CORRINA DAVISON'S STORY.

CORRINA DAVISON
Managing Director
American Express A/NZ

“Feminism, to me, means to advocate for and be an ally for women in achieving equal access and opportunity. It’s well documented that communities and workplaces that foster equity and inclusion see favourable societal and business outcomes. And although we’ve seen important gains, gender inequality still exists in society and women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

In my professional life, I am fortunate to be in a leadership position to champion and foster a culture of equity and inclusion. From the Board down, we have a shared responsibility to create a safe and respectful workplace, where our colleagues feel represented and a sense of belonging.

Personally, I am a champion for equity, speaking up and out for what is right, I promote and role model flexible work practices, I am a mentor of women in and outside of the company, and a Pay Equity Ambassador in Australia.

As a mother of a kind, generous, talented and fiercely determined daughter, I’m constantly held in check as to what I stand for, and the actions I take. My daughter had a front row seat to both parents pushing through gender stereotypes and barriers.

“As I fought to break the proverbial glass ceiling, my husband stepped aside from his career to be the primary carer.”

She’s the child of our strong and equal partnership, and the daughter of a father who is an actively engaged parent and proud feminist.

There’s been a number of pivotal moments of discrimination and inequity in my life that have fuelled me to be the change we need to see. But I’ve also received significant support from mentors and sponsors along the way, encouraging me to call my ambition, advocating for me as a mother in the workplace, and sponsoring me for stretch assignments.

ADVOCACY + SPONSORSHIP,
COURAGE + RESILIENCE,
LOVE + RESPECT.

My high school teacher truly helped change the course of my life. Without bias or preference, Mr Brown treated me as an equal among my male classmates; he was a role model, mentor and advocate for me to realise my potential. He encouraged me to take extension economics, and later, supported my application for a Cadetship and University Scholarship.

With his support, I was the first in my family to attend university - and the only female, public school student in my graduating program to be accepted. That pivotal moment required courage, to do the unexpected…and from that moment on, that decision demanded hard work, resilience, determination and grit.

Through that experience, I also learned the incredible lesson of advocacy and sponsorship. When someone believes in you and walks by your side, you can do the unexpected; you can take on challenges and succeed.

“Others have advocated on my behalf; I must pay that forward.”

We partner with Two Good because we are inspired by Two Good’s vision; that every person feels worthy of love and respect. You only need to hear one story from a Work Work program graduate to understand the value and sustained impact of the work Two Good Co does.

Our colleagues who engage with Two Good are inspired and motivated to engage with their communities and to ‘do good’. It is a privilege to partner with Rob and his team, who set the standard for purpose-driven, values-based leadership."