PR News
<span id="hs_cos_wrapper_name" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="text" >GWPR announces recipient of its 2025 Australia Mentoring Scholarship</span>

GWPR announces recipient of its 2025 Australia Mentoring Scholarship

GWPR Australia has announced Maya Ivanovic, Associate Director - Client Services at Palin Communications, as the recipient of its inaugural 2025 GWPR Mentoring Scholarship.

Delivered in partnership with Beaumont People, the fully funded scholarship provides Maya with access to Beaumont People's 6-month LEAD Program, designed to improve leadership capabilities, executive presence, and career development. The program includes personalised mentoring, strengths-based coaching, interactive masterclasses, and strategic networking opportunities.

The pilot scholarship initiative was launched to address what the organisation described as a critical gap in professional development, supporting early to mid-career women in PR and corporate affairs, a cohort it says is often overlooked by existing coaching and mentoring programs.

GWPR Australia launched the local mentoring program with CPRA and Beaumont People as a pilot program in early 2025, with an aim to make mentoring accessible, practical, and tailored to real-world challenges faced by women in the communications industry.

Chair of the GWPR Australia Mentoring program, Carden Calder, said: "The response from the women who applied, and who took our offer of feedback up, was shocking. Every single participant we spoke to cited a lack of mentors in the profession, the difficulty of accessing quality mentorship, and the gaping absence of programs that go beyond role-specific skills development."

Reflecting on her selection, Maya said, "The LEAD program is an opportunity for me to step out of my everyday and invest in my development with intent. I'm looking forward to learning and mentorship that challenges my thinking, explores different leadership styles, and exposes me to important feedback to help me build executive-level confidence and clarity."
Previous story

Sandpiper Group launches Sandpiper Financial; strengthens capability with new hires

Next story

Avril Sindhu Anbarasu steps up to international leadership position

You might also enjoy

Lachlan
Industry update

Lachlan Johnston and Tom Callachor team up to launch new consultancy

Lachlan Johnston and Tom Callachor have come together to launch Sedgwick Advisers, a new Australian-based reputation management, strategic communications, and public affairs advisory firm.

Sedgwick Advisers offers a range of services spanning strategic communications and reputation management, crisis and issues management, litigation and investigation support, regulatory and government affairs, and executive positioning and stakeholder engagement.

The pair bring more than 55 years’ combined experience, having previously advised ASX-listed companies, private organisations, industry bodies, and high-profile individuals.

A journalist turned communications professional, Lachlan has more than 30 years’ experience, with roles in Australia and the UK. He has held senior positions at companies including Woolworths Group, Morrow Sodali, Qantas, and AMP.

Tom brings more than 25 years’ experience in public affairs, regulation, and communications, spanning sectors including gambling, entertainment, sport, and healthcare. He has also spent part of his career as an ASX executive and in government as Chief of Staff to several ministers. 

Tara
Moves

Tara Pereira takes up new appointment as Head of Communications

Tara Pereira has joined Australian deep tech investment fund, Main Sequence, as Head of Communications. She has moved in-house following nearly eight years at Sling & Stone, most recently as Associate Director, Deep Tech & Science.

Tara also holds agency experience at FleishmanHillard, Eleven and Thrive PR. 

Honner
Moves

Honner promotes team member to Partner

Holly Bagley has stepped up as Partner at Honner. She joined the team in 2022 and was most recently Senior Account Director. Prior to this, Holly worked in-house within the telco and finance sectors.