The focus of this year’s International Women’s Day is to #InspireInclusion, which is something that SuniTAFE Board Director Leesa Merrett has long been passionate about. 

Ms Merrett joined the SuniTAFE Board in 2023, after 20 years working predominantly in the public sector. 

“The roles I’ve had over the past 20 years have included supporting and developing partnerships across many different groups,” Ms Merrett said. 

“My passion for community engagement through large scale art projects has opened up opportunities for inclusive partnerships and align strongly with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day of Inspire Inclusion.”

The 2024 SuniTAFE Board boasts strong gender parity which indicates the positive changes that have occurred in workplaces in recent years. 

“The SuniTAFE Board is made up of some extremely accomplished and inspirational women, I am very lucky to be able to work with our directors and executives,” Ms Merrett said. 

“Early in my career working in the public sector, I found myself in a very male dominated environment, so to now have equal representation shows how far we have moved in not only the education sector but across many areas in the public sector.

“I’m a strong advocate for representation across many different groups, not just gender, ensuring we truly represent our communities, including neurodiverse, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), First Nations, and all abilities communities.”

Ms Merrett’s experience in industry is an asset to her role as Board Director.

“I’ve established strong connections across many sectors in the region and I’m an advocate for inclusive access to services, including education,” she said. 

“I’m also an advocate for working closely with a wide range of community and industry groups to ensure partnerships are strengthened and create equal access to services, facilities, and the local natural environment.” 

Ultimately, Ms Merrett’s decision to join the SuniTAFE Board stems from her dedication to making 
“The opportunity to be part of the organisation and be able to shape our region’s educational and economic future is exciting, and something I’m really passionate about,” Ms Merrett said. 

“The services and benefits SuniTAFE brings to our community are enormous, and plays a huge role in shaping our future workforce. 

“Working with the community through my roles to better understand its needs is something I’m passionate about and having an opportunity to make a positive contribution through the SuniTAFE Board is an amazing opportunity.” 

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