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  • Five new Inclusive Futures Leadership Scholars

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    Professor Catherine Marshall never set out to create a global movement, she simply wanted to give all women a fair chance. A renowned advocate for women with disability, particularly those who face the added challenges of poverty, she was driven by a belief that education and leadership opportunities should belong to everyone, not just the privileged few. More than two decades ago, Catherine founded the Women’s International Leadership Institute (WILI) in Arizona to bring opportunities to all women and has been a consistent partner of Inclusive Futures since 2003.

    From its humble beginnings, WILI has grown into a transformative force, empowering low-income women to move closer to leadership roles, influence their communities, and challenge systemic barriers. Catherine’s vision was clear: leadership should reflect the diverse voices of the people it serves.

    As Catherine prepares to retire from her tireless community work, it is important to reflect on the profound impact WILI has had on women around the world. Over the years, WILI has supported young women through mentorship programs, skills development workshops, and funding to access to education — often providing a lifeline where opportunities were otherwise out of reach. Many of these women have gone on to become powerful advocates, community leaders, and changemakers, reshaping policies and opening doors for others.

    Now, in this final chapter, WILI has announced the creation of international scholarships for low-income women with disability to complete leadership training. The scholarships reflect Catherine’s unwavering commitment to dismantling barriers. 'True leadership is built on diverse perspectives,' she said. 'We’re not just empowering women—we’re changing the landscape of leadership itself.' Until we see young women from low-income backgrounds and those with disability in leadership roles, exclusion in our broader society will continue. Education and leadership are the ingredients for change.

    Established in partnership with Griffith University’s Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, these WILI-funded scholarships will provide a gateway to online training and mentorship—where the women will learn skills that will position them for leadership roles in future. The program will develop their practical skills and build confidence to return to their communities as powerful agents of change.

    Logo for WILI Empowering Women Globally with a hand illustrated vector logo of a line art woman with her arms outstretched on top of a world globe surrounded by stars.

    Meet our new Inclusive Futures Scholars

    These five outstanding women with disability will amplify their impact in future thanks to the WILI Inclusive Futures scholarships – Nerine Williams, Nina Carr, Lizzie Ambrose, Laura Sheenan, and Carmel Larkin—each bringing deep lived experience, expertise, and fierce determination to create more inclusive and just systems.

    A group photo collage featuring six individuals arranged in two rows of three. Top row, from left to right: Nerine Williams, Nina Carr, and Lizzie Ambrose. Bottom row, from left to right: Laura Sheenan and Carmel Larkin. Each person is identified by name below their photo. At the bottom of the image is the WILI logo with a tagline Empowering Women Globally with a hand rendered icon of a woman with arms outstretched on top of the world surrounded by stars; next to it the Griffith University logo with the text: “Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability.”

    Nerine Williams is a proud FND (Functional Neurological Disorder) advocate, AT Mentor, and accessibility leader who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others with complex disability. She is already a strong voice in the disability community, bringing a rare combination of lived expertise and sector insight. She plays key roles with organisations such as QDN, AT Chat, and FND Living. Nerine believes this award will enable her to continue challenging barriers and ensuring that people with disability are not only heard but lead the solutions that affect them.

    Nina Carr, a woman with an acquired brain injury, is an independent advocate known for her passionate, uncompromising stance on representation and systemic change. Without organisational backing or a steady income, Nina has carved out a space as a fierce voice for disability justice in Queensland. This award provides critical access to training and networks she otherwise could not access and will help her realise her bold goals. According to Nina, she will not just to have a seat at the table but will redesign the table itself by placing lived experience at the centre of policy, services, and leadership”.

    Lizzie Ambrose is proud of having turned personal adversity into purposeful action. Living with epilepsy and a traumatic brain injury, Lizzie has become a leader in inclusive health promotion, co-facilitating a yoga program for people with brain injury, contributing to qualitative research, and sharing her story on national and international stages. Lizzie’s commitment to de-stigmatising neurological conditions and building community is reshaping how society understands epilepsy and disability. She is now using research as a vehicle to bring about change, particularly in how health services are delivered.

    Laura Sheenan is a high-level advocate with deep expertise in trauma-informed practice and systems change, particularly in the areas of child protection and mental health. A mother with lived experience of profound grief and resilience, Laura uses her voice to advocate for improved mental health services and systemic support for marginalised families. Her focus on intersectionality ensures that the needs of diverse communities such as First Nations, CALD, LGBTQI+ people with disability are not forgotten.

    Carmel Larkin acquired her disability following a medical event in 2021 and has since found herself becoming an unexpected but valued voice in health governance. From returning to work with significant adjustments to contributing to her Health Service’s Disability Plan, Carmel has discovered the power of lived experience in influencing systemic reform. This award will allow her to develop the skills and confidence to step more fully into a leadership role, sharing insights that go beyond her personal story to shape stronger, more inclusive health systems.

    These remarkable women exemplify the future of leadership in the disability sector, which should be intersectional, informed, and led by lived experience. With this award, they will be able to amplify their advocacy, challenge injustice, and lead meaningful change in Queensland communities.

    As part of their award, the recipients will receive premium membership of the Disability Leadership Institute in Australia. The Disability Leadership Institute (DLI) is dedicated to cultivating and advancing leadership by and for people with disabilities. Founded by outstanding disabled leaders, such as Christina Ryan, the DLI provides a unique platform that offers professional development, peer support, coaching, and networking opportunities tailored specifically for disabled people aspiring to or already in leadership roles. This will be an important opportunity for the WILI Inclusive Futures award winners to develop their skills and meet other leaders.

    Christina Ryan, CEO and Founder of Disability Leadership Institute

    After her retirement, Catherine’s lifelong dedication to inspire women leaders will continue through the work of these five women. WILI may be closing its doors, but it has created a ripple effect that will enable generations of future women to lead, thrive, and transform their worlds.

    Christina Ryan, a middle-aged woman with a short, greying cropped haircut, is smiling warmly. She is wearing a vibrant purple suede collared jacket over a black top and geometric purple earrings. She is seated indoors in a professional setting, with office chairs and a laptop in the background. At the bottom of the image is the Griffith University logo with the text: “Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability.” Christina is the CEO and Founder of the Disability Leadership Institute.