There has been a change of leadership at a prominent Sunshine Coast community group that inspires women to achieve in business.
Min Swan has stepped down as president of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network after three years in the role, making way for Paula Williamson.
Ms Swan, owner of event planning company White House International and a recent Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate, said it was the right time to move on after guiding the network to many successes.
“My conviction on making this my last AGM as president comes from the incredible committee that succeeds me and my absolute confidence that they are ready for the next chapter and to take the network to the next evolution,” she said.
“Having been supported by vice-president Paula Williamson, treasurer Anita Cunningham and secretary Jaymee Morrison, alongside the other eight committee members, has been an absolute dream, with each person stepping up to the plate and making the network revered for its progress, leadership and action, despite the usual time constraints of a volunteer organisation.”
With close to 400 members in the network, the SCBWN is among the largest member associations in the region.
“The network has seen its membership work through many challenges and celebrated many successes, from emerging out of the depths of COVID restrictions and navigating new ways of doing business to celebrating our region being chosen for the Olympics and Paralympics and preparing our businesses to be on the world stage,” she said.
“While all of these, and so many in between, are great accomplishments, what I really love to see is the growth in confidence in our membership and the welcoming environment we’ve created to lift others up.
“We all need support as we go through our business and personal lives and I’m really proud that this network is a safe space where many find ‘their people’ and are encouraged and cheered on to achieve incredible things.
“I saw first-hand this year the collective outcomes of great people being prepared to step outside of themselves, fight for what they believe in and work hard for the benefit of all.
“As a network, we have firmly planted ourselves at the tables where the big topics are handled, and the committee represents members’ voices for a future that allows them to be anything and everything they wish to be.”
Stepping into the role as president, Ms Williamson will bring a different perspective to the network with her corporate background.
“I’m a change leader at heart, and I’m looking forward to leading this extraordinary network. I feel an immense sense of pride and responsibility,” she said.
“I’ve always said that regional communities thrive when people chip in and volunteer their time, and I’ve been fortunate to work within the network for some years.
“I’m particularly committed to helping women connect with opportunities for their future selves, all whilst managing the challenges of a fast-paced world and motherhood.
“In the coming weeks, you’ll hear more from me and see what the next chapter looks like, the new executive committee and I are delighted to design and define the forward agenda and we truly hope you feel part of the exciting journey ahead.”
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