The Gold Coast Branch is the oldest established branch having being formed in 1978 in Queensland. It meets regularly; has a number of special interest groups and a very dynamic social program. The Branch awards bursaries annually to promising female students who have excelled in the fields of education, social sciences and community leadership and to support women to further their education.
For further information about the Branch or to join, please contact President Carol Little.
Bursaries (see Awards Page for details):
* Isobel Taylor Award (Presented to top education student at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus)
* Sybil A M Vise Award (Presented to top social sciences student Bond University)
* Dr Mary Crawford Award (Presented to top student for Community Leadership – Southern Cross University – Gold Coast Campus)
Australian Graduate Women Inc. (AGW Inc.)
AGW Inc. is the national voice of graduate women, promoting the advancement of women and equality of opportunity through initiatives in education, friendship and peace.
Graduate Women International (GWI)
The International Federation of University Women (IFUW) was founded in 1919 by women who believed in the importance of working together for peace, international understanding and friendship.
In 2015, IFUW launched its new name of Graduate Women International (GWI). The contemporary title more accurately reflects the organisation’s inclusive membership, and dynamism across advocacy, projects, fellowships and grants. GWI continues to advocate in favour of secondary, higher and continuing education for women all over the world.
CAROL LITTLE – President
I began my career with a Multi National Company in Sydney as a Statistical Analyst and moved on to Accounting as I have always had a love of numbers. My husband was offered a wonderful opportunity in Queensland after we had been married only 6 months and we transferred to the Gold Coast where we have lived ever since. There were very few career options on the Gold Coast for women in those days and with starting a family as well I realised I needed a career change and so I attended the University of Queensland as a part time student and achieved my Bachelor of Commerce followed by my Diploma of Education while also working for the Gold Coast City Council in the accounts and statistical areas. My Mother had been a career woman in her early life in Canberra but was forced to retire when she married and she was very influential in my education, offering childcare when I needed it and positive support along with my Husband who was supportive of the time I needed to achieve these goals. Since graduating I have worked in several Gold Coast Schools reaching the level of Deputy Principal. Since leaving the school system I have worked as a consultant. I am on several Boards in a voluntary capacity and I enjoy giving something back to the community.
PATRICIA RUZZENE – Hon Secretary
Patricia has had a 30+ yr career in marketing, communications and fundraising in Australian universities.
Leadership programs at both Stanford and Harvard Business Schools focussed Patricia’s interest in the non profit sector and in Board roles within the sector. She was a Founding Director of anti-trafficking organisation projectfutures.com 2009-2014, is currently the Hon Secretary of Graduate Women QLD – Gold Coast Branch and Vice-Chairman of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society (ADFAS) Gold Coast Branch.
As the first female in her family to hold both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, Patricia is passionate about the empowering nature of education for all, but focussed mainly on women and girls and those from a disadvantaged background. She also has a strong interest in politics, particularly issues surrounding women and girls, and has a love for the visual and performing arts.
Patricia is a proud grandmother (Nonna) to two girls Rio Alejandra (6) and Olympia Florence(31/2)