Women in communication are shaping the world with their leadership, innovation, and generosity. The official theme of International Women’s Day 2025, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, calls us to champion inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and amplify voices that need to be heard. In the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE) community, we see these principles in action every day, through the remarkable women who elevate our profession.
To celebrate, we invited our faculty, partners, and fellows to share their wisdom – brief yet powerful messages to inspire the next generation of women communication leaders. Their responses are a testament to the strength, courage, and brilliance of the women who are shaping the future of our profession. Their insights capture the essence of what it means to lead in communication with authenticity, resilience, and impact.
Leading with confidence and authenticity
One of the most powerful messages echoed across the responses was the importance of authenticity and self-belief. Orla Clancy, founder and director, Strategic, shared:
Authenticity in leadership builds trust, and trust is the foundation of great communication. When women lead with integrity, they inspire confidence and cultivate environments where honesty and respect thrive.
Julie Gillespie eMBA, MHFA, CEO, Well-Led Workplaces reinforced this sentiment with a bold call to action:
Confidence signals to the world that women belong at every table where decisions are made. Whether it’s in boardrooms, media rooms, or community spaces, women’s voices must be heard, valued, and amplified.
Courage, resilience, and impact
The journey to success is never a straight path. It is filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Yet, as Anthea Cudworth FCSCE, head of corporate affairs, NSW Environment Protection Authority, reminds us:
Women in communication navigate complex landscapes, advocating for change, breaking down barriers, and driving narratives that influence society. The ability to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities is a defining trait of successful leaders.
Rachel Miller Chart.PR, FCIPR, FIC, FCSCE, PG (Dip), founder and principal consultant, All Things IC, offers this empowering advice:
When communication drives progress, trusting one’s instincts and focusing on results helps women lead with lasting impact.
The power of communication to drive change
Women in communication do more than shape messages; they shape movements. They have the power to shift perspectives, drive meaningful change and create lasting impact. I believe in this wholeheartedly:
As communication professionals, we hold the tools to redefine the world around us, ensuring that diverse voices are heard, that truth prevails, and that stories of empowerment take centre stage.
Believing in your voice and its impact
A key part of driving change is recognising and embracing the power of our voices. Gloria Walker ABC, FRSA, FHEA, FCSCE, Associate Lecturer, London College of Communication, reminds us:
Confidence in our expertise is essential, as Jo Curkpatrick ABC, GAICD (retired), reinforces:
Trusting in our knowledge enables us to navigate challenges and drive meaningful change.
Lifting others and building meaningful connections
Leadership extends beyond personal success to lifting others and fostering meaningful connections. Sue Heuman ABC, MC, IABC Fellow, FCSCE, principal, Focus Communications, adds:
Growth also comes from surrounding ourselves with people who challenge and inspire us. Meagan Sterling, advisor, Focus Communications, highlights:
Engaging with diverse perspectives pushes us to think bigger and innovate.
Mary Hills ABC, Six Sigma, FCSCE, IABC Fellow, adjunct faculty at Benedictine University, reminds us of the value of lifelong learning:
In a constantly evolving profession, staying open to new ideas and insights ensures that communication remains a powerful force for change.
Seizing opportunities and challenging inequality
Equally, embracing new opportunities is key to making an impact. Ann-Marie Blake Chart. PR, FCIPR, co-founder True, encourages us to take chances:
Success often comes from taking chances, stepping into unfamiliar territory and welcoming the unexpected connections.
Felicity Cull, co-founder FeBa, reinforces our role in shaping a more equitable world:
As communication professionals, we must use our platforms to drive positive change and ensure every voice is heard and valued.
Barbara Pesel, managing director, Pesel & Carr, reminds us of the foundation of trust in communication:
Trust is at the core of communication excellence and enables lasting impact.
Building a legacy for the next generation
The collective wisdom of our CSCE community speaks to the responsibility we have in shaping the future. Every woman who has broken a barrier, pioneered a new path, or lifted another woman up has contributed to the legacy we continue to build. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not just individual achievements but the collective force of women in communication who are paving the way for those who follow.
Sharing these powerful messages across our platforms reinforces the need to cultivate environments where women thrive. Creating spaces where authenticity is valued, resilience is celebrated, and every woman – no matter her background or experience – feels empowered to lead is essential.
To the next generation of female communication leaders: Step forward with confidence, own your space, and shape the future with courage, kindness, and impact.
Your voice matters, and the world needs your leadership.
