Building on our celebration of International Women's Day, we shine a spotlight on the transformative power of strong female mentors through the inspiring journey of Danie Zappa, a proud Noongar Wardandi woman and a trailblazing leader in our community. 

Danie Zappa's career is a testament to the profound impact that mentorship can have on personal and professional growth. With a Bachelor of Social Science in Indigenous Services from ECU, Danie has always been driven by a deep understanding and appreciation of her Aboriginal community, culture, and history. Her journey began in the Australian Public Service, where she spent 17 years working in various roles, including Indigenous Cultural Awareness Facilitation, mentoring, technical training, and leadership. 

Throughout her career, Danie has been guided by strong female mentors who have played a pivotal role in shaping her leadership style and career trajectory. One of her lifelong mentors has been a constant source of honest feedback and support for over 30 years. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping Danie navigate the challenges of her career and personal life, providing her with the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. 

Another significant mentor in Danie's life is Jahna Cedar, who has been a champion of career succession and planning. Jahna's mentorship has helped Danie develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in her roles and take on new challenges. Julie Hillier, another mentor, has provided invaluable leadership and life skills, creating a reciprocal relationship where both have learned from each other. 

Danie's leadership style is deeply influenced by these strong female mentors, compelled by the instinct to pay it forward. She values honest feedback and continuous learning, which she incorporates into her own mentoring relationships. Danie is passionate about the importance of having more First Nations people in leadership roles and is committed to making a difference by promoting gender equality and cultural diversity.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we recognise the importance of strong female mentors in empowering women to achieve their full potential. Danie Zappa's journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated and passionate mentors can have on their mentees, fostering a culture of support, growth, and empowerment. ​

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, IPS Management Consultants proudly celebrates the achievements of Julie Hillier, Co-CEO of IPS, a leader who embodies the #AccelerateAction theme through her dedication to empowering women in leadership.
With a career spanning over two decades across the corporate, oil and gas, and consulting sectors, Julie has broken barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries, proving that authentic leadership and collective empowerment drive meaningful change.

Leading with Passion and Purpose (know your why!)
Julie’s journey began as a young professional in HR and leadership development at Shell, where she worked across Gas Plants and offshore oil rig facilities—an environment she describes as a sometimes harsh and tough training ground as a young female leader”. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast in her belief that women do not need to take on male-dominated norms to succeed.

“Authenticity is key. If we take on attributes that are not naturally ours, we can’t sustain them. Strong leadership is about heart and backbone—staying true to who we are while standing firm in our convictions and being appropriately assertive when needed.”

From her early days working globally in Europe, Indonesia, and the United States, to leading large-scale change management projects in Singapore, Dubai, and Australia, Julie has continuously championed women in leadership and driven systemic change in organisations.

Championing Women and Inclusive Leadership
As an advocate for gender equity and mentoring future female leaders, Julie is committed to creating spaces where women support and uplift each other.

“When women hold each other up and work collectively, we create something incredibly powerful. It’s not just about fixing women or ousting men—it’s about building inclusive systems where everyone thrives. We need other women and men as allies.”

Her leadership at IPS extends beyond corporate influence, including her work as the first female President of the Collie Chamber of Commerce in its 70-year history and her co-founding of an Aboriginal youth charity. Additionally, she leads Tennis Australia’s Women in Leadership program, now in its third year, ensuring the next generation of female leaders has access to leadership tools, strategies, mentorship and growth opportunities.

 The Time for Action is Now
Julie is a firm believer that discussions on gender equity must translate into immediate, tangible action.

“We don’t need more data to tell us that there is an equity problem. We know it. Now, let’s get on with it. Let’s accelerate action and create truly inclusive workplaces, communities, and a nation.”

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Julie’s leadership serves as an inspiration for women across industries. Her message is clear:
Be bold. Be authentic. And take action today with heart and backbone.