Stella is a technology lawyer with experience advising government agencies and the world’s leading companies in the financial services and technology, media and telecommunications sectors. She also advises on LegalTech and develops automated matter management tools on the Microsoft O365 platform. Stella is the Manager of Legal Innovation at the Department of Government Services, a hybrid role with her legal advisory work for Service Victoria as a Principal Legal Advisor.
What inspired you to apply?
I wanted to advocate for a new role within the VPS that would allow me to develop a strategy to create and implement a new LegalTech service offering across the Victorian Government. The shift to digital has increased workloads dramatically for inhouse teams and they may not be aware of the existing tools that could be adapted for their own needs. I have won awards for the LegalTech tools that I have built, but I felt I still lacked traction internally to scale my ideas and innovations across the VPS.
What has been the biggest take away message for you?
While accepting that I am very much a work in progress, it’s OK for me to be me.
How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?
I have gained more than I could have asked or imagined. I'm part of a sisterhood with my 8 fellow participants and have a lifelong support network which also includes the facilitators, sponsors and organisers. I’ve learned how to use tools such as systems thinking and an inter-cultural framework to drive sustainable strategic innovation. It’s one thing to be able to do your work well, but being able to build systems, structures and tech thingamajigs that help others enjoy their work is much more meaningful and rewarding.
Read other participants' experiences
Elizabeth Reynolds
The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program closely aligns with Elizabeth’s career goals and redefined her approach to leadership, making inclusivity and diversity central to her professional ethos.
Arshin Zaman
The Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program perfectly aligns with Arshin’s passion of working towards improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the engineering industry.
Devika Kumar
With the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program, Devika rediscovered and embraced her authentic self at work, in her leadership style and in her daily life.
Lama Tiavo
Lama is the first Pacific woman to complete the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program and is using the skills she learned to advance her career and uplift other Women of Colour alongside her.
Sana Aziz
The insights that Sana gained through the Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program have empowered her to effectively advocate for herself in the workplace.
Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program
This program is designed for Women of Colour including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who currently hold or aspire to hold senior leadership roles in their workplaces.
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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
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