Girls in Leadership

Expect the Unexpected

Tobi’s years at Woodleigh have progressed with the real-life ebbs and flows that make it nearly impossible to predict what’s ahead - for any of us. Through her experiences though, Tobi has learned to expect the unexpected and be open to challenge. Now, as Co-Chair of the Woodleigh Committee, she is a confident and ambitious leader and one of our student body’s leading voices. As Tobi moves through her secondary years, she says she's ready for life beyond school: "I know my time at Woodleigh has helped prepare me for whatever comes next."

"You will face challenges, but trust in your abilities." 
Tobi's time at Woodleigh began quietly. She arrived for her first day of Year 7, a nervous 12-year-old, wishing she'd gone to the same high school her friends went to. She knew no one at this big new school and lugged along her serious aversion to science and a barely-there tolerance for Maths - but we know that's not the end of the story.

Within a year, Ms Craven entered the scene. "My whole view shifted." Whichever magical potions were cooking in that lab, Tobi found herself enjoying science… And then maths... And suddenly she was studying all things STEAM. Not only that, she has taken every opportunity since to speak to and mentor other like-minded students, helping them to discover more about STEAM, both in and out of school. Tobi is sticking with the Sciences through her VCE and by choice. If you'd asked Year 4 Tobi whether this was ever likely to happen, "Year 4 Tobi would be appalled!" Surprised, definitely, but pretty pleased with how things are going.  

"Leadership isn't about being perfect—it's about learning, growing, and making a difference." 
By year 8, and finding her high school feet now, Tobi and a group of students came together to lead an afterschool homework initiative, Homework Club. The purpose of this particular initiative was to tutor students at a neighbouring school while their parents were learning English, having migrated to Australia. During the time it ran, the Homework Club greatly impacted the families, but the program ended when its funding was cut. This was a significant setback felt by everyone, and there was no program renewal.  Tobi was made privy to the reality that sometimes efforts can fail, there is no guarantee that things will work perfectly, regardless of how hard we try. It's a lot to swallow at 14, but experience has shown Tobi that challenge is not to stop us, but to push us.

"Never underestimate the power of your voice." 
And it did, she took another step. For a "Timid Year 9" - Tobi's own words - she turned up to her first Woodleigh Committee meeting. This is a place for student voice, choice and advocacy. She dragged her equally anxious friend with her to calm some nerves, and surprise-surprise, the daunting room of intimidating older kids was a kind, supportive group that made sure everyone's ideas were heard. Tobi and Julliette (the dragged friend!) see now that the nerve-wracking experience taught them their voice matters. Over two short years, that flash of courage means Tobi and Juliette are co-chairing the Woodleigh Committee with big plans for the rest of 2025.

"Speak up, take opportunities, create your own when they don't exist and support those around you." 
Now in Year 11, Tobi hasn't entirely avoided the increased scrutiny women can encounter when they take on leadership roles. Navigating the space between "too much assertiveness", which can see you labelled as bossy, and being overly accommodating and therefore undermining your influence, requires equal measures of "authority and empathy," she says. From experience, she knows that "By working together, amplifying female voices and encouraging more young girls and women to take on leadership roles, we can challenge outdated stereotypes and setbacks."