Empowering the next generation

LL WOMEN ’ S COLLEGE students in their third year (or higher) of university study have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor. Our benchmark program draws on our 4,000 active alumnae to create around 90 relationships each year. Most mentors are recently established in their careers and able to offer support and guidance to young women about to embark on their own career paths.

In 2022 Leyla Meharg’s mentor was Dr Alison Gee, an experienced IVF researcher and clinician. Alison is the Head of the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and a fertility specialist at Genea. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney in 1994 and undertook the Master of Reproductive Health and Human Genetics before becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

The relationships built between mentors and mentees give our students an insight into what their lives and careers might look like once they finish university. They are also some of the most valuable ways through which alumnae can sustain their connection with College while making a real difference in the lives of enthusiastic, likeminded young people.

Alison said of the experience, ‘Leyla is an intelligent, engaging and very talented young woman who it was a pleasure and a privilege to connect with through the Women’s College mentoring program. As a University Medallist Leyla can be so proud of her achievements – I am really looking forward to seeing where Leyla’s career takes her in the future’.

Head of the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and a fertility specialist at Genea

Studied Science and Advanced Studies, majoring in physiology and biology. Recipient of the University Medal in 2022 for her research into IVF

PH oTo GRAPHY BY SHAWN ee TURN e R