Inspiring tomorrow’s women leaders and entrepreneurs

Women business leaders will share their remarkable journeys to success when the University of Adelaide’s entrepreneurial leadership program ThincHer launches on 3 August. 

“Designed specifically for women by women, ThincHer is an intensive and transformative leadership program, that focuses on building the entrepreneurial mindset,” said Zrinka Tokic, manager of ThincLab – the University's business incubator supporting students, alumni and staff. 

“The aim of the ThincHer program is to kickstart women students into realising their potential and amplifying their ambitions. It’s an initiative that’s very close to my heart. We want to empower women by providing the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to excel as entrepreneurs and leaders in their respective fields.” 

Through a combination of interactive workshops, mentorship, experiential learning, and networking opportunities, ThincHer supports participants as they build on entrepreneurial endeavours and activate their ideas. 

ThincHer launches on Thursday 3 August at 11am and the program will be delivered to the first cohort throughout 2023. 

“We have over 900 women students registered to attend our program’s launch, where they’ll hear from successful women in various industry sectors who’ll share their inspiring journeys and provide invaluable insights and advice,” said Ms Tokic. 

“It’s going to be an empowering beginning to this exciting initiative.” 

“Programs like ThincHer are tremendously important, not only for the University of Adelaide as we support and nurture the next generation of empowered women leaders in business, but also for wider Australia and the world."Dr Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement at The University of Adelaide

Dr Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement at The University of Adelaide, will be leading the ‘Redefining Success’ panel. 

“Programs like ThincHer are tremendously important, not only for the University of Adelaide as we support and nurture the next generation of empowered women leaders in business, but also for wider Australia and the world,” Dr Gallagher said. 

“When more women act in decision-making roles within business leadership, this greater diversity of power benefits communities, organisations and our economy. The University of Adelaide is proud to be launching this initiative and I’m personally excited to meet the women students who will one day become tomorrow’s leaders.” 

The ‘Redefining Success’ panel includes speakers Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk (Chief Information Officer at Department of the Premier and Cabinet), Dr Tiffany De Sousa Machado (Founder, The Village Foundation and Lecturer, Organisational Behaviour and Entrepreneurship at The University of Adelaide), Fiona Dorman (Chairperson at Premier's Council for Women), Sasha Baranikov (Managing Director at Steam Ventures’) and Kat Bidstrup (CEO at Think Digital Studios). 

These extraordinary businesswomen will share their remarkable journeys to success. 

As well as offering networking opportunities with businesses actively seeking to hire women, the ThincHer Launch will also deliver free professional headshots for attendees. The Female Founder Showcase will feature groundbreaking women entrepreneurs showcasing their innovative ventures and success stories. 

ThincHer welcomes and celebrates women students from all backgrounds, faculties, and stages of their academic journey at the University of Adelaide. It is an inclusive program that recognises and values the diverse experiences, talents, and aspirations of every participant.  

“At ThincHer, we firmly believe that every woman has the potential to excel as an entrepreneur or leader. Our role is to empower and support each individual so they can unlock their full potential,” said Ms Tokic.