Dr Sally Sherwen (2004): Encouraging young women to transform the world

When Dr Sally Sherwen (2004) stepped onto the stage at our International Women’s Day breakfast earlier this year, her message resonated far beyond the walls of the hall.

As a proud third-generation alumna of the PLC family, Dr Sherwen returned not just as a global leader in animal welfare science, but as a testament to the quiet power of finding one's purpose. Now the Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science at Zoos Victoria, Sally oversees strategic programs across Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary. Yet, as she reflected on her path, she reminded us that the process of becoming a leader is rarely a lineal one.

'My career wasn’t a straight line. I didn’t start knowing I would end up working with some of the most threatened species in the country,' Sally shared. 'But I’ve always cared deeply about animals, people and the idea that we can and must do better for both.'

That dedication has anchored her decade-long career at Zoos Victoria. Following the devastating loss of the Christmas Island pipistrelle, the organisation made a bold pledge: No Victorian terrestrial vertebrate species will go extinct on our watch. For Sally, turning that pledge into reality (such as celebrating the recovery of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, once extinct in the wild) requires blending rigorous evidence-based science with traditional Aboriginal knowledge systems.

In a world facing rapid climate change and biodiversity loss, Sally urges our young women to see these complex challenges not as overwhelming obstacles, but as invitations to step up.

'This decade needs people who can look complexity in the eye and say, "I can add value here,"' she emphasised. 'And that includes young women: your voices, your ideas, your energy.'

Sally highlighted that true strength in leadership relies on traits like collaboration, empathy, persistence and courage; qualities that turn compassion into a superpower. Her story offers a compelling model for our PLC community, showing that we are always evolving, learning and stepping into rooms where we can make a difference.

'When women step into these spaces with courage, empathy and determination, we don’t just protect nature, we transform the world.'