Inspiring Women of Toowong

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are proud to recognise inspiring women from our local community – as nominated by you.

Below are our Top 6 Finalists and their stories. Each one being celebrated for their outstanding impact, contribution, and inspiration.

Take a moment to read their stories, be inspired, and cast your vote for the finalist who moves you the most.

Thank you to everyone in the community who took the time to submit a nomination and share with us the stories of the woman that inspires them. We wish we could share them all!

Finalists

Desirée Alizart

Desirée’s quiet strength, unwavering compassion, and innate leadership shine brightest when her community needs her most. As a dedicated volunteer with Queensland State Emergency Services, Desirée has given countless hours to disaster response — rising to lead Brisbane’s recovery efforts during some of the city’s most challenging storms, including Cyclone Alfred, and supporting other devastated communities across the state.

Drawing on her professional expertise in logistics, Desirée leads with calm resolve and grace in the most testing of times: coordinating teams, restoring hope, and transforming lives.

Beyond her extraordinary work responding during disasters, Desirée also volunteers weekly in Toowong, giving her time selflessly to support her local community. Driven by a heartfelt desire to make a difference, Desirée is a true example of strength, generosity, and courage, inspiring those around her to become better versions of themselves.

“Desirée’s volunteering is not an occasional act, but a weekly extension of her caring heart. Whether she is up on a roof, scrubbing mud from homes, or leading teams who are out in the field, Desirée does it with genuine care.”

Click to submit your vote.

Hollie Bryan

Hollie is the visionary force behind Backbone Theatre for Babies - an innovative programme developed alongside Backbone Youth Arts to nurture the next generation’s love of the arts.

Driven by her own experiences of postpartum challenges, Hollie has created a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for families with children aged 0-3, helping both little ones and their carers enjoy their very first theatre experience. Hollie’s warm nature and adaptability, ensures every family feels comfortable and supported, whether they are arriving late, feeling overwhelmed, or venturing out for the first time.

Through her dedication to providing sensory, developmentally appropriate arts activities, and her passion for building meaningful connections between parents and carers, Hollie is breaking down the barriers of isolation and supporting positive mental health for new families. All of this she achieves while caring for her own family, demonstrating exceptional resilience, creativity, and compassion.

Hollie’s work has brought joy, friendship, and a profound sense of community to countless families across Brisbane, making a truly lasting difference through the power of the arts.

 “Hollie’s personal resilience and ingenuity, along with her passion for the inclusivity of very young families in the arts, inspires me every day.”

Click to submit your vote. 

Louise Ferreira

Louise has transformed adversity into action - her journey from a low-income town in Brazil to Toowong has inspired hope and created opportunity for thousands. Louise is a passionate advocate for education and women’s wellbeing. By the age of 24, Louise has helped over 35,000 under privileged students access more than $7 million in scholarships through her first social enterprise.

Now living in Australia, Louise founded That’s Brilliant Co., a unique wellness and journaling venture dedicated to empowering women’s self-care and ambition. Inspired by her own experience of overcoming a difficult breakup, she turned her personal journey into a source of strength, openly sharing her path to healing and inspiring other women facing similar challenges. Through That’s Brilliant Co., Louise not only uplifts women but also gives back, with 3% of profits donated to charities that help underprivileged women achieve their dreams.

Louise’s creativity, courage, and unwavering commitment to giving back continue to inspire hope and opportunity for countless people across not only Australia, but the world.

 “Louise is a strong young woman who brings hope to others and reminds us of the importance of always giving back to the community”.

Click to submit your vote. 

Meg Foley

Meg stands as an inspiring force in the community, embodying the roles of mother, educator, leader, and mentor.

As the co-founder and principal of Omni Academies of Learning in Toowong, Meg has created an innovative, alternate model of secondary education, empowering young people to engage fully with their learning, discover their passions, and connect meaningfully with their community. Her aim at Omni is to ensure that all students can experience meaningful, relevant, authentic, and challenging learning in school.

Known for her kindness, resilience, and tireless dedication, Meg leads by compassionate, hands-on example: supporting every student, cheering on grassroots projects, and uplifting both her school and the wider community.

Despite the demands of pioneering a new high school, Meg remains a devoted mother, friend, and unwavering supporter to those around her.

Her contribution is felt not only in the classroom, but in the many lives she touches across Toowong, making her a true role model for future generations.

“Meg is the kindest and most compassionate woman that leads by example, inspires others to be better and try their best.”

Click to submit your vote. 

Barbara Quinn

Barbara is the embodiment of quiet dedication and lifelong service to others. For over 25 years, Barbara has been at the heart of The Wesley Hospital Choices Cancer Support Centre and St Andrew’s Hospital in Brisbane—wholeheartedly volunteering her time to fundraise, support patients, and uplift the community.

Her selfless kindness shines especially during Christmas and Mother’s Day — times that can be especially challenging for those affected by cancer— when she organises heartfelt handmade craft stalls that bring comfort and joy to families, staff, and patients alike.

Barbara lives each day giving to those around her, never seeking recognition but always making a meaningful difference. Her ongoing commitment and genuine compassion set a powerful example of community spirit and care.

 “What I most admire about Barbara is that she lives her life and each day helping those around her and the community. She gives but never asks for anything in return and has never lost her passion for caring for others.”

Click to submit your vote. 

Kylie Akeroyd Smith

Kylie is the quiet force at the heart of Bardon Playgroup, where her creativity, kindness, and unwavering care have inspired and supported local families for the past six years.

In her voluntary leadership role, Kylie has transformed the playgroup into a welcoming haven for hundreds of families, creating a safe and nurturing environment where both children and carers feel valued and connected each week.

Through imaginative play-based activities, especially her unique arts and crafts, Kylie builds connection, reduces isolation among mothers, and champions the importance of early learning through play.

Kylie’s gentle conversations and continual support help local families feel seen and valued, making a lasting impact on the Bardon community. Her humility and compassion make her a truly inspiring woman, whose dedication helps weave a more connected and caring neighbourhood.

 “Kylie consistently shows up for our local community, showing humility and compassion through her actions. Her gentle conversations and support of families is helping create a more connected community.”

Click to submit your vote.