WOMEN & LEADERSHIP AUSTRALIA and Hort Innovation have announced a new round of scholarships for women in the horticulture sector. The scholarships will support emerging, middle and senior women leaders to undertake leadership development programs.

Funding of more than $170,000 will provide 32 scholarships valued up to 83% of standard program fees.

The funding is part of a joint effort from Women & Leadership Australia and Hort Innovation to boost women’s leadership and increase gender equity in the Horticulture sector in Australia.

Women & Leadership Australia CEO, Suzi Finkelstein, said of the program: “We are delighted to be able to offer this funding for a fifth year. This initiative has already supported 68 women across all areas of the horticulture sector, and we look forward to broadening that impact this year.

“We applaud Hort Innovation for their initiative in enabling more women to aspire to leadership goals, and their commitment to advancing gender equity in this sector.”

Hort Innovation CEO, Matt Brand, said the scholarships will help drive diversity in the horticulture sector.

“Supporting a more inclusive horticulture industry will underscore the sector’s long-term growth and sustainability. Hort Innovation is proud to be a part of this project,” said Brand.

“Our continued investment in this leadership program has been supporting women to take the lead in horticulture for the last five years.

“This is an excellent opportunity – submit your application in before 8 October,” said Brand.

Ariana Potamianakis undertook Women & Leadership Australia’s Leading Edge program in 2020, as part of this scholarship program. 

“I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Leading Edge course by Women & Leadership Australia. It came at a time where I had been feeling I needed to grow on my skills and knowledge to progress in my career, but I didn't know where to start,” said Ms Potamianakis.

“What a fantastic introduction into the world of leadership. I have gained so many skills and insights that are just so relevant and useful, personally and professionally. I feel like a different person than I was at the start, and I am so thankful.”

Expressions of interest close Friday 8 October unless allocated prior. The funding is available to women working in both levy and non-levy paying organisations.​ Applications can be made online here: https://www.wla.edu.au/horticulture.html.

This project is funded by Hort Innovation using the Hort Frontiers Leadership Fund with co-investment from Women & Leadership Australia.

Hort Innovation is the grower-owned not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is dedicated to developing female leaders and supporting the increased presence of women in business and community leadership roles. Established more than 15 years ago, and operating across all Australian States and Territories, WLA delivers development programs, industry scholarships and events that support women on their leadership journey. Underpinned by extensive research in leadership and gender equity, we respond to the learning and development needs of current and aspiring female leaders.

WLA forms part of Navitas, a leading Australian global education leader that delivers pre-university and university programs, English language courses, migrant education and settlement services, creative media education, professional development and corporate training services to more than 70,000 aspirational learners around the world.

Media enquiries:

Abby Alexander
Media & Communications Coordinator
0481 210 055
aalexander@wla.edu.au