Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship: A Message from the Chief Student Entrepreneur
By Onnie Chan, Masters student at The University of Adelaide, Chief Student Entrepreneur and leader of the ThincHer blog writing team.
Hello everyone. I'm Onnie, and I'm excited to embark on a journey of empowerment and advocacy as the newly appointed Chief Student Entrepreneur for 2023. While my role has just begun, my passion for fostering an inclusive environment that fuels growth and success is unwavering. Allow me to share my aspirations and vision for the future of women's entrepreneurship through ThincHer.
The ThincHer launch event held at the Bonython Hall was a remarkable occasion that set the stage for a movement aimed at driving positive change. To the 600+ individuals who joined us, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your presence signified not just an event, but the beginning of a transformative journey towards gender equality in entrepreneurship. ThincHer's essence lies in its commitment to empowering women and providing them with the tools to thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs.
As I stood before the crowd and accepted the role of Chief Student Entrepreneur, I felt an immense sense of responsibility and eagerness to contribute. While I may be at the beginning of this journey, my vision is clear: to create an inclusive environment where everyone can flourish. I understand that gender equality isn't just a concept; it's a crucial component of building a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. I'm dedicated to advocating for gender equality, addressing the unique challenges that entrepreneurial women face, and supporting initiatives that nurture diversity and inclusion. Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword – it's a fundamental principle that drives innovation and success. The entrepreneurial landscape is enriched when diverse perspectives are welcomed, respected, and nurtured. Through ThincHer, I aim to pave the way for women to thrive, irrespective of their background, experiences, or circumstances. This vision extends beyond business; it encompasses personal growth, empowerment, and the ability to create lasting change.
Listening to the voices of participants at the event, I was moved by the impact ThincHer has already had:
Shreya Singh beautifully captured the essence, "It was really nice to meet people and see how many women entrepreneurs are here promoting their events and businesses. It’s really inspiring."
Brooke Wong's words resonated deeply, "I enjoyed being in contact with companies and more experienced students at the university. It helps to show how many things that women can do in the workforce."
Megan Moon's thoughts on self-improvement struck a chord, "I think sometimes myself, and I also know that sometimes other women struggle with assertiveness. So, you kind of see those infographics about instead of saying sorry, these are ways to assert yourself. I think just those little things can be a good way for women to learn to better themselves."
Paola Antunes highlighted the importance of a strong community, suggesting, "It would be great if such events were held twice a year. This would give us more opportunities to connect with each other and build a strong community for female university students."
These insights reaffirm the need for a community that fosters growth, support, and empowerment. While I may be the Chief Student Entrepreneur, this community's strength lies in each of us coming together to create an ecosystem that propels women forward.
As we look ahead, I want to invite you to the upcoming ThincHer masterclasses. ThincHer masterclasses are an opportunity to unlock your potential, gain insights into your unique strengths, and amplify your confidence. It's a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. After the resounding success of "Thinc Like a Powerful Woman," we're gearing up for our next adventure: "Thinc Like an Entrepreneur." In this upcoming masterclass, we will explore entrepreneurship and equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the ever-changing business landscape.
In a world where women break barriers and reshape industries, ThincHer stands as a beacon of empowerment and support. These masterclasses are just the beginning – opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive as powerful women in the entrepreneurial landscape. I am genuinely excited about this journey, and I can't wait to share it with each and every one of you.
Here's to embracing our strengths, seizing opportunities, and redefining success. Let's Thinc like the powerful women we are.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Onnie