International Women’s Day 2025

The Women of Influence event to celebrate International Woman’s Day 2025

Simone Elliott, Dr Ruth Knight and Sadiar Foster have incredible stories to share with you – about how they have inspired other, faced challenges head on and used their determination and hard work to #MarchForward!

You will hear their stories, learn the statistics and understand ways to #marchforward

Simone Elliott

Commercial Director, Board Member and Leader 

From her memorable stint on Foxtel’s Real Housewives  of Melbourne to her role as a corporate powerhouse, Simone is a passionate leader for all generations of women and girls.  

She is a dynamic and highly driven professional who currently serves as the Commercial Director for a leading organization, on a global scale.  With a proven track record of exceeding targets and leading high-performing teams, Simone embodies a unique blend of business acumen and personal passion, making her a true inspiration to those around her.

Outside of her corporate role, Simone is a proud mother, balancing her versatility, work ethic, and commitment to both her career and family make her a standout individual, constantly
navigating the demands of two very different worlds with grace and determination.

Dr Ruth Knight

Award-winning community worker, researcher and advocate

Ruth trained as a nurse and community health worker in the UK and after moving to Australia 25 years ago she began studying leadership and nonprofit management at QUT’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies.
 
Her love for learning and quest to discover how to build stronger communities, means that she is a passionate fundraiser, and her favourite topic to discuss is the power of collaboration and philanthropy in creating social change.

Ruth, now Development Manager for Yalari (www.yalari.org) is living out her dreams by helping to provide education and leadership development to Indigenous young people from regional and remote Australia.

Plus, Ruth’s daughter is now following her footsteps, by using her influence for good through fundraising and filmmaking.

Sadiar Foster

Proud Torres Strait Islander woman and women’s health practitioner

Sadiar was born on Thursday Island (Waibene) and raised on Horn Island (Ngurupai) in the Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes). Growing up in a remote community with limited access to alternative healthcare and facing the challenges of food insecurity, Sadiar experienced firsthand the profound impact that the lack of basic health resources can have on mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

After being diagnosed with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoria Disorder (PMDD) in her early 20s, Sadiar turned to alternative, holistic approaches for healing – in doing so she transformed her life and ignited a passion for helping others do the same.

After six years of academic study and clinical training, Sadiar is now a degree qualified Clinical Naturopath. Through holistic medicine and lifestyle practices, she supports long-term wellness, equipping women with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions. Her mission is to foster autonomy in health, guiding women and their families towards sustainable health and wellbeing.

Georgia Lane – Moderator

The panel featuring Simone, Ruth, Sadiar and some surprise guests will be moderated by Georgia Lane, Founder and President of Women of Influence.

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