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 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 their stories around 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: Leadership isn’t a ladder, it’s a table. And there is room for more of us.