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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.

Sana Aziz, Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program participant

Sana works at the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) as a Program Manager in the Gateway Unit. Sana engages with industry experts to provide assurance on high value high risk social and economic projects in Victoria. She is also a trained chef and a researcher.

What inspired you to apply?

There was a sentence in the program brochure that read, ‘The program designed, developed, and delivered by Women of Colour for Women of Colour’. That single sentence served as the catalyst for me to join. It was a challenging period in my life, both professionally and personally. Juggling competing priorities with critical timeframes, adding another commitment didn’t initially feel like the right thing to do.

However, the whole journey has proven to be worthwhile. I found a tribe of like-minded Women of Colour with whom I was able to just sit and unburden myself. I was able to unpack the journey and reflect on the decisions I made along with the way to acknowledge and appreciate the person I have become. And to recognise this person’s capacity to learn more, do more, share more, and add more to the community.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

The most significant learning has been surprisingly simple yet transformative: to be kind to myself, be my own cheerleader, and feel comfortable in my own skin to take up the space. These realisations have eased up a lot of internal fight and positively impacted my wellbeing and the ways I interact and collaborate.

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

The insights gained from this program have empowered me to advocate for myself effectively in the workplace. I have learned to be intentional in navigating the balance between action and thoughtful analysis to devise more effective plans. Overall, the program has enhanced my self-confidence, enabling me to feel more at ease with myself and encouraging me to be more visible.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

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.

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

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.

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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

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