Seventy-five women from the Glenfield Principals Network gathered in Sydney recently to celebrate leadership, resilience, and the varied career journeys that brought them to where they are today.

The She Leads: Stories of Success and Strength event marked the first of its kind in the local area, offering a space for educators across the network to connect, exchange experiences, and build lasting professional relationships.

The gathering was born out of the Glenfield Principal Network's efforts to establish a school-based women's networking initiative; one that is now poised to grow into a statewide opportunity under the Department of Education's Women's Network.

Throughout the event, school leaders opened up about the winding paths that led them into leadership roles, along with the obstacles they've faced and overcome along the way.

Glenfield Park School Principal, Michelle Gomes, offered a moving reflection on what keeps her committed to the work.

"The most important question, why stay? I stay because of my team... and the joy I get from knowing that I could help one student is all I need to stay inspired," Ms Gomes said.

She also spoke to the power that connection and support hold in leadership.

“I've been told that I'm a transformational leader… I couldn't do that without the backing and the teamwork and the support and the guidance I've received over the years," she said.

Moving forward, Ms Gomes highlighted ongoing support, optimism, and a strong sense of community as guiding principles for her future as a leader.

“I’m always doing something to support my students, staff, and community, which I think is important," she said.

“I am certain that there will always be dancing, and joy and a real sense of community in my school."

Cathy Brennan, Executive Co-Sponsor of the NSW Department of Education’s Women's Network, picked up on that theme, urging attendees not to shy away from opportunities that come their way.

"Too often, women hold back, thinking, 'I don't know enough yet’," she said.

"Be brave in making decisions that will create opportunities to expand your influence; networks such as this Women's Network provide the support you need to take those steps."

Ms Brennan also spoke about what drives her own work in education.

"What has always motivated me... has been the opportunity to make the greatest difference for every single student," she said.

She left attendees with a line from Professor Hank Levin that has stayed with her: "Those children that parents send to us, are the only ones they have."

Reflecting on the launch of the Glenfield Women's Network, Ms Brennan said the turnout spoke for itself.

"What an incredible testament to the need in supporting our women, that we have 75 women and allies committing time to come together," she said.

“How inspiring to hear from our women leaders about the hopes, journeys, challenges, and determination that have led them to where they are now as strong and empowered people.

“Congratulations to Felicity Murphy and Rani Fairbairn for their vision, supported by Director Educational Leadership, Dace Elletson.

"This provides a model for us to share through the Department's Women's Network, for others to come together and shape the learning and support for women in our schools."

The event stands as a significant milestone for women in education leadership across NSW - one that organisers hope will spark similar gatherings statewide, driven by shared stories and a collective push toward equity and excellence in schools.