Australia Day 2020: MWIA Incoming Chair Recognised
Friends of the Mary Ward circle warmly congratulate incoming Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA) Chair, Dr Leoni Degenhardt who was recently acknowledged with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for significant service to education through the independent schools’ sector.
MWIA Executive Officer Kim Nass said Leoni is a Mary Ward woman who demonstrates a deep commitment to quality education. “Leoni brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to ensure MWIA continues to fulfil its Mission in supporting women and children to receive the education, skills and support they need to transform their lives and the world around them.”
As the first lay principal of Loreto Normanhurst from 1994-2008 Leoni led the school through a strategic reinvention process. After leaving principalship, Leoni established her own consultancy business with corporate and not-for-profit organisations, as well as with schools and school systems, in areas related to learning, leadership, strategy and organisational change. From 2011 to 2016 she expanded this work as Dean of the AIS Leadership Centre
In addition, Leoni has been a member of a range of educational boards, commissions and committees, including the National Catholic Education Commission; the National Board of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia; the Loreto National Education Board and the National Council of Caritas Australia. She currently works with school leaders, particularly through her work as Emeritus Dean of the AIS Leadership Centre within the Association of Independent Schools of NSW.
We celebrate this recognition of Leoni’s outstanding service to education in Australia and her contribution to our rich and diverse community.
About MWIA:
MWIA is a registered charity established by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) to address the needs of the most disadvantaged in Australia and developing countries around the world. Since 2006, MWIA has been providing support to projects that align with our vision to create sustainable change for a just and loving world by empowering women to transform unjust structures that keep them in situations of poverty, marginalisation and submission.
