LK CONNECT

mentoring and networking program

LK Connect events continue to inform and engage our wider Loreto community of ex-students, current students, parents, past parents and friends. Our most recent evening, LK Connect: Industry Spirit in Action, highlighted the passion of our guest speakers within their industries, and displayed their ability to think outside perimeters to make a positive impact on society. In the case of Mary Darwell ('80), this passion was ignited in her days at Loreto with a visit from Mum Shirl, who worked in Redfern with Indigenous communities. Jessica Tancred ('05) shone in her role as facilitator, driving the conversation amongst our guests and providing interactive conversation and connection with their careers. Each speaker independently highlighted their career paths, and yet each path was purpose-driven, with values instilled by their Loreto education. The mutual respect and value-driven partnership enjoyed by Rebecca Barry ('91) and Madeleine Hetherton-Miau ('90) was reinforced by their common bond of a Loreto kinship, and their ability to be honest with kindness. The formation of their company, Media Stockade, enabled them to explore the world with curiosity across a broad range of subjects, to reflect back to their audience and inspire others. Our Loreto spirit was evident with our youngest alumnae, Tara Rigney ('17) and Ella Walburn ('15), who continue to explore opportunities and take risks to achieve personal growth. We were delighted to celebrate the achievements of Tara as a young rowing Olympian, and someone to watch in the future. And when asked what the highlight of her Olympic dream in Tokyo was, she deflected from herself and responded, ‘Meeting Ash Barty’! Ella is a product of our Mentor-Mentee connection who was encouraged to research and explore different paths to support her goal of working with Indigenous communities in Broome.

INDUSTRY spirit IN ACTION FACILITATOR JESSICA TANCRED ('05) is a communication expert with more than ten years’ experience as a radio and television reporter and producer, now working in corporate communications.

MARY DARWELL (‘80) is a public sector leader and previous CEO of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Arts NSW.

REBECCA BARRY (‘91) & MADELEINE HETHERTON-MIAU (‘90) Rebecca and Madeleine are the founders of Media Stockade. They are also producers and directors. Media Stockade’s aim is to facilitate impactful stories, share them with an audience and create measurable change.

TARA RIGNEY (‘17) competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, placing 7th in the world in the Women's Double Scull. Tara is currently studying Commerce at the University of Sydney.

ELLA WALBURN (’15) is a gallery and marketing assistant at the Short St Gallery, Broome, which features art sourced from remote First Nations' communities.

For further information about LK Connect please contact Debbie Henry or Antoinette Darin Phone +61 2 9957 4722 or email lkconnect@loreto.nsw.edu.au