The 2018 International Women’s Day (IWD) campaign is encouraging all genders to #PressforProgress and the University of Southern Queensland’s (USQ) Alumni Network aims to do just that. #PressforProgress encourages women and their allies of all genders to maintain a gender parity mindset, challenge stereotypes and biases, forge positive visibility for women and celebrate their achievements on IWD and beyond.

Held on IWD, the fourth annual USQ Shine Luncheon showcases a diverse range of alumnae and female students, while also raising awareness for women’s issues and gender equality. The Shine Luncheon will host a panel discussion on ‘Investing in your Future’ presented by the USQ Women’s Network.

The event includes a delicious two-course meal, a live auction, raffles and lucky door prizes, as well as the announcement of the 2018 USQ Shine Bursary winners. The winners will each receive a $700 bursary, a reward for their efforts to enrich their community. The bursary is open to alumnae or female students in their final year of study who have demonstrated leadership potential.

YWCA Queensland and a range of sponsors have generously provided financial support, allowing the Shine program to build on the success of its inaugural event. Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio and Councillor Nancy Sommerfield will be attending along with USQ Business, Education, Law and Arts Faculty Executive Dean Professor Barbara de la Harpe. A range of prizes have been donated by the local business community for the fund-raising raffles, such as theatre tickets, accommodation, beauty treatments and vouchers.

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