Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day at the LeadHers Rise Event

On 15 November, more than 100 individuals from Brisbane’s entrepreneurial landscape and the University of Queensland (UQ) community came together to honor Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, which is officially recognized on 19 November, while also celebrating the outstanding talent within our network.

The LeadHers Rise event was a dynamic tribute to women’s creativity, leadership, and community contributions. Noteworthy moments included the presentation of startups from the Female Founders Momentum Accelerator, an engaging fireside chat featuring keynote speaker Hannah Spilva, founder of LVLY and Done, and the annual UQ Ventures LeadHers Awards ceremony.

Highlighting Women Leaders

Since its formation in 2022, the LeadHers Awards have recognized remarkable women who are making significant impacts in business and leadership roles. The awards are presented in three categories:

Entrepreneurship Award

This award honors women who have established innovative and entrepreneurial initiatives.

• 2024 winner: Jo Thomas, CEO and Founder of Enrola.

Student Award

This award acknowledges current UQ students exhibiting exceptional leadership in professional or volunteer capacities.

• 2024 winner: Rheanca Lincoln, co-founder of “We Are Not Alone.”

Community Award

This award recognizes women leaders who are driving positive change within their communities.

• 2024 winner: Holly Hunt, Founder and CEO of Women in Digital.

The LeadHers Awards were made possible through the generous support of Professor Jessica Gallagher, a UQ alum and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement and Entrepreneurship. A committed advocate for women in leadership, Professor Gallagher shared the importance of these awards:

“The LeadHers Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate our women founders and leaders who are positively impacting our community through their courage and innovation.”

“It is truly rewarding to illuminate their exceptional contributions and support their endeavors in this meaningful way.”

Recognizing Noteworthy Accomplishments

Jo Thomas, the recipient of the Entrepreneurship Award, is the CEO and founder of Enrola, a platform that’s transforming how students access education by connecting them to vital opportunities. Since its launch in January 2024, Enrola has engaged 20,000 users, paired 3,000 students with suitable courses, and processed over 800 applications.

“Representation matters,” Jo emphasized. “When we celebrate women in entrepreneurship and leadership, we provide others with a clear example of what’s achievable.

Events like LeadHers create a ripple effect of inspiration and community — they remind us that we’re not alone. Recognizing the achievements of women leaders is not merely about individual success; it’s about fostering a cultural shift toward reality where diversity and inclusion thrive.”

The Ventures LeadHers Student Award was awarded to Rheanca Lincoln, an 18-year-old pursuing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) at UQ. Rheanca’s commitment to social and environmental justice began in 2020 when, at just 14, she began volunteering and developing her leadership capabilities.

Her initiative, “We Are Not Alone,” addresses loneliness among regional youth facing disabilities, chronic illnesses, or neurodivergence. This program was conceived during Rheanca’s involvement in the ABC Heywire Competition in 2023. Inspired by historical campaigns and her family’s legacy, she continues the push for equality and empowerment.

“My ancestors inspire me deeply,” Rheanca shared. “They were farmers in India, and their courage is a source of motivation for me. They fought hard for education and broke societal barriers; their legacy fuels my passion to continue their fight.”

Rheanca also highlighted the broader significance of celebrating women’s achievements: “Events like LeadHers illuminate the hurdles many women face to attain leadership roles, while also celebrating their success, which is incredibly uplifting. Acknowledging women leaders signifies a pivotal step in showcasing that female leaders are here to authentically guide significant changes.”

Cultivating a Community of Bold Leaders and Entrepreneurs

The LeadHers Rise event underscored the strength of women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. Through such initiatives, UQ Ventures is committed to building a vibrant community of changemakers, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative tomorrow.

Beth Lawrance, UQ Ventures Empower Pre-Accelerator Manager, expressed, “At UQ Ventures, we are dedicated to promoting diversity in entrepreneurship through our LeadHers Rise events and programs tailored for women at every stage, from skill development to business expansion. I urge all women interested in entrepreneurship to join us; it’s a welcoming and inspiring community.”

“If you’re looking to develop a business idea, apply now for the 2025 Empower Pre-accelerator!”