Introducing - Wafa El-Adhami
CEW Member Since: 2021
State Chapter: ACT
I am an Australian of Lebanese descent, born, raised, and educated in Kuwait. I am bilingual in English and Arabic. I love walking, running, hiking, reading and enjoy baking.
I am the former, and inaugural, Chief Executive Officer of Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Ltd. I am a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with postgraduate qualification and research background in molecular biology and microbiology.
Following a successful C-suite career, in 2023 I embarked on a major career shift as a senior advisor and advocate, applying my skills and experience to support for-purpose programs. I work to build partnerships and advocate to support women across the NFP sector, particularly in health, medical sciences (e.g., Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership (AWHL), aged care and sport).
Wafa, what led you to become a member of CEW, and how has your membership influenced your professional or personal journey?
I was inspired by the leadership, work, and influence of CEW members and was motivated by the generosity, recognition, and trust extended by my nominators. This, and the opportunity to contribute to CEW’s mission encouraged me to become an active member and contributor to CEW.
CEW membership expanded my network, connecting me with a richly diverse and incredible group of women. From this, new connections and friendships were and continue to be formed that are creating enriching exchanges, collaborations and experiences.
In general, the CEW events I've attended are rich with insights and opportunities to connect with members, which I believe are especially valuable for smaller chapters.
Broadly speaking, the opportunity to be part of, and contribute to diverse events and conversations, inspires genuine confidence that the collective resolve of this network of highly experienced, skilled and compassionate women leaders can amplify and scale enduring change for a better future for all.
Being part of CEW opened up new opportunities to participate in other networks and to forge new collaborations. For example, I became a Minerva Network mentor, I collaborated with fellow members to inform CEW’s policy work and organise events, and to help forge partnerships to support CEW’s purpose.
CEW’s mission is ‘Women Leaders Empowering All Women’ - What does this mean to you
I think CEW’s role has been evolving and continues to do so. The richness of CEW as an organisation is increasingly being reflected in its maturing governance, reshaping its purpose and with in its membership.
One of the enduring attributes of CEW is the recognition of women leaders from across diverse sectors and industries – large, small, complex, commercial, public interest, community focused, etc. – for their leadership, achievements and influence, for a vital cause: To lead and work collectively to empower all women, not just for the sake of recognition.
For me, CEW is about putting in the hard yards to elevate women’s voices, in all their diversity, across all domains, and not for the benefit of enjoying an ‘exclusive’ club.
How do you believe CEW carries out this mission, and what do you think this will look like for the future of CEW?
I believe CEW is well-placed to continue its journey to enrich the diversity of its members to better reflect and serve its mission. One question we will need to ask ourselves however, is ‘how do we raise awareness of CEW and its objectives, so that we could identify future potential members?’.
The rich and diverse skills, expertise and capabilities of CEW membership extend across all industries, professions, sectors. As a result, CEW is well positioned to inform and influence broad national and jurisdictional policies and programs beyond the gender lense and focus. Some of this is already happening, but there is potential to explore new grounds whilst respecting the mission.
To action the above, CEW will need to further engage the membership to help inform and act on the preceding points, build on CEW’s legacy and elicit views to guide its evolution and future opportunities. The future of CEW will, to some extent, be influenced by future leaders and members; understanding and anticipating their expectations will help CEW evolve.
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