KPMG's Sarah Overton Awarded behind closed doors Luminaries Scholarship
Announcement posted by behind closed doors 21 Feb 2018
Sarah Overton, KPMG Australia’s Manager, National Competitive Intelligence, was last night announced the recipient of behind closed doors’ (BCD) coveted Melbourne Luminaries Scholarship.
Announcing the results at a networking event hosted by Russell Kennedy Lawyers Women’s Network, BCD Founder and Managing Director, Donny Walford, said the scholarship provides an opportunity for women executives of the future to share experiences and knowledge, develop networks and receive support.
“Sarah has had a varied career spanning early opportunities on Wall Street in her native USA through to her transition to study and settle in Australia. The 12-month fully funded behind closed doors Luminaries membership will enable Sarah to expand her Melbourne networks and continue both professional and personal development needed on her journey towards an Executive role.”
“I extend my congratulations to our winner, Sarah Overton, as well as our worthy runners up, Kelly Angel, Senior Research Officer at Birchip Cropping Group and Natalie Collins, Head of Special Projects at Media Access Australia.” Ms Walford said.
Ms Overton, who joined KPMG in 2016, and is actively involved with community service through Rotary International, said a scholarship would afford her a broader range of perspective and insight from women beyond her industry and existing networks.
“It is tremendously valuable to learn from peers – to understand how they have set goals, worked through challenges and pursued new directions.” Ms Overton said. “I am thrilled to be a part of a diverse group of ambitious and forward-looking women whose careers and styles are different from my own.”
The BCD Luminaries Scholarship offers businesswomen aspiring to executive roles the opportunity to further expand their leadership and management skills through a year-long membership to BCD Luminaries, valued at more than $5,500.
BCD Luminaries was created in response to an identified need for motivated businesswomen to have a professional sounding board and support network where they can discuss professional and personal issues, challenges and strategies in a totally confidential environment while, at the same time, encouraging each other to extend themselves to achieve and succeed in new environments.
Members meet for three hours, ten times a year, for group mentoring, professional development and networking with like-minded women. Outside of this further professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities are provided to members amongst the wider BCD community.
“The luminaries scholarship is not an award, but rather an opportunity for a business women looking to expand their networks, develop their career both through personal and professional development and to support others around them.” added Ms Walford. “Sarah’s aim to inspire her team and colleagues by sharing new ideas and encouraging curiosity positioned her as a fantastic recipient for this opportunity.”
BCD has awarded 12-month fully funded Luminaries memberships as scholarships annually for seven years; in 2018 Luminaries scholarships are offered in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.
Issued by:
Penny Reidy, Marketing Manager, Behind Closed Doors on 8333 4303 or 0401 349 791 or penny@behindcloseddoors.com