Seventeen female educators have recently stepped into leadership roles at Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), with many beneficiaries of an in-house development program.
BCE Acting People and Culture Executive Colin O’Neill said the Women in Leadership program had supported more than 100 women since its inception in 2021.
Mr O’Neill said in the year leading up to International Women’s Day (March 8), 17 female educators had been appointed to Principalship or Heads of Campus roles.
He said among the group, eight had taken part in the bespoke initiative, which aimed to empower, inspire, and elevate aspiring female leaders across BCE’s seven offices and 146 schools.
“Since its inception in 2021, this program has empowered 107 women to step forward with confidence, equipped with the skills and support to lead.”
Program participant Bianca Murphy, the new Principal at Holy Spirit School, New Farm said it was a defining moment in her career.
Ms Murphy said the mentorship, networking, and exposure to diverse leadership perspectives encouraged her to reflect on her own aspirations and strengths as an educator.
“Most importantly, it reinforced the idea that leadership is about service—about creating opportunities for students and staff to grow, thrive, and feel supported.”
Mr O’Neill said by investing in leadership pathways for aspiring female leaders, BCE was not just shaping careers, but also strengthening the entire education community.
“BCE continues to see the results (with) more women embracing leadership roles, greater diversity in decision-making, and a culture that supports growth at every stage.
“We believe in leadership that reflects the rich diversity of our schools and communities.”
He said the 17 women were now leading some of South-East Queensland’s most established schools, from as far north as Maryborough and Gayndah to Jimboomba and Beenleigh.
Since March 2024, the following educators have been appointed:
- Jasmine Brown, Head of College Notre Dame College, Bells Creek.
- Jo-Anne Boyle, Principal of Holy Spirit School, Bray Park.
- Gabrielle Jansen, Principal of St Mary MacKillop Primary School, Birkdale.
- Cheryl Bell, Principal of St Flannan’s Primary School, Zillmere.
- Bianca Murphy, Principal of Holy Spirit School, New Farm.
- Liesl Profke, Principal of St Clare’s Primary School, Yarrabilba.
- Tracey-lee Cheesman, Principal of Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Acacia Ridge.
- Veronica Wasiak, Principal of St Michael’s College, Merrimac.
- Gemma Lovell, Principal of Mother Teresa Primary School, Ormeau.
- Velma Erskine, Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, North Ipswich.
- Felicity Pryer, Principal of St Pius X School, Salisbury.
- Lisa Atholwood, Head of Campus Emmaus College, Jimboomba.
- Sharon Collins, Principal Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs.
- Kate MacArthur, Principal of Our Lady of Assumption School, Enoggera.
- Helen Boyes, Principal of St Paul’s School, Woodridge.
- Megan Pidskalny, Head of Campus FisherONE Online Education.
- Melissa Fallarino, Head of Campus Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough.
