Creating inclusive workplaces starts from within. At WISE, we’re proud of the incredible women on our team who make a difference every day—helping people find meaningful work and supporting each other along the way. Among them, Emily Maddocks is creating safe spaces for open conversations, ensuring women feel supported at every stage of their careers. Lisa Ryan is helping women rebuild confidence and see their potential through WISE Women. Tina is empowering the next generation of female leaders. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women at WISE who turned challenges into opportunities and supporting women to thrive.
Emily Maddocks – NSW WFA Business Manager
NSW WFA Business Manager Emily Maddocks is passionate about creating safe and supportive environments for women, particularly those going through menopause and career transitions.
For many women, menopause can be a challenging time that affects both their personal lives and careers. Yet, it remains one of the most under-discussed topics in the workplace. Emily is determined to change that.
In 2024, she launched WISE’s internal menopause support group, a dedicated online space where colleagues can openly share their experiences, discuss challenges, and explore ways to support each other.
“Gone are the days when menopause was a taboo subject” she says. We’ve created a space where women can talk openly, support each other, and share what works. It’s about making sure no one feels alone in this experience.”
The group provides a safe space for discussions, practical strategies, and mutual support.
“We’re not just talking about it for ourselves. We’re ensuring our daughters and the next generation of women are educated and supported. No woman should have to go through this without understanding her options.”
Her passion for supporting women stems from her own lived experiences. Like many women, Emily has faced the difficult challenge of balancing work, family, and personal well-being.
Early in her career, she was a single mother raising two children on an entry-level salary. She struggled with the pressure of trying to be everything for everyone while also trying to build a future for herself and her family.
Over time, she learned the importance of setting realistic expectations and prioritising self-care.
“We try to be so many things—leaders, mothers, sisters, best friends. But I’ve had to learn to say, ‘I am enough, and that’s okay,” she says.
Her advice to women is simple: be kind to yourself.
“Some days you’ll have the energy to conquer the world, and some days you won’t. That’s okay.”
“It’s like the old airplane rule: put your oxygen mask on first. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you support others?”
Lisa Ryan – VIC WFA Business Manager, WISE Women
Lisa Ryan, Business Manager at WISE Women, is using her own experiences to help other women rebuild their confidence and take control of their futures.
Lisa’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. She was raised in a home affected by family violence until the age of 12, when her grandparents took over her care. By 20, she was a single mother, struggling to provide for her child. Later, she spent five years in an abusive relationship—an experience that left her struggling with self-worth.
“By the time my daughter was in primary school, I got a job in a factory because I had no confidence to do anything else,” Lisa says. “I was that woman who apologised for everything.”
That factory job became a turning point. A co-worker told Lisa to stop apologising, helping her recognise how ingrained her lack of confidence had become. It was the push she needed to start reclaiming her power.
Lisa joined WISE as an Employment Consultant, initially seeing it as a stepping stone.
“I thought WISE was going to be my stepping stone to a job with purpose—only to have my purpose delivered to my doorstep,” Lisa says.
She quickly became involved with WISE Women, an employment program designed to help women regain confidence and achieve their career goals. Seeing the impact she could have, Lisa knew she had found her calling.
“I’ve changed the lives of so many women simply because I believe in them and in the idea that anything is possible with the right support”
Lisa now leads WISE Women with the same determination that helped her overcome her toughest years. She understands the fear and doubt many women experience when trying to rebuild their lives, and she’s committed to ensuring they don’t have to go through it alone.
“Many women are buried under hardship, believing they’re not capable of more. But we show them that they are.”
Lisa encourages women to believe in themselves, build a strong support network, and take charge of their futures.
“Never doubt your abilities. Question, challenge, and grow. We all need our people. It takes a village. Learn from your experiences and never lose sight of where you want to go.”
Tina Lienert – Learning and Development Specialist, Leadership
WISE Learning and Development Specialist Tina Lienert, who joined us last year, understands the complexities of navigating a career as a woman. Throughout her journey, she has faced bias, covert and overt racism, ‘group think’ cultures, and ageism—all of which have tested her resilience and shaped her approach to leadership and mentorship.
Rather than letting these challenges hold her back, Tina has used them as fuel to create a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for future leaders.
“I see these challenges as an opportunity to learn more about myself and how I choose to respond,” Tina explains.
“The quote I live by is “Between stimulus and response – there is a space – in that space, is my power to choose how to respond – in my response, lies my freedom and growth” by Viktor Frankl, Austrian Psychologist”.
Since joining WISE, she has been busy running leadership workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching sessions, where she has helped a number of women build confidence.
In her approach, Tina draws on empathy.
“I like to embody compassion and curiosity when working with women so I can create a safe space for them to evolve into the best versions of themselves,” she explains.
Tina’s biggest piece of advice for overcoming challenges like the ones she’s faced? Courage.
“Courage isn’t a personality trait, it’s a habit. It’s something we develop over time by taking chances, embracing fear, and resisting the urge to retreat,” she says.
Tina encourages women to recognise the moment fear arises, because that’s when courage has the opportunity to “become a new habit”.
“Next time you feel fear creeping in, whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, going for a promotion, or making a tough decision, take action. Even small steps toward bravery will start forming the habit of courage.”
Tina also emphasises the importance of self-belief and recognising your unique talents as a key step toward becoming a strong leader.
“A healthy level of self-belief is crucial! Recognising your own talents is the first step toward becoming a strong leader. You don’t have to wait for permission—you already have what it takes.”
Whether it’s mentoring future leaders or creating safe spaces for women, this International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight a few women from our team who are leading by examples and recognise their impact in helping others thrive.
To learn more about International Women’s Day, head to: About International Women’s Day | UN Women Australia