Soroptimist International (SI) is delighted to announce Leigh Ellwood-Brown FGAA, as SI Director of Advocacy, 2022-2023. Leigh will commence as Director of Advocacy-Elect on 1 July 2021 and take up her role on 1 January 2022.

Leigh’s inspiring career is established within the Diamond, Gems and Custom Designed Jewellery Industry, as a Gemmologist and Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia, (GAA). With further specialist studies and practical laboratory developments of Diamonds taken through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Leigh has served on the National Board of the GAA, advocating and campaigning for international responsible sourcing of gems and diamonds, nationally and internationally. This is now happening around the world.

Having held global company positions within business covering four countries, in addition to national and state positions, her expertise has developed through interactive global diversity within leadership, communication, team building, people management, negotiation skills, research, and sourcing abilities. Working in collaboration with multiple teams, partners and decision makers, Leigh’s success has been driven by inclusion and development of teams through education, and the delegation of tasks.

An active Soroptimist for 40 years, Leigh has a strong sense of gender equity and social justice and has been a member and decision maker in various positions on the SI Board, gaining a broad understanding and knowledge of SI’s international advocacy work and the UN System. As President of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific (SISWP), Leigh worked with Asian and Pacific Island governments, Embassies and Consulates, supporting the development of projects and advocacy across borders for local Soroptimist Clubs.

As a Soroptimist in the position of National Representative for Australia, Leigh co-founded a group of national women’s non-governmental organisations, diverse in nationality, religion, and culture, to advocate and promote women’s issues to the Australian Government. This group remains in operation today and Leigh is still an executive member, continuing to successfully advocate a national women’s agenda over a period of 20 years. Holding various positions within her club, region and nation, Leigh is a strong believer in advocacy being THE instrument to increase the momentum for change moving forward, with SI being the Global Voice for Women around the globe.

Leigh remarks: “Women hold up ‘Half the Sky’ and have the right to be at every decision-making table.  I look forward to serving with SI President-Elect Maureen Maguire and leading the work of the SI Global Impact Committee, whilst contributing to the work of the Global Policy Committee, liaising with the appointed team of SI United Nations Representatives, and working collaboratively with SI teams and Federations throughout 2022-2023.”

SI President-Elect Maureen Maguire says: “I have known Leigh for many years. During this time, Leigh has served as Federation President, SI Chair of Extension and Membership and as National Representative for Australia.  She has been heavily involved in advocacy, partnering with other like-minded organisations to influence government policies particularly those affecting women and girls and families. A passionate and dedicated Soroptimist, Leigh has always encouraged members to become involved with these issues, through awareness-raising, advocacy, and action. Leigh is imaginative, diligent, and reliable and an excellent communicator with a great record for team building.  She is always willing to share her knowledge and experience to benefit others and I welcome her to the Soroptimist International team for the biennium 2022-2023.”