Women in Super is pleased to annouce the recipient of the 2012 WIS Global Dialogue Scholarship is Cathy Powell, an Employer Services Representative at BUSS(Q)
This scholarship – valued at $10,000 – allows a member of WIS to attend the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) Global Dialogue.
The 2012 Dialogue – attended by representatives from Australian and international pension funds – is being held in the UK, with the focus on investment and governance issues concerning the volatile European market.
Ms Cate Wood, Chair of WIS - a national networking and advocacy group for women in the superannuation industry – said the scholarship served a valuable role in developing female leaders in the superannuation industry and drawing attention to the depth of female talent within the industry.
Ms Powell was selected by a panel of senior WIS members – Fiona Reynolds (AIST), Jocelyn Furlan (Superannuation Complaints Tribunal) and Maria Wilton (Franklin Templeton & AGEST Super).
“The panel commented that the calibre of the candidates was outstanding, which made selecting the winner very difficult as each of them would have been a worthy recipient,” Ms Wood said.
“It is hoped that these women will continue to develop their careers and take up leadership roles, and continue their commitment to and involvement with Women In Super.”
Ms Powell – who began her career in superannuation 14 years ago as a plan administrator before moving to the role of service specialist – said attending the Global Dialogue was a wonderful opportunity to learn how European pension funds were dealing with the economic adversity they are experiencing in the current global market conditions.
“The Global Dialogue will provide me with a greater working knowledge of current global investment issues,” Ms Powell said.
“My hope is to be able to draw on the experience of the European pension funds and adapt it to my understanding of the Australian market.”