INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2023 | #EMBRACEEQUITY

PAOLA DI TROCCHIO

PROGRAM MANAGER OF PAYPAL MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? A day to celebrate women and their contributions to life, culture and each other.

What stigmas or adversities have you experienced in your career, industry or in life, that you see dismantled? Thankfully I haven't personally experienced any stigmas, however, it is heartening to see unacceptable behaviour finally being called out and appropriately addressed. 

What personal or career advice have you received that’s been particularly valuable to you? At the beginning of my career, a mentor advised, Life is long, which for me means that there is perpetual opportunity for innovation, growth and pivoting if it's what you feel you need.  

What is the action or decision you’ve made that you're most proud of? To choose one is difficult, I am fortunate that I have had many career highlights and many people in my life that bring joy, love, kindness and support. 

How can women better empower each other to succeed? Supporting each other through kindness and understanding. Life is long and we have all experienced ups and downs. To support each other through all these stages is important. It also just recently came to my attention that there are very few roles in the fashion industry that have paid maternity leave. As a female dominated industry, it seems it is more than time for this to be addressed.

Why do you think diversity and inclusion in the workplace is so important? Because it is representative of the richness of humanity and that is the beautiful world that we live in. 

If you could have dinner with an inspirational woman, dead or alive, who would they be and why? Diana Vreeland, Editor Harpers Bazaar and Vogue as well as Special Consultant to the Metropolitan Museum of Art who was a dynamic storyteller and leading fashion editor and curator who made many innovations in the field that still have resonances today. Victoria Beckham, a remarkable business woman consciously and successfully transforming her career from performer to fashion designer with elegance and grace. Anna Piaggi, journalist and stylist for Vogue Italia, who was a clever wordsmith and creative known by her peers as a walking museum.