This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the Fearless Females of Essendon Fields – women who lead businesses based here in our precinct with courage, compassion and conviction.

The global 2026 theme, Give To Gain, reminds us that generosity multiplies impact. When we give knowledge, support, opportunities, visibility or advocacy, we don’t lose – we gain community, gain progress, and gain equality. The women featured this year embody this ethos. Through mentorship, service, leadership and resilience, each of them strengthens the Essendon Fields community and opens doors for those who follow.

Here are six stories to inspire the next generation to be bold, be curious, and give generously.

Danielle McDonald – Critical Care Nurse with Adult Retrieval Victoria, Ambulance Victoria | Give Care, Gain Purpose

Danielle has been part of Ambulance Victoria since 2015 and based at Essendon Fields since 2023. With 30 years in intensive care nursing, her work has always centred on giving – giving care, comfort, expertise and stability in moments when people need it most.

In her current role with the Adult Retrieval Victoria team, Danielle divides her time between dedicated office days focused on quality and safety, case review, policy development, equipment oversight, education and training, and managing the broader team.

“When I’m operational, I work within a team of clinicians that do interhospital transfers of critical patients in Victoria. This involves travelling to the referring centre, receiving handover of the patient, stabilising them and preparing them for transport using our advanced life-support equipment before loading them into our bespoke ambulance.”

“I work in a team of doctors and nurses, retrieval admin support officers and patient transport officers who are the most amazing knowledgeable and skilful clinicians. As a team we have the privilege of making a difference to patients and their families in their most difficult days,” says Danielle.

Her message to aspiring fearless females? “It is a challenging profession but with so many rewards. If you want to make a difference to people’s lives and be professionally challenged this may be your path.”

Danielle embodies the truth of Give To Gain: through service, she gains purpose, progress and profound human impact.

Ana Darras AM – Co‑Founder & Program Director, TLC for Kids | Give Hope, Gain Impact

For almost three decades, Ana has been a driving force behind TLC for Kids – an Australia’s children’s charity helping sick kids and their families cope with the challenges of everyday life with illness. The organisation, proudly based at Essendon Fields for nearly two years, was co‑founded by Ana in 1998, giving her a profound connection to its mission from day one. Essendon Fields has been an ongoing supporter of TLC for Kids, making the precinct feel not just like a home base, but a genuine partner in their work.

Ana’s career spans retail, PR, health and government, including roles within Defence, Foreign Affairs and Public Relations at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne – but people, impact and purpose have always been her compass.

“No two days are the same. My role involves overseeing service delivery, supporting our team, working closely with hospitals and partners, fundraising, governance and strategic planning. It’s a balance between long term vision and very hands on problem solving, always with a strong focus on integrity, responsiveness and child centred care,” she says.

What she values most is simple and powerful: “Every day, our work helps families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. The impact is immediate and meaningful.”

Her advice for future fearless females: “Trust yourself and your values. Purpose-driven work is challenging, but profoundly rewarding. Stay curious, be resilient, ask for support when needed. You don’t need to have everything figured out – just clarity about what matters to you.”

Ana lives the ultimate expression of Give To Gain: through giving hope, she gains meaning – and creates lasting change.

Ana Correal – Aviation Compliance Manager, Essendon Fields | Say Yes to Opportunity, Gain New Horizons

A Civil Engineer for over 20 years with a Masters of Technology in Road and Transport Infrastructure and specifically 18 years in the Aviation industry, Ana joined the Essendon Fields team seven months ago.

“What drew me to Essendon Fields Airport was its unique character. It’s a growing and diverse aviation precinct with strong community engagement and a culture that values safety, innovation, collaboration and enjoyment. It’s also one of Melbourne’s most important bases for General Aviation, which gives the work here a real sense of purpose. I feel proud to be part of an airport with such rich history, and being part of its future is something I’m truly excited about,” she said.

As Aviation Compliance Manager, Ana oversees safety, security and regulatory compliance across all airport operations ensuring alignment with CASA,  the Department of Home Affairs and other regulatory obligations.

“I value the sense of purpose that comes from working in an industry where safety, integrity and attention to detail directly protect people and operations. Aviation is inherently complex and ever evolving — and that keeps me learning,” she says.

Ana cites the design of a Year-Round Aviation Access airport in Antarctica, featuring the continent’s first paved runway, as a highlight of her career. She also played a pivotal role for several years in the National Airfields Maintenance Project for the Australian Department of Defence. In 2025, Ana was honoured by the Government of her home country, Colombia, as part of the commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Colombia and Australia. The award recognised her significant contributions to STEM through her engineering work – an achievement she accepts with characteristic humility.

Her advice follows the Give To Gain philosophy: “Believe in yourself. Say yes to opportunities. Seek out mentors who can support your growth. Don’t be discouraged by environments where you may be the only woman as your presence opens the door wider for those who follow.”

Billie O’Heare‑Young – GM Property, Essendon Fields | Give Yourself Permission To Grow

Billie joined the Essendon Fields team five months ago, leading property management operations across the precinct. She oversees a large and diverse commercial portfolio spanning office, retail, industrial and aviation assets – one of the most dynamic mixed‑use precincts in Melbourne – and plays a key role in supporting the precincts consistently strong leasing performance.

Her path into the industry was unconventional – at 18, while living in London, she flipped through a thick course guide and took a chance on property. Twelve years later, she thrives in a role where no two days are the same – from leasing inspections and queries, to tenant support, to collaborating amongst the wider team.

Outside her role, Billie is just months away from qualifying as a Private Pilot at Essendon Fields – the beginning of a long‑term aviation journey.

“Once qualified, I’ll be studying for my multi engine rating and look forward to continuing my aviation journey with further ratings and endorsements,” she says.

Her advice for future fearless females: “Learn the whole property ecosystem – design, engineering, finance, planning, sustainability, asset management and operations. The more you understand, the more confident and capable you become.”

Billie’s story embodies Give To Gain by showing that the more you invest in learning and growth, the more possibilities open in return.

Maggie Marshall – Director of Sales & Marketing, Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields | Lead With Curiosity and Connection

Joining Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields in May 2025 as Director of Sales & Marketing, Maggie brings a global hospitality background shaped by meaningful guest connection and people-first leadership. She says that upon joining the Hyatt team, that their strong community focus, its alignment with local business networks, and its people‑first culture felt like the perfect next step.

“No two days are the same – and that’s what I love. Our team supports a vibrant mix of industries, market segments and events. One day we might be partnering with entertainment groups or sporting teams; the next, we’re guiding conferences, supporting local businesses, or helping families celebrate milestone social events and weddings. It’s a dynamic role that keeps us engaged, creative, and constantly evolving,” she says.

Under Maggie’s leadership Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields patronage continues to grow, with an uplift of over 25% annually for the past three years, highlighting the strength of the team and growing appeal of well-connected suburban locations for corporate events.

What drives Maggie is human connection. She has been instrumental in creating the new Local Business Connect series, bringing together hundreds of local professionals and offering businesses in the area a chance to build relationships with their neighbours.

“I love the energy, collaboration and connection, both within our team and with our clients. Every interaction is an opportunity to build relationships, solve challenges, and create memorable experiences.”

Maggie’s advice reflects the spirit of Give To Gain: “Be curious. Ask questions. Seek guidance. The more you pour into your relationships, the more you gain in support, growth and opportunity.”

Rochelle Winstone – Facilities Service Coordinator, Laurel Group | Give Support, Gain Strength