Alison Terry
In a couple of sentences, tell us a bit about yourself
I started out as a lawyer and since then I’ve worked across a range of sectors spanning legal, resources, manufacturing, technology and superannuation – mainly in corporate roles, as well as the not-for-profit sector. Since leaving executive life, I’ve joined a number of Boards, including UN Women Australia and the Black Swan State Theatre Company of Western Australia, as well as a number of ASX listed companies.
I’m also a passionate supporter of mentoring for women and have been co-leader of the National Mentor Walks program in Western Australia since 2019. I love the diversity of being involved in different organisations with different challenges, and the opportunity to contribute my time and efforts beyond the corporate sector.
What inspired you to join?
I was really inspired by the 100 Women story and the founders’ recognition of the power of collective giving – starting with a goal of 100 members which has now expanded well beyond that, with a clear focus on making grants that truly make a difference to womens’ lives.
Which recipient of a 100 Women grant are you most passionate about?
It’s always difficult to pick favourites when there are so many great initiatives to choose from! To choose one, I think Big hART are an amazing organisation, and the combination of arts education, transfer of traditional knowledge from Elders and a focus on community that they bring to the Pilbara region is a very powerful approach. The recent project funded in Roebourne which aims to address some of the entrenched social issues with a focus on young Aboriginal women is so inspiring.
What does it mean to you to be a Philanthropist?
I’m not sure that I apply that label to myself – it sounds very important! I really enjoy contributing as a volunteer and fundraising for organisations that contribute to the arts, the community and to women.
“Gender equality is something that I feel very passionate about and so I have tended to be drawn towards organisations that support women.”
Tell us of a woman that has inspired you and why
Julia Gillard, as Australia’s first female Prime Minister. I remember the day she took up the role quite clearly – a group of us gathered around a computer in our office to watch the news, and I recall feeling very emotional that this had actually happened. While she had a challenging journey against a tough political backdrop, her integrity and commitment have always shone through, while she also demonstrated to a generation that our leaders don’t always have to fit the same mould.
Name one thing that you believe we should have accessible in this world to improve the lives of women and girls?
Gender equality is paramount to ensuring that everyone, everywhere, regardless of gender has the same opportunity. Recently I heard a comment that summed it up very well – gender equality is not a ‘special interest’. Gender equality is a matter of national interest.
You also serve as a member of the UN Women Board. What connections do you see between the work of UN Women and 100 Women, and how can these synergies help drive greater impact for gender equity?
Both organisations are at their core focussed on improving the lives of women and girls. While the impact of our work varies, I think most importantly we can amplify and support one another’s work without in any way detracting from our broader goals.
