Mai-Wel hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Panel Event
On Friday 6 March, Mai-Wel welcomed community members, partners, supporters, and our wider network to the Gillieston Heights Community Hub for our 2026 International Women’s Day panel event.
It was a warm and engaging morning of conversation, connection, and reflection, centred on how generosity, opportunity, and support shape women’s leadership journeys.
A conversation grounded in lived experience and leadership
The session explored what it truly means to give knowledge, time, trust, mentorship, and opportunity, and how those acts of generosity can multiply confidence, impact, and change.
Our panellists shared honest reflections on non-linear career paths, moments where someone gave them a chance, and the ways they now give back to create pathways for others. The conversation was practical, thoughtful, and deeply human, with a clear focus on leadership, inclusion, and reciprocity.
Meet our panellists
We were proud to be joined by three highly respected leaders from the Hunter region:
- Felicity Laczina, Chief Operations Officer, The Mutual Bank, and Chair of Mai-Wel
- Deb Mirisch, business owner at Beam Bookkeeping and experienced governance leader across the region
- Jennifer Leslie, non-executive director, Chartered Accountant, and long-standing board and audit committee contributor across major Hunter and state-based organisations
A big thank you to Felicity, Deb, and Jennifer for sharing your time, insight, and generosity so openly.
Thank you to everyone who joined us
Mai-Wel extends our sincere thanks to everyone who attended, asked questions, and contributed to the atmosphere on the day. Events like this are a reminder of the strength of our community and the value of coming together to listen, learn, and celebrate.
We also want to recognise our team who helped bring the event to life, including a special thanks to Thrive Catering for providing morning tea, including some amazing branded cupcakes for the event.
Stay connected
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