Balance the Scales | Women In Conversations Panel Discussion

As organisations, communities, careers — and even families — grow, so do the responsibilities that come with them. From scaling institutions and community initiatives to navigating public service and everyday family life, women are constantly balancing change, growth and real-world demands.

This International Women’s Day, join us for a grounded and honest conversation with women working across education, innovation, government and social enterprise. The panel will explore how expanding roles, shifting expectations and growing responsibilities show up in everyday life.

Rather than focusing on titles or outcomes, this discussion centres on the human side of growth — what it feels like when responsibilities increase, priorities change, and balance becomes an ongoing practice rather than a fixed goal.

The session will include time for networking, with light refreshments provided. Following the session, participants are warmly invited to stay for a tour of the Western Sydney Startup Hub.

Panel speakers

• Vinita Chanan – Executive Director, University Strategy, UNSW
• Shuoyan Zhu – Western Sydney Startup Hub Manager & Head of Partnerships, Western Sydney Tech Innovators
• Lucy Brotherton – Community Capacity Building Lead, City of Parramatta Council

Moderator

• Carrie Li – Community and Operations Coordinator, Western Sydney Startup Hub

The panel will explore

• How growth changes everyday responsibilities
• The realities behind expanding roles and expectations
• Navigating change across careers, organisations and family life
• Finding balance — and losing it — as demands increase
• What helps women stay grounded through periods of transition

This session is a collaboration between City of Parramatta, UNSW, Western Sydney Startup Hub and Western Sydney Tech Innovators. It is designed to be real, relatable and reflective, offering shared experiences and practical insights for anyone navigating growth and change in their work or personal life.