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Franklin Women
@franklinwomen.bsky.social
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Community creating a health and medical research ecosystem where women thrive 💫
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As Franklin Women nears its close, we begin a celebration of a decade of community and impact.

We’re sharing 10 posts to mark 10 years — reflecting on our journey and spotlighting the people, programs, & partnerships that have given FW its signature sparkle ✨

Follow along! ➡️ shorturl.at/RBaZh
December 3, 2025 at 12:11 AM
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After 10 incredible years, Franklin Women will be closing our doors at the end of 2025 💜

This news brings many emotions, but above all we’re filled with gratitude for this incredible community and pride in all we’ve achieved together.

Read Melina’s full message 👉 shorturl.at/WEyzs
Coral background with white text that reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I have chosen to close Franklin Women. Today we begin to celebrate the legacy that will be carried forward by our community.” Below is the signature-style text “Dr Melina Georgousakis” and the smaller text “Founder and Director, Franklin Women.” A small circular FW logo appears in the bottom right corner.
November 12, 2025 at 12:46 AM
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✨ In our latest Members Fast 5, we caught up with the wonderful Dr Kimberley Norman – FW member and Research Fellow in the School of Primary and Allied Health Care at @monashuniversity.bsky.social.

Swipe through to read her reflections ➡️

Thank you, Kimberley, for sharing your story and insights!
November 4, 2025 at 3:04 AM
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✨Across Sydney & Canberra, we brought together FW Mentoring Program alumni for an evening of connection and discussion on The Art of Influence.

Grateful to our brilliant panellists for sharing their experiences, and how influence, used with care, can uplift & create a space where everyone thrives 💜
A large group of attendees seated and listening attentively during the Franklin Women Mentoring Program Alumni event in Sydney. The room is full of engaged participants from across the health and medical research ecosystem. Four panellists from the Sydney Franklin Women Alumni event standing in front of a screen displaying their profiles. They are smiling and holding books. Three panellists seated on stools beside a moderator during the Canberra Franklin Women Alumni event. A screen behind them displays their names and photos as they discuss The Art of Influence. Three Franklin Women team members and volunteers smiling behind the registration desk at the Sydney Knowledge Hub, welcoming attendees to the Alumni Networking Event. The table is set with name tags, pens, and flowers.
November 3, 2025 at 1:16 AM
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🎥 Our very own Dr Melina Georgousakis recently joined Workific's Inclusion Series Webinar 'Transforming the Careers of Women in Health Sciences'.

Catch a sneak peek below 👀 discussing the importance of a diverse workforce in supporting community health outcomes 🌟

Full recording 👉 shorturl.at/NhjzD
November 2, 2025 at 12:55 AM
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Oct newsletter alert! 📬 Inside:

⭐️ Dr Emma Quinn, NSW Ministry of Health, on population health and policy–academic roles
⭐️ Joe Consedine, Mobilise – Activating Allies, on the importance of male allyship
⭐️And FW gets ready for our Level Up Your LinkedIn Workshop in Canberra!

Read👉 shorturl.at/jL5ad
Illustrated graphic with the Franklin Women brand colours. At the centre, an open envelope displays a letter titled “October newsletter” with a small circular logo seal marked “FW.” Playful coral and green abstract floral shapes and curved lines frame the image against a white background.
October 31, 2025 at 2:24 AM
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Last week, FW members came together for our Oct Members Connect Meetup on Navigating Life & Career When You’re New to Aus, led by the wonderful Dr Afsaneh Lahooti✨

Join our final meetup of 2025 Shared Stories: Three Women, Three Generations, Reflecting on the Year That Was🎉

More👉 shorturl.at/DyCIR
A screenshot from a Franklin Women virtual meetup titled “Navigating life and career when you’re new to Australia.” At the top of the image is the event title and illustration of a woman on a video call. Below are five participants on screen: Dr Afsaneh Lahooti (top, wearing a headset and smiling) and four Franklin Women team members in separate windows, all smiling and engaged in conversation.
October 28, 2025 at 11:33 PM
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Thank you to our Level Up Your LinkedIn Workshop sponsor, Melissa Webber from Holy Cow! Creative ✨

We caught up with Melissa in our Sept Newsletter to talk about maintaining human connection in a digital world 🌐

Read more 👉 shorturl.at/3mLLe

🎟️ Register for FW’s LinkedIn Workshop shorturl.at/wPXgK
Portrait of Melissa Webber, founder of Holy Cow! Creative, smiling outdoors in front of blurred greenery. Text on image reads: ‘Level Up Your LinkedIn: A Practical Workshop. With thanks to our event partner: Melissa Webber, Holy Cow! Creative. Join us! 20th Nov, 2:00–4:30pm, University of Canberra.’ Franklin Women logo appears in the bottom right corner
October 22, 2025 at 11:49 PM
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Last week FW proudly co-presented a community discussion with Culture First ‘Understanding Power and Its Impact'.

Together with a brilliant panel, we unpacked what power means in the workplace, and how it can be used responsibly to uplift those around us 🤝

Subscribe for FW events shorturl.at/BlnMW
A screenshot of the virtual event Understanding Power and its Impact: A Culture First and Franklin Women Community Discussion, held on Friday 17 October at 10.00am AEDT. The top half of the image features the event title with Culture First and Franklin Women logos. The lower half shows a screenshot from the event with six smiling panelists and facilitators on video call.
October 22, 2025 at 12:38 AM
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Last Tuesday was a special one for FW — we hosted our first in-person cohort of our career development program, Career YOU, in Sydney! 💼✨

Interested in participating? A virtual Career YOU program will run in May 2026, with registrations opening in December.

👉 Join the waitlist: shorturl.at/ulnqt
A group of participants gather around a large poster titled VIA Character Strengths during a workshop activity. One person points to the poster while others observe and discuss. Several participants are seated at nearby tables covered with notebooks, pens, and drinks. A participant holds a Career YOU Learning Journal in focus, featuring a pink and green cover design with an illustration of open notebooks. In the background, a facilitator stands at the front of the room presenting slides to a group of attendees. Two smiling women stand together in front of a wall displaying the illuminated Telstra Health logo. Both wear name badges and lanyards, posing in a bright, modern office foyer.
October 20, 2025 at 11:10 PM
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Take your LinkedIn presence up a notch at FW’s upcoming event ‘Level Up Your LinkedIn: A Practical Workshop’ 🚀

A hands-on session with expert guidance and writing time, followed by afternoon tea and relaxed networking.

📅 Thursday 20 Nov, 2:00–4:30pm
📍 Uni of Canberra
🎟️ Register: shorturl.at/wPXgK
Promotional graphic for Franklin Women’s event titled “Level Up Your LinkedIn: A Practical Workshop.” Text reads: Thursday 20th November, 2:00–4:30 PM University of Canberra, Clive Price Suite Bring your laptop and join Franklin Women for a hands-on, 2-hour workshop to refresh your LinkedIn profile and learn top tips to use the platform more strategically in your career. With Karen Tisdell, leading LinkedIn profile writer and trainer. Includes Franklin Women logo in the top right and a photo of Karen Tisdell smiling, seated in a navy blazer and white shirt. Footer text: For more information and to book, visit www.franklinwomen.com.au . With thanks to event partner Holy Cow! Creative, whose logo appears at the bottom right. Background is green with white and coral-pink text.
October 15, 2025 at 11:16 PM
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⏰ 5 days left! This National Carers Week, don’t miss your chance to apply for the FW Carer's Scholarship.

More details, including eligibility and how to apply 👉 shorturl.at/8g7Qn

Thank you to our FW Members and our partner, the Sydney Local Health District, for making this initiative possible!
Text reads: “Receiving the Franklin Women Carer’s Scholarship was transformative. It recognised the often-invisible load of caring and gave me the support to pursue a career opportunity that would have otherwise been out of reach.” — Dr Sara Mohamed, Research Officer, Children’s Cancer Institute Image shows Dr Sara Mohamed smiling, wearing a burgundy vest and black top with a patterned headscarf, against a soft pink background. The Franklin Women logo appears in the lower-right corner. Text reads: “Receiving the Franklin Women Carer’s Scholarship provided both practical help and an inspiring boost of confidence. It enabled me to share my research on the world stage while knowing my family’s needs were supported.” — Dr Dorna Esrafilzadeh, Senior Lecturer, University of NSW Image shows Dr Dorna Esrafilzadeh smiling, wearing glasses and a black blazer over a light top, against a coral background. The Franklin Women logo appears in the lower-left corner.
October 14, 2025 at 11:13 PM
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💡 Gender-based violence has long been a serious issue on uni campuses. This August, a new National Code was passed.

From 1 Jan 2026, all uni's must comply with the Code, which sets clear expectations for safer, more respectful campuses.

Here’s our FW wrap-up of what you need to know (part 1/3)👇
Text reads: “Franklin Women Wrap Up. National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence. A new national standard for safer universities.” Background is coral pink with a white FW logo and curved arrow pointing right labelled “Swipe to read.” Text explains that universities have until 1 January 2026 to take stronger steps to prevent and respond to gender-based violence under the new National Code passed in August. Mentions consultation with students, victim-survivor advocates, and experts, and that the Code introduces accountability for safer, more respectful campuses. Illustration of a gavel, legal document, and hourglass. Background is dark plum. Heading: “1. Education & Training.” Text outlines that universities must provide education for students and staff on recognising, preventing, and responding to gender-based violence. Training should be ongoing and build capability across the university community. Illustration of two people at a laptop. Background is light beige. Heading: “2. Compassionate & Survivor-Centred Response.” Text highlights that responses must prioritise safety, health, and wellbeing, treating victim-survivors with dignity and ensuring inclusivity for First Nations, LGBTIQA+, and other diverse groups. Illustration of two clasped hands with a pink awareness ribbon. Background is deep green.
October 13, 2025 at 11:54 PM
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Join us for the event 'Understanding Power and Its Impact: A Culture First and FW Community Discussion', facilitated by Dr Ayan Dasvarma @monashuniversity.bsky.social.

💻 FREE online webinar
📍 Friday 17 Oct, 10:00 – 11:00am AEDT
👉 Register shorturl.at/QOm0v

Read Ayan's FW article📰 shorturl.at/aW1pQ
Promotional graphic for a free online webinar titled “Understanding Power and Its Impact: A Culture First and Franklin Women Community Discussion.” Text reads: Join us for a compelling discussion where we break down the concept of power and what it means in the workplace. Friday 17 October, 10–11am AEDT. The image shows portraits of six speakers on a pink and purple gradient background. Facilitated by Dr Ayan Dasvarma (Monash University). With panelists Dr Melina Georgousakis (Franklin Women), Dr Marlene Hao (The University of Melbourne), Prof Louise Purton (St Vincent’s Institute for Medical Research), Dr Lincon Stamp (The University of Melbourne), and Dr Hayden Eastwood (La Trobe University). At the bottom are the logos for Culture First and Franklin Women.
October 10, 2025 at 12:49 AM
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🌏 What’s it like to build a life and career in Aus after migrating from overseas?

Join our Oct Members Connect with Dr Afsaneh Lahooti, @georgeinstitute.bsky.social & @westernsydneyu.bsky.social.

📆 Tues 21 Oct, 12:30–1:30 pm AEDT
💻 Online via Zoom
🎟️ Register 👉 shorturl.at/fXw5g

Free for members!
October 8, 2025 at 12:18 AM
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Applications are OPEN for the 2026 Round 1 Carer’s Scholarship!

💡 To spark your imagination, here are photos of how Dr Yufeng Zhao used her scholarship — travelling to Italy for an academic course that only happens once every seven years! 🇮🇹

Applications close Monday 20 Oct

More👉 shorturl.at/8g7Qn
Dr Yufeng Zhao stands in a laboratory holding tools beside scientific equipment and cables. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a lavender jumper and glasses. A text overlay reads: “With the Carer’s Scholarship, my children’s care was well arranged, and I could immerse myself in a training course which only happens once every seven years.” Three people stand together discussing a research poster displayed on a wall at an academic conference. Dr Yufeng Zhao, wearing glasses and a navy jacket with a yellow lanyard, is smiling while talking with two colleagues in front of the poster. Dr Yufeng Zhao stands smiling on a narrow cobblestone street lined with stone buildings under a bright blue sky. She is wearing green trousers, a dark blue corduroy jacket and a colourful headscarf, with a yellow lanyard and cross-body bag. Dr Yufeng Zhao sits on a boat with other smiling attendees. They are wearing white caps and yellow lanyards, enjoying the sunny weather during a group excursion.
October 7, 2025 at 2:55 AM
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✨ In our September Newsletter we caught up with Michele Nealon, Hearing Coordinator at Macquarie University Hearing. She shared her inspiring career journey and how centring lived experience in conversations can shift systems towards greater accessibility and inclusion.

Read more👉 shorturl.at/TlOUP
A smiling Michele Nealon in a bright blue jacket leans out of the window of a yellow train, waving enthusiastically at the camera. The train is moving uphill through a grassy landscape under a clear blue sky.
October 2, 2025 at 12:22 AM
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🌟 Join our next Members Connect with Dr Afsaneh Lahooti, who migrated to Australia in 2021 from Iran, by way of Canada and Singapore. She'll reflect on her own path – sharing insights, strategies and encouragement for others walking a similar road. Free for FW members 💛

Register 👉 shorturl.at/fXw5g
Green event graphic with Franklin Women branding. Title text reads: Navigating life and career when you’re new to Australia — virtual meetup. Event details: Tuesday 21st October, 12:30–1:30 pm AEDT, online via Zoom. Speaker section includes a professional headshot of Dr Afsaneh Lahooti with text: Research Associate, The George Institute; Research Fellow, Western Sydney University. Banner notes: Free for FW members. Footer includes a link for more information and registration at franklinwomen.com.au.
October 1, 2025 at 12:17 AM
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Sept newsletter alert! 📬 Inside:

⭐️Michele Nealon, Macquaire Uni, on why flexible communication matters
⭐️Dr Ayan Dasvarma, @monashuniversity.bsky.social, unpacks power in the workplace
⭐️Melissa Webber, Holy Cow! Creative, shares about human connection in a digital world

Read👉 shorturl.at/n9HiC
Illustrated graphic with an envelope containing a paper that reads ‘September newsletter’ above a small birthday cake icon. The envelope is sealed with a circle logo marked ‘FW’. Coral and green abstract flowers and lines decorate the background
September 30, 2025 at 2:04 AM
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In our Aug Newsletter we spoke with the amazing @drpinerodeplaza.bsky.social, Research Fellow at the Flinders Caring Futures Institute @flindersuniversity.bsky.social about her inspiring career journey🙌

Read our conversation👉 shorturl.at/TJSlH

📧Subscribe to our monthly newsletter shorturl.at/DUoYb
A coral-coloured graphic tile with a white quotation mark at the top. Large white text reads: “My path has been far from linear. I’ve navigated cultural transitions, career gaps and structural barriers, yet curiosity, persistence and a commitment to collaboration have brought me to where I am today.” Below, in white handwritten script, it says: “Dr Maria Alejandra Piñero de Plaza.” Underneath in smaller white capital letters: “Research Fellow, Flinders University.” In the bottom-right corner is the Franklin Women (FW) logo in white.
September 24, 2025 at 12:50 AM
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Thank you to all who joined our webinar Navigating Your Career During Menopause!💛 A fantastic group from across Aus tuned in to talk all things #menopauseintheworkplace.

Up next: our Members Connect Virtual event, Navigating Life and Career When You’re New to Australia.

Register👉 shorturl.at/TJov3
September 23, 2025 at 12:04 AM
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⏰ 4 days left to join the F2F Career YOU Sydney cohort.

🌟 100% of surveyed participants reported a deeper understanding of their professional strengths

🌟 95% gained greater clarity on their career goals

🌟 90% felt more optimistic about building meaningful careers

Register: shorturl.at/3xei9
Promotional tile for Franklin Women’s Career YOU. Light peach background with a coral flower. Large text: “Can you answer ‘What’s your five-year plan?’ and know the steps to get there?” Career YOU logo at the bottom.
September 18, 2025 at 1:28 AM
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(Part 2/2)

Thank you, Roshni, for sharing your story and insights!

Interested in becoming a Franklin Women member? No matter your role or where you are in your career journey, we’d love you to join us 🤝

Learn more about membership here 👉 shorturl.at/1iiGL
Text reads: “4. What has been your favourite Franklin Women event or activity?” Roshni says Franklin Women is one of the few places in STEMM where the whole of her is welcome. She’s proud to be a mentee in the 2025 Mentoring Program, and says the community reminds her she’s not alone and that together they’re building something better. On the bottom right is a photo of Roshni standing and smiling in a black-and-white striped shirt. Text reads: “5. Any recommendations?” Roshni says she’s drawn to stories and ideas about leadership, relationships, and being human. She recommends The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, Coach the Person, Not the Problem, and Power: A User’s Guide. The text is signed “Thank you, Roshni!” Text reads: “Interested in becoming a Franklin Women Member?” It describes Franklin Women as a social enterprise supporting the careers of women in health and medical research through community, professional development, and initiatives. It invites people to join, with the website: FranklinWomen.com.au.
September 17, 2025 at 1:27 AM
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✨ Meet Roshni Sharma GAICD – FW mentee and Project Manager at @westmeadinst.bsky.social!

In our latest Members Fast 5 she shares what she loves about leading PrecisionGo, her inspirations, a life-changing trip to Antarctica, and being part of the FW community 💛

(Part 1/2)
Portrait of Roshni Sharma in a red and black jacket, standing outdoors in Antarctica with snow and icebergs in the background. Text reads: “Members Fast 5. Roshni Sharma, Project Manager at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research.” Text reads: “1. To start us off, could you tell us about your current workplace and role?” Roshni describes leading the PrecisionGo initiative at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research, connecting researchers and clinicians with genomics, imaging, biobanking, and bioinformatics. She says her role sits at the intersection of people, science and systems, and she loves it. On the bottom right is a photo of Roshni seated and smiling, wearing a white shirt with gold spots and a necklace. Text reads: “2. What do you love about your job?” Roshni shares that travelling to Antarctica with Homeward Bound changed how she sees work, life and self, and that precision medicine is technical and future-focused but rooted in humanity. She says she contributes to the bigger picture and helps people live better, longer lives. Includes a photo of Roshni outdoors in Antarctica wearing glasses and a life vest, captioned “Roshni in Antarctica!” Text reads: “3. Who is your greatest career inspiration and why?” Roshni names Luke Stewart, her former CEO at EMM Consulting, who showed that leadership starts with care, and Fabian Dattner, founder of Homeward Bound, who created a global movement for women in STEMM leadership. Below are photos of Luke Stewart and Fabian Dattner, each labelled with their names.
September 17, 2025 at 1:24 AM
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We often hear about the ‘leaky pipeline’ in STEMM – but what if women aren’t leaving, they’re pivoting? 💡

In our August Newsletter we caught up with Cassie Leonard, Founder of ELMM Coaching, to get a sneak peek into the new release Beyond the Pipeline 👀

Read more 👉 shorturl.at/oPV3l
A digital promotional graphic of the turquoise book “Beyond the Pipeline” on a green background with floral illustrations. A round pink-to-orange gradient sticker reads: “Women don’t quit. We pivot.” An open cardboard box filled with multiple copies of the turquoise book “Beyond the Pipeline.” The books are neatly stacked with some brown packing paper tucked inside the box. Two smiling women stand close together, wearing orange lanyards. One of them holds a turquoise book titled “Beyond the Pipeline.” They appear to be at an event or conference, with people and patterned curtains in the background.
September 16, 2025 at 4:17 AM