Viewpoint

This year's theme, ' March Forward, ' resonates deeply with our Jesuit values, emphasising the need to move beyond reflection and take decisive actions that turn our commitments into progress. Throughout March, we share the inspiring stories of women at the college, celebrating the perspectives they bring to our educational setting. Through their experiences, we aim to instil a sense of empowerment and belonging, reflecting the Ignatian spirit of seeking and finding God in all things and promoting the greater glory of God.

Ms Jacqui Singer, Capital Works Project Coordinator

Can you share a bit about your journey in education and what inspired you to pursue this career?

After completing my Master of Architecture at the University of Sydney and working in practice for a few years, I decided to make the jump into Project Management here at Riverview. This jump came from a desire of wanting to be more holistically involved with projects and get down to the ‘nuts and bolts’ of how they come together.

I have always maintained a teaching role alongside my full-time job. I have taught piano, voice and musicianship since the age of 19 and I have been invited back to tutor architectural history at the University of Sydney for the past 3 years. Above and beyond the satisfaction I derive from my role as a Project Coordinator, these teaching roles have brought much personal reward - to foster and contribute to the education of young people has been and continues to be a privilege.

Have you had a female mentor or role model who inspired you? What impact did they have on your journey?

Before joining on at Riverview, I was stuck in a holding pattern deciding what path my career would take next. I knew I needed to try something outside of architectural practice but was concerned I had cornered myself into a professional niche.

In attending a couple of sessions at a 6am women’s fitness bootcamp, I met Dominique ‘Dom’ Gill. We got to talking and it turned out she was a construction project manager herself and that there were uncanny similarities in our career journeys - she had also finished an architecture degree and had found herself in the same unsure position. After taking a job as an administrative assistant in a construction firm, her decision to make the jump and start her own company was based on looking around her and simply thinking:

‘I could so do that.’ This has since become a bit of a personal mantra.

What she humbly left out amidst our breathless star-jumping chats is that she is the CEO of an award-winning construction and project management company that sets itself apart in its championing of sustainability and gender balanced leadership. Dom has since become a treasured mentor and friend of mine and guided me through the process of making the jump and securing a position here at Riverview.

What does the theme "March Forward" mean to you in the context of women in education?

“Marching” evokes the feeling of a collective motion. We have covered so much ground, and we need to remember it is the people we have linked arms with along the way that contribute to the success of this movement. The spectrum of support I have personally received is something I am so grateful for, be it the women who have taken me under their wing, my team here at Riverview who have coached me through my trials and celebrated my successes or the builders and contractors who have never made me feel like I’m in the ‘wrong room.’ To me, ‘Marching Forward’ is all about hunkering down and fostering these connections, it’s about shoring up the front line as we press on.

Kate Hilyard, Teacher - Learning Enrichment

Can you share a bit about your journey in education and what inspired you to pursue this career?

I enjoyed school immensely and was fortunate to have many influential and inspiring teachers who left a lasting impact on me. When considering my career path, I was torn between physiotherapy and teaching, but ultimately, I was drawn to teaching because of its vocational nature—the ability to shape young minds, foster curiosity, and make a real difference in students’ lives. I began my teaching career in the UK at an independent girls' school, an incredible opportunity that shaped my understanding of education in a dynamic and inspiring environment. After that, I found my place here at Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview, where I have been for the past 19 years. What has always driven me, and continues to do so, is the privilege of working with students with diverse learning needs. Every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of success. I believe that learning should be an empowering journey, not a limiting one. Helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and overcome challenges is at the heart of why I teach. Witnessing those ‘lightbulb moments’—when a student realises their own potential—reminds me every day why I chose this path.

If you could make one change to help women "march forward" in society, what would it be?

If I could make one change to help women "march forward" in society, it would be ensuring equal opportunities and visibility for women in sport. Sport is a powerful platform for leadership, confidence, and resilience, yet female athletes have historically faced barriers in funding, media coverage, and professional opportunities. By increasing investment in women's sports, promoting equal pay, and ensuring greater representation in coaching and leadership roles, we can challenge outdated perceptions and inspire the next generation of young women to pursue their ambitions—both on and off the field. Just as in education, where every student deserves access to the support and opportunities needed to succeed, women in sport deserve the same level of recognition, resources, and respect as their male counterparts. When we empower women in sport, we send a message that strength, determination, and excellence know no gender—helping to shape a more equitable society for all.

How do you envision the role of women in shaping the future of education?

Women play a vital role in shaping the future of education, particularly in expanding STEM opportunities. As educators, mentors, and leaders, women have the power to challenge stereotypes, inspire innovation, and create inclusive learning environments where all students—regardless of gender—feel empowered to pursue their passions. One of the biggest shifts we need to see is greater representation of women in STEM fields. For too long, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have been male-dominated, discouraging many young women from envisioning a future in these areas. By increasing female representation in STEM education, we not only provide role models for the next generation but also bring diverse perspectives to industries that drive progress and innovation. By championing STEM programs, fostering curiosity from an early age, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities, women educators can play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and shaping a future where gender is never a limitation to success.