Lincoln, co-founder of ‘We are not alone’
Community Award: Highlights women leaders driving positive change in their communities.
- 2024 winner: Holly Hunt, Founder and CEO of Women in Digital
The awards are made possible through the generous support of Professor Jessica Gallagher, UQ Alum and former UQ Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Professor Gallagher shared the significance of the awards:
“The LeadHers Awards provide an opportunity to reflect and celebrate our women founders and leaders who are making a positive impact on our community through courage and innovation."
"It is a privilege to be able to shine a light on their amazing contributions and to support their efforts in this small way.”
Celebrating Remarkable Achievements
Jo Thomas, winner of the Entrepreneurship Award, is the CEO and founder of Enrola, a platform transforming access to education by connecting students to life-changing opportunities. Since its launch in January 2024, Enrola has attracted 20,000 users, matched 3,000 students with suitable courses, and processed over 800 applications.
“Representation matters,” Jo said. “Celebrating women in entrepreneurship and leadership gives others a tangible example of what’s possible.
Events like LeadHers create a ripple effect of inspiration and community - they remind us that we’re not in this alone. Recognising the achievements of women leaders isn’t just about the individual; it’s about creating a cultural shift where diversity and inclusion aren’t just ideals but realities.”
The Ventures LeadHers Student Award was presented to Rheanca Lincoln, an 18-year-old first-year student in UQ’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons). Rheanca’s passion for social and environmental justice was sparked in 2020 when she began volunteering and developing her leadership skills at just 14 years old.
Her initiative, “We Are Not Alone,” tackles loneliness among regional youth who live with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or neurodivergence. The program emerged through Rheanca’s participation in the ABC Heywire Competition in 2023. Deeply inspired by historical campaigns and her family’s legacy, Rheanca’s work continues the fight for equality and empowerment.
“I am always inspired by my ancestors,” Rheanca said. “They were farmers in India and the most courageous people. I know they fought hard to access education and defied societal norms; this to me is so inspiring. This pushes me to continue their legacy and reminds me of the bold blood that runs in my family.”
Rheanca also emphasized the broader impact of events like LeadHers: “The events shine a light on the barriers and challenges many women face in order to access leadership roles but also celebrate the success they have had which is so inspiring to see. Celebrating women leaders is a great step forward to demonstrate that female leaders are here to authentically lead the brightest movements of change.”
Building a Community of Bold Leaders and Entrepreneurs
The LeadHers Rise celebration highlighted the power of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. Through events like these, UQ Ventures fosters a thriving community of changemakers, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.
Beth Lawrance, UQ Ventures Empower Pre-Accelerator Manager, shared "At UQ Ventures, we are passionate about championing diversity in entrepreneurship through events like LeadHers Rise and programs for women at all stages, from skill-building to business growth.
"I encourage any women interested in entrepreneurship to get involved, as it is a welcoming and inspiring community to be part of.
"If you're developing a business idea, apply now for the 2025 Empower Pre-accelerator!"
