On March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day — a moment to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of women around the world and recognise the ongoing journey toward equality and representation.
At the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), we are proud to be led by visionary female leaders who are not only shaping the future of medical research but also advocating for a more inclusive and equitable landscape in science. Dr Christine De Nardo (Chief Operating Officer), Dr Sonja Flott (Chief Business Development Officer), and Prof. Eliza Hawkes (Chief Clinical Research Officer) share their thoughts on what this day means to them, their personal leadership journeys, and how we can all contribute to empowering women in science.
Dr Christine De Nardo: Fostering Inclusive Leadership
“For me, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action,” says Dr Christine De Nardo. “While we’ve made significant strides, it’s also a powerful reminder of how much more there is to do to create a world where women are equally represented, supported, and empowered across all sectors of society.”
Christine’s commitment to inclusive leadership is evident in her professional approach. She believes in creating environments where women have equal opportunities to thrive and lead. “The most rewarding part of my leadership journey has been supporting and uplifting women in the workplace – helping them recognise their immense value, watching them grown in confidence, seeing them take on new challenges, and witnessing them flourish in ways they didn’t initially believe possible,” she shares.
Her advice to aspiring women leaders is clear: “Stay curious, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Leadership rarely follows a straight path; it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing through challenges – these are the moments that stretch you and help you grow.”
Christine also stresses the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in science. “We need to provide equal access to opportunities, mentorship, and resources. Supporting women in balancing both their careers and personal responsibilities ensures they can pursue their ambitions without feeling they have to sacrifice one for the other.”
Dr Sonja Flott: Breaking Barriers and Building Opportunities
For Dr Sonja Flott, International Women’s Day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the barriers women have faced in the past and continue to face today. “It’s not just about celebrating our progress, but also recognising the work still to be done to break down these barriers and build opportunities for the future,” she explains.
Her leadership journey in drug discovery and development has been shaped by her passion for finding better treatments for patients. “The most fulfilling part of my role is seeing the collective effort of our team in discovering new ways to improve patient care,” Sonja says. “It’s inspiring to hear new ideas and data emerging from the labs, knowing that we’re striving to make a real impact on people’s lives.”
Sonja encourages women to be proactive in seeking leadership opportunities. “Don’t doubt your potential – go for it and share your ideas! Every role you take is an opportunity to learn and grow. Your voice matters, and it will be heard.”
She also emphasises the importance of flexibility in the workplace, particularly for women who juggle professional and caregiving responsibilities. “Offering flexible work hours, remote meeting options, and avoiding major deadlines during school holidays are small but powerful changes that can make a huge difference in allowing women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.”
Prof. Eliza Hawkes: Advocating for Equity and Representation
For Prof. Eliza Hawkes, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the systemic biases that still hinder women’s progress in science and medicine. “Despite being 50% of the population, women hold a minority of leadership positions in academic medicine,” she says. “We must celebrate the women who have overcome these barriers and use their stories to inspire the next generation.”
Eliza’s career has been shaped by her dedication to patient care and her groundbreaking research, which has provided new hope for patients with limited treatment options. “I wanted to make a difference for patients who have no cures available. Through leadership, I’ve had the privilege of helping translate innovative research into real-world therapies.” She adds, “I learned from my mentors that making larger contributions means also helping others achieve their goals and creating opportunities for the next generation of researchers.”
Her advice to aspiring women leaders in science is simple: “Be bold. Seize every opportunity to lead, and take strength and confidence from the mentors you admire.”
Eliza also believes that diverse, gender-balanced teams are essential to success. “Gender equity in science can only be achieved with the advocacy and support of everyone – including male ‘change champions’. We must acknowledge our own biases and work together to create a more equitable environment for all.”
A Future of Equal Opportunity
At ONJCRI, we are committed to fostering an environment where women in medical research are not only supported and empowered but are given the opportunities, resources, and platforms to lead, innovate, and shape the future of scientific discovery. This International Women’s Day, we stand proudly alongside Christine, Sonja, and Eliza in advocating for equity, inclusion, and the continued advancement of women in leadership.
As we celebrate the achievements of women today, we must also commit to breaking down the barriers that remain. Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of women to lead, innovate and thrive – not just in research, but in all fields of science, leadership, and beyond.
Join us in supporting women’s leadership and championing equal opportunity in all aspects of life. Together, we can make a difference.