New Scholarship Launched to Empower Upcoming Women Leaders in For-Purpose Sector

The Melbourne Business School, Chief Executive Women (CEW) and the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust (HMST) have announced the launch of a new scholarship that aims to support upcoming women leaders in the for-purpose sector.

Given to three recipients, the scholarship will bring with it the opportunity to improve leadership and management skills. The recipients will enrol at MBS Executive MBA, Australia’s leading business school with a full tuition scholarship which is worth $120,000.

“This scholarship will be life changing for women and organisations in the sector,” said Deidre Willmott, Chair of the Scholarship Committee at Chief Executive Women.

“CEW advocates for diverse women leaders at every decision-making table,” she said.

“More and more women are stepping up as CEOs and leaders in the for-purpose sector, but we have a way to go until the number of women in senior executive roles reflects the makeup of the workforce across the sector.”

Catherine Walter AM, Chair of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, said, “Social purpose organisations are critical for a sustainable, fair and inclusive society”.

“Supporting their leaders to help them innovate and adapt to changing economic, social and political contexts, while developing sustainable revenue streams, will enhance the impact and longevity of these critical organisations.”

Professor Caron Beaton-Wells, Dean, Internal at Melbourne Business School, stated that the Scholarship would provide three Victorian-based women leaders with practical business knowledge that they require for success.

“Melbourne Business School has a long-standing collaboration with the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust to advance women in leadership and build capability in the social-purpose sector,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to have their support in this partnership with CEW to develop talented women in the sector, who will contribute even more to their organisations and the community through this opportunity.”