IWD: Meet the Women in the VNSW Team

As we continue to celebrate International Women's Day throughout March, we want to highlight some of the incredible women within our community who are leaders in their roles and champions of gender equality and empowerment in the volleyball world. Over the past few weeks, we have spotlighted Kelly and Mikaela, two outstanding VNSW staff members. This week, we wrap up our celebration of IWD by shining the spotlight on two more exceptional VNSW staff members: Bec and Diwa!

Bec and Diwa play crucial roles in the day-to-day operations of VNSW and our Sporting Schools program. We are fortunate to have them as role models within our community. Bec, who was recently named Acting CEO, and Diwa, our Participation Coordinator for the Schools program, are integral to VNSW’s success. Both women lead with vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of the sport.

As powerful role models, Bec and Diwa are breaking barriers and inspiring others to pursue leadership roles in sports. Their contributions not only strengthen VNSW but also serve as an inspiration for women in sports everywhere, proving that women in leadership positions can transform the game.

With a rich history in volleyball both in Australia and internationally, Bec brings her drive for success and her passion for the sport into her everyday work environment. When asked about being a female leader within the sport, Bec shared, “Leadership for me is about elevating those around us. By sharing our strengths, we create a foundation of confidence that empowers everyone to reach new heights.” In her role, Bec reflects on how her past experiences as a high-performance athlete, combined with her corporate experience, allow her to empower others and ensure there is space for everyone to contribute to a shared vision.

We’re excited to see Bec step into the role of Acting CEO and to witness how her leadership will elevate both our sport and our organization.

At VNSW, we take pride in supporting our staff members in their professional growth. Diwa, the youngest member of our team and our Participation Coordinator for Schools, recently graduated from the Women in Sport Leadership Program. This achievement further demonstrates her dedication to advancing women in leadership roles. Diwa was nominated for the course by the VNSW team and was supported throughout by our entire office staff. Reflecting on her experience, Diwa shared her biggest takeaways from the program:

“Initially, I entered the program with little understanding of leadership and how emotional intelligence applies in the workplace. However, the experience reshaped my perspective on communication strategies and how I interact with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public. I also gained valuable insights into practical action plans that I can apply to navigate workplace challenges, which has enhanced my confidence and clarity in problem-solving. Additionally, the program introduced me to a network of inspiring female leaders in the sports industry. We shared valuable insights, built strong professional relationships, and gained self-awareness through activities like the emotional intelligence quotient test and communication skill development. Overall, the program was truly transformative, enhancing both my professional and personal growth.”

After completing the course, Diwa is eager to apply her newfound skills and experiences to her role at Volleyball NSW. “My role involves extensive communication and interaction with colleagues, external providers, and the wider community. Through this program, I have developed deeper and more effective communication skills, which have greatly influenced how I approach daily tasks and problem-solving. It’s enhanced my ability to engage with others, navigate challenges, and make a meaningful impact in my role with Sporting Schools.”

When asked what advice she would give young women pursuing careers in sport, Diwa shared: “My advice is to stay open to opportunities, embrace continuous learning, and actively develop your interprofessional skills. I also encourage young women to be kind to themselves and others, no matter what challenges arise. Obstacles are a natural part of the journey, and seeking guidance or support from trusted mentors and peers can make a big difference. Resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to grow will pave the way for success in the sports industry.”

While our VNSW team extends beyond these two incredible women, we are proud to celebrate their achievements as well as those of all the strong and dedicated women in our sporting community. As an organization, we remain committed to working towards a more inclusive and empowering future for everyone within the volleyball community.