To mark the occasion this year, we spoke with members of the Collarts community about their achievements, their journeys and their advice for the next generation of creatives.
Equitable Learning & Accessibility Coordinator
“I’m honoured to be included in this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations. In 2025, I received the Collarts Culture Champion Award, recognising my work in embedding Equitable Learning & Accessibility across our student-first institution.
As a neurodivergent educator and professional, I advocate for accessible, trauma-informed and neuroaffirming learning environments that honour the diversity of how people think, learn and create. My work focuses on normalising support, redesigning systems and driving cultural change so every student feels safe, seen and empowered to succeed.
"I’m proud to contribute to a community where women and non-binary people lead with courage, creativity and care — and where accessibility and neurodiversity are recognised as core to our culture.”
Screen & Media Student
What is one thing you’re proud to have achieved?
“I’m proud that I’ve thrown myself into things that I never thought I’d be doing before I started at Collarts. The me two years ago would not volunteer at a film festival or assist on a feature film while co-producing a capstone film.”
Why is it important to be a woman in the film industry?
“I think it’s important to bring different perspectives into the film industry. That can come from women, but it can also come from anyone who sees the world differently from the narrow status quo. Every person is unique and more than just whatever gender they subscribe to, so filling this industry with people who defy the norm should keep happening. It keeps things interesting.”
Interior Design Program Leader
What is one thing you’re proud to have achieved?
“I’m most proud of seeing our graduates flourish in the industry. Especially the way they carry the course values of social impact and inclusivity into their careers and use design to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Projects like Design for Humanity, where students designed and installed Gardenhouse — pop-up accommodation for women experiencing homelessness for Housing All Australians — highlight the power of creative practice for positive change. Students have also worked on designs for The Salvation Army’s Upton Road Youth Services accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness, as well as projects with You Matter, an organisation supporting women and children affected by family violence.
What advice would you give to women in the creative industries?
“Stay curious. I believe curiosity is the most important value for innovative and impactful interior designers. Don’t stop learning from those with lived experience and apply that learning with appreciation, not appropriation. And be an ally and voice for those who don’t have the agency.”
Fashion Marketing Alumna
What advice would you give to students wanting to build a career in marketing?
“Start before you feel ready. Marketing is one of those industries where you can practise without permission. Analyse brands you love, create content, share your thinking online, volunteer to help small businesses. The people who get ahead are usually the ones who show curiosity and initiative early. Don’t wait for your first job to start acting like a marketer.”
What has been a highlight of your career so far?
“One career moment that stands out was travelling to London to launch the Sip Check campaign at the London Coffee Festival when I was at KeepCup. Seeing something you’ve worked on for months come to life with creators, cafés and the community involved was incredible. It reminded me how powerful marketing can be when it’s built around culture and people.”
What skills should students focus on while studying?
“Communication is a big one. Being able to clearly explain your ideas, whether in writing, presenting or even in a meeting. Curiosity and adaptability are also important because marketing changes quickly, especially in social and ecommerce.”
How do you stay creative in a fast-paced industry?
“A lot of inspiration comes from observing culture outside of work — cafés, fashion, TikTok, conversations with friends. Creativity isn’t always about forcing ideas; it’s about collecting inspiration and patterns over time.”
Image above shot by Angel Borg
Photography Alumna
What is one thing you’re proud to have achieved?
“My biggest achievement since graduating has been being part of a group exhibition later in March at Artemisia Gallery, where two of my images were selected. Seeing my work recognised beyond my close circles is still very exciting, and I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future.”
Image above shot by Jessica Tormey
Photography alumna
What is one thing you’re proud to have achieved?
I think my favourite achievement is working on the George Magazine because it’s given me so much confidence, especially working with Collarts Fashion Marketing Coordinator Monique, who is so supportive and really has helped me so much in this photography journey. Working with a team has changed how I photograph. Without Monique’s guidance and help, I wouldn’t be as confident as I am now.
As part of this year’s celebrations, Collarts Lecturer in Audio Production Victoria Mangano has been working behind the scenes to launch Collarts’ very first Women in Audio event.
The event is designed as a welcoming and supportive space for women and non-binary students studying audio and music production, as well as members of the wider community who are interested in the field.
The evening will feature industry guest speakers, opportunities to share creative work and the chance to build new connections with others working and studying in audio. Most importantly, it aims to foster an environment where women and non-binary creatives can come together, be inspired and have meaningful conversations about their experiences in the industry.
📅 Friday 20 March
🕕 6–9pm
📍 Collarts Wellington Street campus - Auditorium. 208 Wellington Street, Collingwood.
🎟 Free event
Across campus, Collarts will also be marking International Women’s Day by bringing our community together for a relaxed movie night for students and staff, with snacks and sweet treats shared around campus during the day.
Moments like these are a chance to pause, celebrate the achievements of our community and reflect on the importance of continuing to support women and non-binary creatives in every corner of the industry.