Twelve leaders rising together: meet the successful applicants of the rise together initiative

We’re proud to announce the 12 successful applicants selected for our Rise Together Initiative, a unique leadership and career confidence program designed specifically for war widows and partners of veterans. With an overwhelming response of 27 applications from across Australia, the final group brings together a diverse mix of individuals committed to growing personally and professionally.

Empowering veteran families through career confidence

The Rise Together Initiative is part of our commitment to support war widows and veteran partners in building leadership skills and career confidence. This initiative is not about fitting into one mould—it’s about recognising the diverse experiences within veteran families and helping each participant take meaningful steps toward fulfilling, purpose-driven careers.

As part of the initiative, participants are also enrolled in the WILD (Women in Leadership Development) Program—an evidence-based course designed to develop leadership capability, influence and resilience in women.

Participants are provided with tailored coaching, peer learning opportunities, and expert-led workshops to help them clarify their goals, strengthen their confidence, and unlock their potential—on their own terms.

A national cohort with diverse lived experience

The 12 selected participants include widows, veteran partners and current serving partners, with representation from every corner of the country: ACT (3), NSW (4), QLD (1), VIC (1), SA (1) and NT (1). Each participant brings unique insight, lived experience and ambition to the program.

In early June, they will gather in Sydney for a five-day, face-to-face workshop. This in-person experience will allow participants to connect, share ideas, and build lasting networks of peer support—something many in the veteran family space rarely get the chance to do.

Building confidence, connection and leadership

The Rise Together Initiative is designed to help war widows and veteran partners navigate their career with greater clarity and confidence. For many, career progression or aspirations were paused or shaped by the demands of defence life—frequent moves, caregiving responsibilities, and the challenges of transition. This initiative creates space for participants to reflect on what they want next, rebuild career confidence, and explore new possibilities. Whether returning to work, pursuing a new path, or building on existing skills, Rise Together supports participants in identifying what matters to them—and how they want to lead in their own lives.

We’re incredibly proud to support these 12 inspiring women as they take the next steps on their personal and professional journeys.

In their own words: what Rise Together means to them

When notified of their selection, participants shared what being part of the Rise Together Initiative means to them. Their reflections highlight the importance of connection, growth and recognition of the unique journeys of war widows and veteran partners and the impact that Defence service has on their career.

“Being selected for the Rise Together Initiative is a deeply meaningful opportunity for me – both personally and professionally. As the spouse of a veteran, I feel incredibly honoured to be part of a program that uplifts women and equips us with the tools to lead with purpose. I’m excited to bring the knowledge, confidence, and tools I gain back to my workplace. I am truly looking forward to undertaking this program!”
— Cathy, veteran partner, SA

“I am grateful for this opportunity as it means a chance to grow both personally and professionally, while continuing to advocate for change that honours the legacy of veterans and their families.”
— Chadine, widow, NSW

“Being selected for the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Program for 2025 is a significant milestone, not only for my professional but also my personal journey. I look forward to exploring the topics and reflecting on how this opportunity is the start of a new beginning—my past career experiences don’t need to define my future.”
— Deanne, veteran partner, QLD

“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured to be selected for the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Program. Gaining a place in this program means so much to me—it represents an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the advancement of female leadership. I look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals, developing my leadership skills, and making a positive impact through this program.”
— Emma, veteran partner, NSW

“I’m grateful to have been awarded a scholarship for the WILD program as part of the Rise Together initiative. It’s a great opportunity to invest in my own development, build leadership skills and get ready for whatever comes next in my career.”
— Hayley, current serving partner, VIC

“The WILD program will provide me the empowerment and ability to connect, learn, and grow—an experience that I feel will ensure I hit new milestones in my personal and professional life.”
— Heidi, veteran partner, NT

“My acceptance into the WILD program is testament that life can be a challenge and that difficult times do arise; however, with the right support and determination you can achieve great things. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to participate in WILD and am excited to further develop as a positive role model for my children and defence and veteran partners.”
— Jennifer, widow, ACT

“Being part of the Rise Together Initiative is a chance for me to rediscover my confidence, refresh my leadership skills, and refocus on my career ambitions. I look forward to learning alongside inspiring, like-minded women.”
— Jodie, current serving partnerACT

“The Rise Together Initiative scholarship honours the strength, resilience, and leadership shaped by a life committed to service, sacrifice, and supporting those who serve. I’m excited to undertake this opportunity and proud to stand alongside the Families of Veterans Guild, united by purpose and hope.”
— Kelly, veteran partner, ACT

“Being selected for the Rise Together Initiative is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to rebuild, grow, and lead. This opportunity gives me the confidence to step forward, not only for myself but to uplift others who are navigating life after loss.”
— Michelle, widow, NSW

“My participation in the program will provide me with the time and space to focus on self improvement, personal development and up-skill in this ever-changing professional world.”
— Sheila, veteran partner, WA

“I am grateful to be chosen for such a wonderful opportunity to help further my career.”
— Shevaun, current service partner, NSW

Building career confidence for defence and veteran partners 

Are you a female partner or widow of a current or former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) member? Has your career been impacted by your loved one’s defence career? Would you like to build career confidence and embrace leadership with confidence? In 2025 the Rise Together Initiative will provide 12 defence and veteran partners with the ability to undertake the Women in Leadership Development Program. 

The aim of the Rise Together Initiative is to build the career confidence of defence and veteran partners. Directly addressing the negative impacts of defence service on their careers. This journey started with one war widow who wanted to support career development for defence and veteran spouses. 

This initiative has been officially announced at Parliament House by Senator Katy Gallagher, after she spent some time meeting and hearing experiences from veteran partners themselves, alongside our Board Chair, Tricia Hobson, and our CEO, Renee Wilson. 

Why defence and veteran partners need the Rise Together Initiative 

Families of veterans make unique sacrifices when supporting their loved one, both during and after ADF service. Families of veterans balance the many demands of supporting family, relocations and adjustments, deployments and other absence from home, transition out of service and caring roles due to illness or injury. 

Career satisfaction is an important element of wellbeing. We acknowledge that veteran families may face barriers in developing and maintaining their career aspirations due to the unique nature of defence life, increasing their risk of unemployment and underemployment. The purpose of this initiative is to encourage partners of former or current serving ADF members to focus on self-care and expand their careers by engaging in a Women in Leadership Development (WILD) program with like-minded peers. 

Throughout WILD you will explore several critical topics, including: 

• Personal leadership style; understand your individual strengths and style – how you can best leverage those strengths and when they might get in the way. 

• Leadership, management & technical work; you will better understand the differences between leadership, management and technical work, when you use each type of work and where they overlap. 

• Influence & impact; explore influence at the micro level, and at the system level and draw on tools and models to increase your awareness and impact. 

• Resilience & thriving; learn how to build your psychological flexibility and thrive to enable you to manage the challenges presented in your role. 

• Leading self & others through change; understand the barriers to change and how to support yourself, others, teams and organisations move through change. 

• Leading with purpose; understand and anchor to what matters most; leading with purpose can help sustain you through tough challenges. 

• Breakthrough conversations; learn and practise a framework to hold conversations that can feel difficult. 

• Reflective practice; a critical part of the learning cycle is creating space for reflection. Learn a framework and practice self-reflection during and between sessions. 

If you’re interested, please find more in-depth information about what the WILD program can provide for you and your career and what the requirements are to apply here. 

“Thank you Families of Veterans Guild for the opportunity to attend the Women in Leadership Development (WILD) program of 2024. I am continually evolving in both personal and professional development and through this scholarship opportunity my growth will continue to expand throughout the course across to positive contributions in future roles.” 

– Mary Kingsford, 2024 WILD Scholarship Recipient