Canberra Women You Should Know:
Changemakers & Innovators
Canberra is full of women building things: communities, movements, businesses, platforms, safe spaces, creative worlds.
Here are some of the fabulous Canberra women who were selected for our IWD 2026 Canberra Photo Project.
Different sectors. Different stages. Different stories. But all shaping Canberra’s cultural, social and creative landscape - often without fanfare. They work across sport, science communication, education technology, humanitarian programs, creative industries, Indigenous advocacy, entrepreneurship and community wellbeing.
Some are founders. Some are advocates. Some are artists. Some are organisers. All of them are amazing!
Mijica Lus
Mijica Lus is a Papua New Guinean woman living in Canberra, working as a community organiser, social scientist, and volunteer. Her work focuses on community-led advocacy, youth leadership, and strengthening the connection between lived experience and public policy, particularly for First Nations and Pasifika communities.
If you follow Mijica on social media, you will soon see how active she is in the Canberra community - volunteering at the ACT Food Bank, Lifeline Bookfair, and the Multicultural Festival. She also works on areas of adult learning and emergency settlement in Australia, and serves on the Youth Advisory Group on the Sir David Martin Foundation which helps young people in crisis.
Mijica says:
“I’m motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to community and to the generations that come after us. I believe leadership is not about visibility or titles, but about service, trust, and accountability. Everything I do is grounded in culture, relationships, and the belief that real change comes from listening deeply and acting collectively.”
“When the work felt hard and invisible, it was my family and my community that sustained me. Elders, aunties, uncles, mentors, fellow volunteers, other young people and women, especially women of colour who reminded me why the work mattered even when progress felt slow. Support didn’t always come in formal ways. Sometimes it was quiet encouragement, shared stories, or someone reminding me to rest….That collective care is the reason I’m still here, still organising, and still hopeful.”
“You don’t need to be visible to be valuable. Some of the most important work happens quietly, without recognition or reward. Leadership can look like service, consistency, and care, especially when no one is watching.”
“This International Women’s Day, I hope people remember that when we invest in community, centre lived experience, and show up for one another, meaningful change becomes possible.
Isha Singhal
Isha Singhal is a womens sports advocate who is trying to shine a light on female athletes. She runs her own Womens football-focused digital platforms that average 2 million views monthly, and regularly contributes to sports media conversations on national television.
Isha has been a volunteer when she was 8 years old. She is a board director and youth adviser for UN Women and World Economic Forum.
She really values the support she gets from the womens sports community. “They’re the people who say my name in rooms I’m not in, who I can call for advice, who will stand up for the right thing.”
And Isha certainly has some loyal fans. One of the other applicants for the photo shoot knew that Isha was applying. Knowing that numbers may be limited, they added a note to their application: if there isn’t space for both of us, please pick Isha – she’s amazing!
Isha says:
“Keep fighting the good fight. It’s an era of unprecedented change, but small boats can make big waves”
Isabel Richards &
Ella McCarthy
Isabel Richards and Ella McCarthy combine science and pop culture. They have a bold Gen-Z science communication start-up and run a podcast called “Sci-Burst” which brings STEM to non-experts via movies, tv shows, books, games, art and music.
Ella is a science communicator, researcher, cyberneticist, communication specialist, and podcaster at the Australian National University. She is determined to combat climate anxiety through creating more accessible information tools, advocating for policy change, and sharing hopeful stories for the future.
Isabel is a Science Communicator and Cyberneticist transforming the way science and technology are integrated with society in the 21st century. She brings complex scientific ideas, critical thinking, next-gen perspectives and hopeful, sustainable futures to non-experts. “Think Pokemon science + renewable technologies!”
Isabel & Ella say:
“We do it all because we believe that science is for everyone, no matter your level of expertise, your gender identity, or your background, and shouldn’t be gatekept.”
“Your biggest dreams are possible and a bright, equitable future is possible. And if you think you’re too small to make a difference in building this future, remember this gem from anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” So become defiantly hopeful, keep on creating, and continue making your work visible!”
Lauren Cannell
Lauren Cannell is the Founder of Educación Diversa, a not-for-profit community of international humanitarians who volunteer their time to provide art-based programs that teach human rights, sexual and reproductive health and peaceful conflict resolution that works in underdeveloped and developing countries.
She is also the Founder of Artfullness, a social enterprise that aims to reform the mental health sector with non-clinical art programs that teach people about neuroscience, emotional intelligence and social inclusion.
Lauren also sits on the Policy Advisory Group for Women with Disabilities ACT and is on the Board of Build Like a Girl.
She has plans this year to launch a sports puberty program so girls don’t feel like they need to quit sport or be uncomfortable as they grow.
Lauren’s thoughts this International Women’s Day:
“Considering gender equality is at least 100 years away, please celebrate women and work towards gender equality every day, not just today when it’s trendy.”
Jennifer Cowley
Meet Jennifer Cowley. Public servant by day, fashion designer by night, currently on maternity leave.
Jenn has a clothing line called “Peak Women” which focuses on practical, feminine and empowering design elements. Jenn believes many women lack confidence at work, often keeping them from accessing pay rises, promotions and other opportunities. And that confidence is not a personality trait but a skill that can be built.
Using the psychology of clothing, Peak Women designs suits and t-shirts that help women to stand out for all the right reasons. The “Confidence Blazer” has positive affirmations sewn into the lining. There is also a range of gender equality t-shirts and empowering tees which read “I am in my confident era” and “I am fierce, confident and unstoppable.”
Jennifer says:
“It has taken a long time for me to realise that I have something to offer others while I struggled with my own imposter syndrome. We all need support to work through these negative thoughts. I would never have gotten to this point in my own career without the network of amazing women that support me everyday. It is this mutual support and connection that help me get out of bed on the rough days and fill my cup to the very top on the good days.”
“Together is how we succeed.”
Leonie Dawson
Leonie Dawson is a wildly-creative artist and self-described hippy, who embraces difference, creativity and joy.
She is also the founder of the Unicorn Biz and Life Academy, and has a podcast called “The Leonie Dawson Show”. She is also the globally best-selling author of the ‘My Brilliant Year’ goals workbooks.
Leonie is inclusive and colourful – she will light up any room!
Her website promotes resources for autism, LGBTQIA!, mental health, disability and racism.
Leonie says:
“Whatever makes you tick. Whatever your lifestyle looks like. However you decide to parent. Whatever choices YOU make in life. Please know it really is ok if you don’t fit into this tiny, tiny box of what is considered normal.”
“I will joyfully and happily talk about the most painful experiences of my life if it means you feel less alone.”
Ina Jalil
Ina is a Pet Photographer, who has a book series called “Tails of Canberra”- a dog’s guide to the nation’s capital.
When she was 8 years old, Ina needed life-saving surgery for a brain tumour. It was unavailable in Indonesia where she was born, so her father found a way to bring her to Australia for the operation.
Ina now calls Australia home and spends her days capturing the bond between pets and their people. For many Canberrans, a key part of the family!
Ina says:
“Living in Canberra didn’t just save my life – it gave me the opportunity to build a life filled with love, connection and purpose.”
Eleri Harris
Eleri Harris is a cartoonist and feminist history tour guide with She Shapes History. Last year, she published a book called “A Loo of One’s Own” about the first women in Parliament.
Eleri loves drawing tiny pictures in her studio at Gorman Arts Centre, playing make-believe with her kids and walking in the bush.
She is currently adapting Picnic at Hanging Rock as a graphic novel for the National Library of Australia and working on a different graphic novel about climate change with painter Ben Quilty and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Eleri says:
“Lift up those around you, communities of women can do incredible things together.”
Cecilia McKenzie
A proud Wiradjuri woman and First Nations advocate, Cecilia McKenzie is a dedicated connector and educator who is passionate about self determination, and learning from the past to inform a better future. Driven by a desire to empower others, Cecilia leans into her lived experience to inspire and inform with stories of recovery and renewal.
Cecilia is a classically trained vocalist who has performed on multiple stages across Australia, using the power of story and song for conveying hope and sharing perspectives.
Cecilia explains:
“I wear many hats. Mother, Daughter wife, friend and advocate. My work and my life are guided by Yindyamarra. Yindyamarra is a Wiradjuri way of being. It calls me to move with respect, to speak truth with care, and to act with strength and restraint. It reminds me that leadership is not about force. It is about integrity. It is about walking gently but standing firm.
As an Aboriginal woman and domestic and family violence advocate, I carry both lived experience and professional responsibility into every space I enter. The work is complex. It asks us to hold grief, truth and accountability while still believing deeply in healing and change. For me, Yindyamarra shapes how I advocate. It means challenging systems while leaning into my humanity. It means centring culture and community in conversations about reform. It means remembering that lasting change grows from connection to Country, to each other, and to our values.
On International Women’s Day, I honour the women who have carried this work with strength and courage. And I recommit to walking this path in a way that reflects who I am grounded, purposeful and guided by culture.”
Beya Babyack
Beya Babyack is a Canberra-based makeup artist, creative director and emerging filmmaker. The heart of her work is helping people feel seen in their truest form.
Beya is currently building a business called StyleShoot, which brings makeup, photography and visual storytelling together to amplify identity - particularly for members of the LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC community. She works with performers, actors, drag artists, young creatives and everyday people who may not always feel represented in mainstream media, and creates spaces where they can step in front of the camera feeling powerful, celebrated and safe.
Beya says:
“Why this work matters to me is simple: visibility changes lives. The right image can help someone recognise their own beauty, claim space, or feel like their story deserves to be told. I want my career to contribute to a creative industry where more kinds of people are reflected, uplifted and given permission to shine.”
“None of what I’m building is done alone. It’s built on community, generosity and women showing up for each other.”
‘When we choose to lift each other up instead of compete, we create spaces where everyone is allowed to be seen.”
“Celebrate what makes you different. Don’t shrink it, soften it, or hide it. Your uniqueness is not something to cover up, it’s your magic.”
Lyndal Lammers
Lyndal Lammers is the founder of Mums Exercise Group Australia (MEGA Mums) - a not-for-profit, community-based fitness and support network for mums which does great work around connection, mental health, and support.
What started almost 12 years ago as a local mums walk has grown into branches across Canberra, Illawarra and Cairns, connecting mums through exercise, social events and volunteer-led programs.
Lyndall says:
“MEGA Mums isn’t just about exercise - it’s about mental health, connection, confidence and giving mums a place where they feel seen during one of the most isolating seasons of life… No Mum should feel like she has to do this alone.”
“With the rise in depression and anxiety among mothers, it’s a real reminder that spaces like this aren’t just “nice to have” - they’re needed. Most of all, it’s seeing the impact in real life. Watching a mum arrive unsure and leave smiling. Seeing friendships form. Hearing someone say they finally feel like themselves again. And seeing kids copy their mums, turning workouts into imaginative play, growing up watching strong, connected women take care of themselves. Knowing it’s making a difference - even in small ways - makes the hard days worth it.”
“We are not meant to do life alone. Community isn’t a luxury - it’s essential. When women support each other, share knowledge, open doors and stand together, we all rise. Connection builds confidence. Support builds strength. And when women thrive, families, workplaces and communities thrive too. Stronger together - always.”
Monisha Sami
Monisha Sami is a criminologist and the builder of StoryCloud, an Australian education tech company for safe digital learning in early learning centres. Her background in research, science and policy shapes how she thinks about prevention, systems, and early intervention.
Monisha wants to help build systems that reduce the burden for educators while creating safer and more equitable early learning experiences for children, particularly in under-resourced and regional communities.
Alongside the technology, she is also developing Storyland, a magical story world designed to support young children’s learning, curiosity, and social-emotional development in a way that feels engaging and fun.
Monisha says:
“What keeps me steady is an unwavering belief that this work matters and is bigger than any one person.”
“We’re often led to believe that progress has to be loud and fast, but in my experience, the work that creates real impact is usually slower and more deliberate. Building something meaningful requires trust, consistency, and a willingness to move sustainably over the long term.”
“One thing I’ve learned, particularly in the early stages, is how important it is to protect your own capacity and mental health while you build. Impact work is a marathon, not a sprint - which is something I'm working on, as I'm still relatively new to foundership. It’s still early days for us, but I’m confident we’re building something that truly matters.”
Shalini Hansraj
Shalini Hansraj is the founder of Her iLink - a not-for-profit, transformative platform dedicated to uplifting vulnerable and socially disadvantaged women across all backgrounds and life stages.
Shalini started her career as a teacher. She also works with diverse communities, including for English language mentoring.
Shalini says:
“My purpose to uplift women and my unwavering willingness to show up and serve, keeps me going. Even when the work feels invisible, I know the impact is quietly changing lives.”
“Kindness is power. Lift, support, and cheer for the women around you, together, we rise higher.”