There are women across Canberra doing extraordinary work that most of us never hear about.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day 2026, Jade Warne (Small Business Growth Club) and Jo Tarnawsky (This is Leadership) decided to do something about that. They issued a call-out on social media inviting applications from Canberra women whose impact was real, but rarely showcased.

The invitation was simple: You didn’t need to be a CEO. You didn’t need honours or letters after your name. What mattered was the work you were doing and that you had a story worth hearing.

Applications poured in from Canberra women working across business, science, advocacy, community leadership, the arts, public service and beyond - reinforcing just how many powerful, under-recognised stories are shaping this city every day.

The women who were selected gathered at Offshoot Studio on a hot Friday afternoon in February for a photo session to help amplify those stories in the lead-up to IWD 2026.

Jade – who has photographed global leaders including Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris - donated her time and talent to the project. Each participant received professional portraits and visual assets to help support their work long after 8 March.

Their individual stories are being amplified on digital platforms and local networks around International Women’s Day. They will be showcased further at an in-person event in Canberra at the end of March.

Here are the portraits of the women and the stories Canberra should know.

Because Jo and Jade both believe that leadership isn’t a ladder, it’s a table. And there is room for more of us.