Give to gain: leading the next generation of females

QUEENSLAND General Manager Laura Faalili understands better than most this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain. 

As General Manager of Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS), Ms Faalili leads an 800 strong team of early childhood educators, 90 per cent of whom are females giving care and knowledge to children and families who gain much from the nurturing learning environment at centres across Southeast Queensland. 

Ms Faalili said shaping the minds of the next generation was a challenging yet rewarding undertaking, one in which many female educators took great pride. 

As part of International Women’s Day, Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS) placed a spotlight on General Manager Laura Faalili’s devotion to her craft encapsulating this year’s theme, Give to Gain. 

Ms Faalili said the strong integration of dedicated female employees created a supportive work environment focused on growth and encouragement, a key pillar of her continued success. 

“Being surrounded by strong female leaders has inspired my own career aspirations and provided me with the motivation to learn and succeed in an empowering environment. 

“Being part of such a confident and will-powered team of women not only inspires my career growth but is also a guiding light for young girls and what they can become.”

“At QCCS we employ women from all walks of life, however we all share the same core values and bond over our dedication to shaping young lives.” 

Research from UNICEF Celebrating women in education article¹found that female leaders empower young girls to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and raise aspirations for  themselves.  

The article² also stated: “Having more women in leadership can empower young girls and  help improve student wellbeing and learning. Much of the recent research we read also shows that women practice more collaborative leadership, are better instructional leaders, and prioritise student wellbeing (Jativa, 2024).” 

Ms Faalili said QCCS challenged archaic gender stereotypes as female educators had great knowledge on typically male dominated areas like STEM. 

Ms Faalili said, “When a female educator introduces core subjects like science and mathematics to children, this shows young girls they have equal potential as their male classmates to succeed in these areas.” 

“Shaping young minds and potential future leaders can be daunting at times, but it’s so worthwhile when you get to see them flourish and go on to achieve amazing things. 

“QCCS has always celebrated my career achievements with such pride and thoughtfulness, especially when I received a special award and beautiful flowers to celebrate my 20-year milestone a few months ago.” 

Queensland Childcare Services’ programs are designed to provide children with enlightening learning experiences which teaches essential life skills like creativity, problem solving and  teamwork.