Women behind successful South Australian social enterprises and top public sector positions will headline Zahra Foundation Australia’s second corporate luncheon at the end of October.

Young Australian of the Year 2021 and founder of TABOO, Isobel Mashall, will join Public Trustee Nicolle Rantanen and Reconciliation SA CEO Shona Reid for this special event on Friday 29 October.

The trio will share their experiences and give advice for other women in business during a panel discussion.

Marshall said being a panellist at an event focused on change for women was important to her. “For the last 5 years, our work on TABOO has been focused on gendered issues, and I’m discovering how complex, prevalent and real the issue of DV is in all communities. I am honoured to be a panellist in support of such an important South Australian organisation that helps so many women out of DV situations.”

Every ticket sold will help women who have escaped abusive relationships to find financial security, through a unique change-maker approach.

Ticket sales for every table of ten will cover the cost of one woman to complete a nine-week Pathways to Empowerment program or receive one-on-one financial counselling. This specialised support empowers women to break the cycle of abuse and go on to further study, employment or even start their own business.

The luncheon aims to educate and inspire guest so they can walk away knowing they have made a real change to someone’s life.

When asked about the reason for accepting an invitation to speak at the luncheon, Rantanen said, “At the Public Trustee we provide financial and administrative services to some of the most vulnerable members of our community, many of whom are women who have experienced some form of homelessness and/or domestic violence. As the Public Trustee, my role as a leader is to support our staff who are providing those front-line services to ensure their wellbeing and that they are able to provide a great service with compassion and empathy.

“There is a wonderful connection between the role of the Zahra Foundation in assisting vulnerable people and the role that leadership plays in delivering improved outcomes. I’m proud to have the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences and to help fund much-needed services for women,” said Rantanen.

Zahra Foundation Chair Natasha Malani said, “In the last two years we have seen a 60% increase in clients who are coming to the Zahra Foundation for support. We want to ensure that we are here to support women recovering from domestic violence for many more years to come and it is vital to have support from both the community and the Government, especially for events like this.”

The Change Maker Luncheon Series is supported by Zonte’s Footstep, TABOO and FBW Gynaecology Plus.

Organisers will follow a COVID-safe plan for the event.