Mini vic.gov.au

This is a low bandwidth version of vic.gov.au. Contents may not be up to date. © Copyright State Government of Victoria

Elizabeth Reynolds

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program closely aligns with Elizabeth’s career goals and redefined her approach to leadership, making inclusivity and diversity central to her professional ethos.

Elizabeth Reynolds, Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program participant

Elizabeth works as a Senior Engagement Adviser at the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA). She provides expert advice on inclusive public engagement, around disruptions and impacts on community members, including businesses, residents, and local organisations.

What inspired you to apply?

It is Australia’s first program of its kind, offering a multi-modular, blended learning format that includes both face-to-face and online components. The program stood out to me as my passion lies in community and people. I am committed to building momentum through effective community development and engagement programs and my goal is to continue contributing significantly to the success of major projects, ensuring meaningful and inclusive engagement at every step.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

Participating in this program was a privilege. We openly shared our vulnerabilities, celebrated our brilliance, and expressed our collective frustrations. Witnessing the participants’ tenacity, both in its quiet and more vocal forms, was inspiring.

The program taught me that our upbringing and culture shape our identity, values, and beliefs. Embracing diversity often leads to conflicting perspectives, abilities, and ethics, which can be uncomfortable and complex. However, it’s precisely this diversity that fosters significant learning and change. As leaders, we are tasked with the essential responsibility of bringing out the best in people, creating more than just the sum of our parts.

How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?

It has been a transformative journey, significantly shaping my pursuit of becoming an inclusive leader aligned with my career aspirations. The privilege of engaging with diverse participants allowed me to share vulnerabilities, celebrate diverse strengths, and understand collective challenges. Witnessing the resilience and determination of my peers was not only inspiring but also a catalyst for profound personal and professional growth.

I’ve learned that our backgrounds and cultures are integral to our identities and influence our professional interactions. I’ve realised that embracing diversity, despite its inherent complexities and occasional discomforts, is crucial for impactful leadership. It has taught me that true leadership isn’t just about harmonising different perspectives but about valuing and leveraging these differences to foster a richer, more innovative workplace.

I’m now more equipped to create an environment where every team member feels valued and heard. This approach has not only enriched our team dynamics but has also led to more creative and effective problem-solving.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

Arshin Zaman

The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program perfectly aligns with Arshin’s passion of working towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering industry.

Equality

Devika Kumar

With the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Devika rediscovered and embraced her authentic self at work, in her leadership style and in her daily life.

Equality

Lama Tiavo

Lama is the first Pacific woman to complete the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program and is using the skills she learned to advance her career and uplift other Women of Colour alongside her.

Equality

Sana Aziz

The insights that Sana gained through the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program have empowered her to effectively advocate for herself in the workplace.

Equality

Stella Loong

Since completing the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Stella now feels she is part of a sisterhood with her fellow participants and has a lifelong support network around her.

Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program

This program is designed for Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who currently hold or aspire to hold senior leadership roles in their workplaces.

Follow along on social channels

Share in the stories of inspirational Victorian women via DFFH’s social media channels.

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

About the VIC Government

Grants and programs

Jobs and careers

Arts, culture and heritage

Business and the workplace

Communities

Education and training

Environment, water and energy

Finance and economy

Health and social support

Housing and property

Law and justice

Safety and emergencies

Science and technology

Sport and recreation

Traffic and transport

Working in the Victorian Government