💫 Launching WiSE: A New Chapter for Women in Strata Excellence
- kirstytrevor
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Last week marked something incredibly special for our community — not just a beautiful event, but the official launch of WiSE: Women in Strata Excellence, a new, ongoing program dedicated to elevating and supporting women across the Queensland strata sector.
While the inaugural WiSE High Tea gave us the opportunity to gather, connect and celebrate, it also signalled the beginning of something much larger — a program designed to provide continuous support, visibility and professional growth for the many incredible women in strata.
At SCAQ, we know that professional identity is a huge part of who we are. And it was important to me — and to our team — that your professional body stands proudly beside you on this journey. WiSE is about acknowledging the vital role women already play in strata — and about ensuring they have the infrastructure, community and opportunities they deserve to thrive at every stage of their career.
WiSE is rooted in the very nature of our sector — community. Because strata professionals spend their days creating and nurturing thriving communities for others — and it’s just as important that we strengthen our own professional community from within. WiSE is about turning that focus inward — creating space where women can connect, share, grow and lead — in tangible, lasting ways.
As I shared in my remarks on the day, while my own career began in the 1980s — when women were still wielding machetes to carve through the professional landscape — today’s pathway is clearer, thanks to the women who came before us. But there is still work to do. The goal of WiSE is simple: to keep widening that path for those who follow.
We were honoured to have Cat Matson — MC and keynote speaker — launch the program with her insightful talk on overcoming imposter syndrome. Cat reminded us that while we often question our place at the table, we do belong — especially in the rooms we’ve worked hard to reach. Her authenticity, humour and vulnerability resonated deeply.
I also want to sincerely thank our inaugural WiSE Steering Committee — Jenny Strong, Kristi Kinast, Sarah Price, Wendy Barnard, Gemma Davey, and Jessica Cannon — for helping shape the direction of this important program. Your passion and leadership have already made an impact.
We were also honoured to have our esteemed Life Member and Managing Director, Kerri Anthon, share her story as the first profile in our new ‘10 Storeys’ initiative — an ongoing series that will celebrate the journeys of the pioneering women in Queensland strata. Kerri’s story inspired us all, and we look forward to capturing many more.
A heartfelt thank you to our foundation sponsors — Lannock, CHU, Rochele, HumEnergy, and Productiv — whose immediate “yes” to this vision speaks volumes. Your support has helped launch WiSE and will continue to power its future.
And to every business that purchased tickets, sent team members, and embraced the launch of this program — thank you. You’ve sent a strong message that gender equity is a shared responsibility, and that women in strata deserve continued support and opportunity.
We’re also proud to share that through this first event, we raised over $1,800 for Beyond DV, helping Queensland women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. A powerful reminder that when this community comes together, it creates real impact.
WiSE is just getting started. We will continue to build out this program in the months ahead — with further networking opportunities, mentoring, leadership profiles, education sessions and advocacy designed to empower and elevate women in our sector.
Because when women feel safe, supported and seen — they don’t just survive, they lead. And when women lead, everyone rises.
We’re so proud to have launched this new chapter — and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
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