The aggregator has announced a revamped version of this program to “support and grow the female broker population”.
This initiative, aimed at bolstering connections and empowering women in the industry, will kick off on July 30, 2024, with a series of events across the country.
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According to Connective, the Empower Program is a key component of its commitment to fostering the growth of female brokers.
The aggregator has expanded its offerings to better address the needs of women in the field. The revamped program will focus on connection, education, and amplifying the voices of female brokers, providing a comprehensive support system beyond traditional resources.
Belinda Devlin, Connective’s strategic partnerships manager, said that high-performing female brokers often face significant barriers. These include limited access to mentoring, a lack of tailored professional development, and minimal targeted guidance.
“As the aggregator that has attracted the most female brokers in the industry, we have a responsibility to help break down these barriers and provide the education, tools, and insights to enable female brokers to realise opportunities in the current environment,” Devlin said.
She said that it is Connective’s commercial priority to leverage the collective strength and diverse perspectives of female brokers, who are crucial assets in a male-dominated industry.
The 2024 Empower Program includes a range of new features such as in-person events, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, discussion panels with industry experts, and celebrations of success stories.
Starting with state-based high teas in July and August, these events will feature panels with industry experts, brokers, and sponsors such as ME and Macquarie Bank.
The expansion of these events comes in response to positive feedback from brokers.
The program will be championed by Connective representatives across various states, including Zorica Grubic in Queensland, Louise Mills in NSW/ACT, Tracey Crevatin and Erminia D’Oca in Victoria, Rebecca Tanner in South Australia, and Sharna Phillips in Western Australia. These representatives will facilitate local connections and support.
Each state-based event will address specific challenges and opportunities for female brokers, including business growth strategies and the importance of supporting women to increase female representation in the industry.
The national webinar will mirror these discussions, ensuring regional inclusivity and accessibility for those unable to attend in person.
Confirmed panellists for the program include notable industry figures such as Marie Vlahos of Her Home Loan, Lindy Kelly of Kelly & Co., Julie Bishop of The Lending Collective, Sarah Smelt of Finance Society, and Kaye Nelson-Hill of Key Change Finance.
“It is so important to engage with each other and that’s what we are encouraging through these events. Based on our experience, this sense of community is essential to help women reach their potential and achieve success,” Devlin said.
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