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Strategic Vision 2026–2030

Building an equitable future by centring the leadership of Women of Colour

Our Story

Women of Colour Australia (WoCA) began in 2020 with a clear and urgent purpose — to centre the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of Women of Colour, including First Nations women, in shaping a fairer Australia.

What started as a small collective has grown into a national movement for change. Through research, leadership programs, and community partnerships, we’ve built spaces where Women of Colour can lead with confidence, influence, and care.

In our first five years, we’ve reached over a thousand Women of Colour through research and programs, co-designed culturally safe leadership pathways, and partnered with government, philanthropy, and community to prove a powerful truth:

When Women of Colour are trusted and resourced, we create lasting change.

As we look ahead to 2026–2030, this Strategic Vision charts our next chapter — one grounded in sustainability, expansion, and systems transformation.

Our Vision

An Australia where Women of Colour are resourced, represented, and respected to lead and transform systems.

Our Purpose

To advocate for, support, and build culturally safe leadership pathways so Women of Colour can thrive with influence and impact.

Our Theory of Change

We believe that if we centre lived experience, invest in culturally safe leadership development, and mobilise collective power through community, philanthropy, and advocacy, then Women of Colour will be better resourced to influence, thrive, and transform the systems that exclude us.

This is how we move from representation to transformation.

Our Values

Our values guide everything we do — how we lead, collaborate, and create change. They are the thread connecting our people, programs, and purpose.

  • Community — We build safe, supportive spaces grounded in shared humanity.
  • Collaboration — We work with values-aligned people and organisations for collective impact.
  • Compassion — We lead with empathy, humility, and care.
  • Courage — We speak truth to power and reimagine leadership through an intersectional lens.
  • Commitment — We uphold transparency, accountability, and sustainability.

Our Next Chapter (2026-2030)

Over the next five years, WoCA will deepen its reach, diversify its funding, and strengthen leadership opportunities for Women of Colour across Australia.

Our work will be guided by three strategic priorities — each with clear, measurable outcomes — delivered through a rolling three-year action plan (2026–2028) that is reviewed and extended every two years to stay responsive and accountable.

Strategic Priority 1: Financial Diversification & Growth

We are building a strong, community-powered financial base through WoCImpact1000, our membership program, strategic grants and values-aligned partnerships.

This approach will reduce reliance on government funding and ensure our work is sustainable for the long term.

By 2030, we aim to:

  • Grow WoCImpact1000 to at least 100 donors contributing $100,000 per year.
  • Build a membership community generating $25,000 per year in revenue.
  • Secure $250,000 or more per year through philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
  • Maintain financial reserves equal to six months of operating costs for stability.

Strategic Priority 2: Program Innovation & Expansion

We will expand our portfolio of culturally safe, evidence-based leadership programs — including the flagship Women of Colour Executive Leadership Program (WoC ELP), established with foundational support from the Victorian Government.

The WoC ELP continues to equip Women of Colour with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead and transform the systems around them.

Building on this foundation, we are developing new and accessible leadership offerings for Women of Colour at all career stages, including:

  • WoC ELP Essentials — an adapted, accessible leadership accelerator based on our flagship program.
  • WoC Rising Leaders Program — an early-career initiative designed to equip emerging leaders with confidence and practical tools.
  • The annual WoC Leadership Conference — a national gathering of Women of Colour leaders, allies, and partners shaping the future of equity.
  • The relaunch of WoCMentorWoC nationally as a group-mentoring model that builds solidarity, connection, and collective growth.

By 2030, we aim to:

  • Deliver at least two leadership programs annually reaching 300+ Women of Colour.
  • Expand programs to three states or territories.
  • Relaunch WoCMentorWoC as a national group-mentoring model.
  • Host the WoC Leadership Conference each year, drawing 200+ attendees from across sectors.

Strategic Priority 3: Impact & Evaluation

We are embedding systems that measure change, amplify lived experience, and influence policy and practice — ensuring the leadership of Women of Colour is not only seen but shapes Australia’s future.

By 2030, we aim to:

  • Embed a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Framework across all programs.
  • Publish an Annual Impact Snapshot each year to share outcomes and insights.
  • Collect and share at least 15 participant success stories annually across all programs.
  • Grow our combined community and alumni network to 1,500+ active members.

Our Rolling Action Plan

Our Strategic Vision 2026–2030 is brought to life through a three-year rolling action plan that outlines key milestones, initiatives, and performance indicators.

Reviewed biennially, the plan ensures that while our direction remains steady, our strategies stay dynamic — responsive to new opportunities, challenges, and community needs.

This approach gives WoCA the structure to plan long-term, the agility to adapt, and the accountability to measure what matters.

Our Promise

As we grow, we hold fast to what makes us who we are — a community built on courage, care, and collective power.

Our vision for the next five years is clear:

To build a future where Women of Colour are not the exception, but the ecosystem — transforming leadership, and through it, the systems that shape our lives.

Join Us

Every act of solidarity helps sustain this vision.

Ways to support

Fuel our growth

  • Join WoCImpact1000 as a donor to power trust-based, community-led philanthropy.
  • Become a member (from FY26) and be part of a nationwide movement for equity.
  • Partner with us through philanthropic giving, workplace giving, or corporate sponsorship aligned with your organisation’s values.

Strengthen our programs

  • Sponsor a leadership program or host a session at the annual WoC Leadership Conference.
  • Offer in-kind contributions — venues, facilitation, or expertise that help expand our reach.

Amplify our impact

  • Invest in research, storytelling, and evaluation that highlight the leadership and influence of Women of Colour.
  • Share our stories, advocate for systemic change, and walk beside us in solidarity.

About Women of Colour Australia

Founded in 2020, Women of Colour Australia (WoCA) is a not-for-profit organisation led by and for Women of Colour. We exist to champion leadership, influence policy, and shift systems by centring lived experience.