Why This Scholarship Matters
Why This Scholarship Matters
Delivering a program to woman who need support to go further.
Talent exists everywhere. Opportunity does not.
Across Australia, young migrant and refugee women are building businesses, creating culture, and leading change in their communities.
Their ambition is clear. Their potential is undeniable. Yet the pathways to leadership, investment, and professional opportunity remain uneven. In Her Name exists to change that.
Grounded in the legacy of Carla Zampatti AC and delivered by the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the program invests in the leadership, visibility, and economic mobility of young women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
When talent is supported early, the impact reaches far beyond individual success.
Talent exists everywhere. Opportunity does not.
Across Australia, young migrant and refugee women are building businesses, creating culture, and leading change in their communities.
Their ambition is clear. Their potential is undeniable. Yet the pathways to leadership, investment, and professional opportunity remain uneven. In Her Name exists to change that.
Grounded in the legacy of Carla Zampatti AC and delivered by the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the program invests in the leadership, visibility, and economic mobility of young women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
When talent is supported early, the impact reaches far beyond individual success.
What the research shows
Research shows that young migrant and refugee women across Australia are highly ambitious and actively building careers, businesses, and creative work. Yet many face barriers that limit access to opportunity, including financial constraints, limited professional networks, geographic disadvantage, and the non recognition of overseas qualifications.
Evidence also shows that when migrants are supported to work at their qualified skill levels, Australia’s economy benefits significantly.
The conclusion is clear. Talent exists across every community, but opportunity is not equally accessible. Investing in the leadership of young multicultural women strengthens Australia’s social and economic future.
What the research shows
Research shows that young migrant and refugee women across Australia are highly ambitious and actively building careers, businesses, and creative work. Yet many face barriers that limit access to opportunity, including financial constraints, limited professional networks, geographic disadvantage, and the non recognition of overseas qualifications.
Evidence also shows that when migrants are supported to work at their qualified skill levels, Australia’s economy benefits significantly.
The conclusion is clear. Talent exists across every community, but opportunity is not equally accessible. Investing in the leadership of young multicultural women strengthens Australia’s social and economic future.
A story behind
the data
A story behind
the data
Behind every statistic is a woman building something of her own.
For many applicants, the path to opportunity involves navigating barriers others never have to consider. Financial constraints, limited networks, and the absence of role models in leadership remain common challenges.
Yet ambition remains strong.
“I went to YouTube and read about Carla Zampatti. I learned how she started and then I said, if she can do this, why not me?”
Natacha Adanlessossi, 2022 scholarship recipient
This belief sits at the heart of In Her Name. When opportunity exists, leadership becomes possible.
Behind every statistic is a woman building something of her own.
For many applicants, the path to opportunity involves navigating barriers others never have to consider. Financial constraints, limited networks, and the absence of role models in leadership remain common challenges.
Yet ambition remains strong.
“I went to YouTube and read about Carla Zampatti. I learned how she started and then I said, if she can do this, why not me?”
Natacha Adanlessossi, 2022 scholarship recipient
This belief sits at the heart of In Her Name. When opportunity exists, leadership becomes possible.
How In Her Name creates change
In Her Name combines funding, mentorship, networks, and long term community support to remove barriers and unlock opportunity.
Investment
Each year, In Her Name awards ten thousand dollar scholarships that invest in women to pursue education, launch businesses, and develop creative work.
For many recipients, this funding provides the runway to turn ambition into action.
Community
Through mentorship, peer networks, and an active alumni program, scholars gain access to relationships and support systems that are often missing for first generation women.
This community ensures women do not navigate their professional journeys alone.
Empowerment
Through mentorship, visibility, and industry access, In Her Name equips scholars with the confidence and resources to lead on their own terms.
The result is a generation of women shaping Australia’s future across business, creative industries, health, and community leadership.
In Her Name combines funding, mentorship, networks, and long term community support to remove barriers and unlock opportunity.
Investment
Each year, In Her Name awards ten thousand dollar scholarships that invest in women to pursue education, launch businesses, and develop creative work.
For many recipients, this funding provides the runway to turn ambition into action.
Community
Through mentorship, peer networks, and an active alumni program, scholars gain access to relationships and support systems that are often missing for first generation women.
This community ensures women do not navigate their professional journeys alone.
Empowerment
Through mentorship, visibility, and industry access, In Her Name equips scholars with the confidence and resources to lead on their own terms.
The result is a generation of women shaping Australia’s future across business, creative industries, health, and community leadership.
Ambition is not the problem
Ambition is not the problem
Young migrant and refugee women represent an immense and underutilised source of leadership and economic potential in Australia.
88% percent of culturally diverse women surveyed say they are highly ambitious and aspire to senior leadership roles.
Australia’s economy could grow by an estimated 9 billion dollars annually if migrants were supported to work at their qualified skill levels.
Yet the gap between ambition and opportunity remains significant.
67% percent of women humanitarian entrants who previously worked as professionals remain out of paid work even after ten years in Australia.
The ambition exists.
The access does not.
Young migrant and refugee women represent an immense and underutilised source of leadership and economic potential in Australia.
88% percent of culturally diverse women surveyed say they are highly ambitious and aspire to senior leadership roles.
Australia’s economy could grow by an estimated 9 billion dollars annually if migrants were supported to work at their qualified skill levels.
Yet the gap between ambition and opportunity remains significant.
67% percent of women humanitarian entrants who previously worked as professionals remain out of paid work even after ten years in Australia.
The ambition exists.
The access does not.
Ambition is not the problem
Young migrant and refugee women represent an immense and underutilised source of leadership and economic potential in Australia.
88% percent of culturally diverse women surveyed say they are highly ambitious and aspire to senior leadership roles.
Australia’s economy could grow by an estimated 9 billion dollars annually if migrants were supported to work at their qualified skill levels.
Yet the gap between ambition and opportunity remains significant.
67% percent of women humanitarian entrants who previously worked as professionals remain out of paid work even after ten years in Australia.
The ambition exists.
The access does not.
Barriers are structural
Financial strain
For many young migrant and refugee women, barriers to opportunity are not about ability. They are about access and the external pressures placed on their journey.
Financial strain is often the first barrier. Many aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives lack the funding needed to launch businesses, pursue education, or develop their work.
Structural barriers
Structural barriers also limit opportunity. Limited professional networks, non recognition of overseas qualifications, and pressure to adapt to Western leadership norms continue to restrict access to industries and decision making spaces.
These barriers are often compounded by structural racism, which continues to shape who is seen, supported, and given access to opportunity in many industries.
Geography
Geography adds another challenge. Women living in outer metropolitan and regional communities face a distance penalty that limits access to mentorship, employment, and professional infrastructure.
Social weight
Many women also carry significant social weight. Supporting family members, navigating cultural expectations, and balancing community responsibilities often happen alongside building their careers.
These barriers are systemic. They require systemic solutions.
Financial strain
For many young migrant and refugee women, barriers to opportunity are not about ability. They are about access and the external pressures placed on their journey.
Financial strain is often the first barrier. Many aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives lack the funding needed to launch businesses, pursue education, or develop their work.
Structural barriers
Structural barriers also limit opportunity. Limited professional networks, non recognition of overseas qualifications, and pressure to adapt to Western leadership norms continue to restrict access to industries and decision making spaces.
These barriers are often compounded by structural racism, which continues to shape who is seen, supported, and given access to opportunity in many industries.
Geography
Geography adds another challenge. Women living in outer metropolitan and regional communities face a distance penalty that limits access to mentorship, employment, and professional infrastructure.
Social weight
Many women also carry significant social weight. Supporting family members, navigating cultural expectations, and balancing community responsibilities often happen alongside building their careers.
These barriers are systemic. They require systemic solutions.
Financial strain
For many young migrant and refugee women, barriers to opportunity are not about ability. They are about access and the external pressures placed on their journey.
Financial strain is often the first barrier. Many aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives lack the funding needed to launch businesses, pursue education, or develop their work.
Structural barriers
Structural barriers also limit opportunity. Limited professional networks, non recognition of overseas qualifications, and pressure to adapt to Western leadership norms continue to restrict access to industries and decision making spaces.
These barriers are often compounded by structural racism, which continues to shape who is seen, supported, and given access to opportunity in many industries.
Geography
Geography adds another challenge. Women living in outer metropolitan and regional communities face a distance penalty that limits access to mentorship, employment, and professional infrastructure.
Social weight
Many women also carry significant social weight. Supporting family members, navigating cultural expectations, and balancing community responsibilities often happen alongside building their careers.
These barriers are systemic. They require systemic solutions.
Why early investment matters
In Her Name focuses on women aged eighteen to thirty five, a critical stage when careers, businesses, and leadership pathways begin to take shape.
Early investment creates that runway.
By combining funding, mentorship, networks, and visibility, In Her Name ensures young women are not navigating their professional journeys alone.
In Her Name focuses on women aged eighteen to thirty five, a critical stage when careers, businesses, and leadership pathways begin to take shape.
Early investment creates that runway.
By combining funding, mentorship, networks, and visibility, In Her Name ensures young women are not navigating their professional journeys alone.
Why early investment matters
In Her Name focuses on women aged eighteen to thirty five, a critical stage when careers, businesses, and leadership pathways begin to take shape.
Early investment creates that runway.
By combining funding, mentorship, networks, and visibility, In Her Name ensures young women are not navigating their professional journeys alone.
Who we reach
In Her Name reaches women navigating some of the most complex barriers to opportunity in Australia.
85% percent of applicants have been first generation migrant or refugee women.
Nearly 74% percent live in outer metropolitan or regional communities where access to professional networks is limited.
The largest group of applicants are aged 20 - 24, highlighting the importance and demand of investing in leadership early.
These are women launching businesses, developing creative work, and driving community change.
In Her Name reaches women navigating some of the most complex barriers to opportunity in Australia.
85% percent of applicants have been first generation migrant or refugee women.
Nearly 74% percent live in outer metropolitan or regional communities where access to professional networks is limited.
The largest group of applicants are aged 20 - 24, highlighting the importance and demand of investing in leadership early.
These are women launching businesses, developing creative work, and driving community change.
Who we reach
In Her Name reaches women navigating some of the most complex barriers to opportunity in Australia.
85% percent of applicants have been first generation migrant or refugee women.
Nearly 74% percent live in outer metropolitan or regional communities where access to professional networks is limited.
The largest group of applicants are aged 20 - 24, highlighting the importance and demand of investing in leadership early.
These are women launching businesses, developing creative work, and driving community change.
How the scholarship works
How the scholarship works
In Her Name is designed to remove the barriers that prevent talented women from realising their ambitions. The program combines financial investment with mentorship, professional networks, and long term community support.
Funding removes immediate financial barriers.
Mentorship provides guidance and professional insight.
Networks open access to industries and opportunities often hidden from first generation communities.
The alumni community ensures support continues long after the scholarship year ends.
In Her Name is designed to remove the barriers that prevent talented women from realising their ambitions. The program combines financial investment with mentorship, professional networks, and long term community support.
Funding removes immediate financial barriers.
Mentorship provides guidance and professional insight.
Networks open access to industries and opportunities often hidden from first generation communities.
The alumni community ensures support continues long after the scholarship year ends.
In Her Name is designed to remove the barriers that prevent talented women from realising their ambitions. The program combines financial investment with mentorship, professional networks, and long term community support.
Funding removes immediate financial barriers.
Mentorship provides guidance and professional insight.
Networks open access to industries and opportunities often hidden from first generation communities.
The alumni community ensures support continues long after the scholarship year ends.
Demand is growing
Demand for targeted support continues to grow, there has been a three-fold increase in reach over the last three years.
This growth reflects a clear demand for investment in the next generation of multicultural women leaders.
For scholarship recipients, the program changes what is possible. Recipients have used the funding and mentorship to launch businesses, develop creative work, gain industry experience, and build professional networks.
“It provided the financial support and mentorship I needed to finally launch BN Collective.”
Bellamore Ndayikeze, 2023 Recipient
“The scholarship offered networking opportunities and the chance to intern at Carla Zampatti HQ.”
Sofia Abel, 2022 Recipient
“My life is totally different now. I have my own small business and I am proud of myself.”
Natacha Adanlessossi, 2022 Recipient
Demand for targeted support continues to grow, there has been a three-fold increase in reach over the last three years.
This growth reflects a clear demand for investment in the next generation of multicultural women leaders.
For scholarship recipients, the program changes what is possible. Recipients have used the funding and mentorship to launch businesses, develop creative work, gain industry experience, and build professional networks.
“It provided the financial support and mentorship I needed to finally launch BN Collective.”
Bellamore Ndayikeze, 2023 Recipient
“The scholarship offered networking opportunities and the chance to intern at Carla Zampatti HQ.”
Sofia Abel, 2022 Recipient
“My life is totally different now. I have my own small business and I am proud of myself.”
Natacha Adanlessossi, 2022 Recipient
Demand for targeted support continues to grow, there has been a three-fold increase in reach over the last three years.
This growth reflects a clear demand for investment in the next generation of multicultural women leaders.
For scholarship recipients, the program changes what is possible. Recipients have used the funding and mentorship to launch businesses, develop creative work, gain industry experience, and build professional networks.
“It provided the financial support and mentorship I needed to finally launch BN Collective.”
Bellamore Ndayikeze, 2023 Recipient
“The scholarship offered networking opportunities and the chance to intern at Carla Zampatti HQ.”
Sofia Abel, 2022 Recipient
“My life is totally different now. I have my own small business and I am proud of myself.”
Natacha Adanlessossi, 2022 Recipient
A community that lasts
In Her Name is built on the belief that progress is collective.
Beyond the scholarship year, recipients remain connected through the In Her Name Alumni Program.
This growing network allows women to continue collaborating, learning, and supporting one another as their careers evolve.
Through mentorship, professional workshops, and leadership opportunities, alumni return to the program as mentors and role models for the next generation.
This is how the platform grows. Through community, collaboration, and shared investment in one another’s success.
In Her Name is built on the belief that progress is collective.
Beyond the scholarship year, recipients remain connected through the In Her Name Alumni Program.
This growing network allows women to continue collaborating, learning, and supporting one another as their careers evolve.
Through mentorship, professional workshops, and leadership opportunities, alumni return to the program as mentors and role models for the next generation.
This is how the platform grows. Through community, collaboration, and shared investment in one another’s success.
A community that lasts
In Her Name is built on the belief that progress is collective.
Beyond the scholarship year, recipients remain connected through the In Her Name Alumni Program.
This growing network allows women to continue collaborating, learning, and supporting one another as their careers evolve.
Through mentorship, professional workshops, and leadership opportunities, alumni return to the program as mentors and role models for the next generation.
This is how the platform grows. Through community, collaboration, and shared investment in one another’s success.
The future we are building
In Her Name is about more than individual achievement.
It is about building a future where young migrant and refugee women are recognised as leaders, innovators, and decision makers across Australia’s industries and communities.
By investing in women early through funding, mentorship, networks, and visibility, the program creates pathways that might not otherwise exist.
When women are empowered, communities grow stronger.
When communities collaborate and share opportunity, the future becomes more inclusive, innovative, and resilient for everyone.
In Her Name is about more than individual achievement.
It is about building a future where young migrant and refugee women are recognised as leaders, innovators, and decision makers across Australia’s industries and communities.
By investing in women early through funding, mentorship, networks, and visibility, the program creates pathways that might not otherwise exist.
When women are empowered, communities grow stronger.
When communities collaborate and share opportunity, the future becomes more inclusive, innovative, and resilient for everyone.
The future we are building
In Her Name is about more than individual achievement.
It is about building a future where young migrant and refugee women are recognised as leaders, innovators, and decision makers across Australia’s industries and communities.
By investing in women early through funding, mentorship, networks, and visibility, the program creates pathways that might not otherwise exist.
When women are empowered, communities grow stronger.
When communities collaborate and share opportunity, the future becomes more inclusive, innovative, and resilient for everyone.