Marisa Meltzer, Cate Shortland, Zara Seidler, Alethea Gold and Shoshana Gottlieb-Beker to headline 2026 International Women’s Day Program
Announcement posted by Emanuel Synagogue 20 Feb 2026
Emanuel Synagogue will host Champions of Change: International Women's Day 2026 on Sunday, 8 March, bringing together prominent women working across film, journalism, humanitarian aid and education.
The event, presented in partnership with WIZO, follows last year's sold-out inaugural celebration, which featured Mamamia's Mia Freedman and OzHarvest's Ronni Khan, and will focus on the role of storytelling and leadership in shaping social change.
New York-based journalist and bestselling author Marisa Meltzer will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights from her career covering fashion, culture, wellness and celebrity for publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Vanity Fair. She is recognised for her books on cult-like brands and cultural figures, including 'Glossy' (about Glossier), 'This Is Big' (about Weight Watchers), and her latest hit, 'It Girl' (about Jane Birkin).
The program will feature one of Australia's most celebrated film and television directors, Cate Shortland (Somersault, Lore, Berlin Syndrome, Marvel Studios' Black Widow, The Slap); the founder of The Daily Aus and 2025 Young Australian of the Year finalist Zara Seidler; global SmartAID global humanitarian leader with a background in publishing, Alethea Gold; writer, educator and owner of the viral @JewishMemesOnly Instagram account, Shoshana Gottlieb-Beker; and Emanuel Synagogue's Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio OAM.
The panel will examine how women are influencing creative industries, journalism, education and international humanitarian work while helping build opportunities for future generations.
The event will conclude with an audience Q&A and the announcement of an impressive array of door prizes, followed by a sumptuous morning tea by Nora's Kitchen, with some favourites from Sweet Chick. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in community and wellness activities, including assembling care packages for women experiencing hardship through Share the Dignity and a guided meditation session led by Rabbi Dr Orna Triguboff.
Rabbi Ninio said the event aims to celebrate leadership and community engagement.
"This event highlights the contributions women are making across sectors and communities, and the importance of collaboration and mentorship for future generations. While our guests work in different industries, they have the skill of storytelling in common and with that most powerful skill, they are painting a vivid vision of the future for all of us," she said.
Event Details
Event: Champions of Change: International Women's Day 2026
Date: Sunday, 8 March, 2026
Location: Emanuel Synagogue, 7 Ocean St, Woollahra NSW
Schedule
10.00 am - Keynote and panel discussion
11.00 am - Morning tea
12.00 pm - Community activity sessions
1.00 pm - Event concludes
Tickets
https://events.humanitix.com/champions-of-change-international-womens-day-2026-at-emanuel-synagogue?c=media
About Emanuel Synagogue
Founded in 1938, Emanuel Synagogue is Australia's largest Jewish congregation, known for its pluralistic, egalitarian, and inclusive approach to Jewish life. With a rich heritage and a commitment to innovation, Emanuel serves as a spiritual home to thousands and a leader in interfaith and social justice initiatives.
www.emanuel.org.au
Media Contact
Melba Proestos
Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: 02 9389 6444
Email: melba@emanuel.org.au
Interview Opportunities
Available on request—
Marisa Meltzer
Cate Shortland
Alethea Gold
Shoshana Gottlieb-Beker
Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio
Materials
Photos, guest headshots, and bios can be downloaded here