2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
A motivated and experienced leader with a track record of success aligning purpose and business goals. An advancement professional with a solid history in not-for-profit leadership, strategic planning, organisational improvement, revenue development, stakeholder engagement and the proven ability to capture growth opportunities and establish values-driven relationships with key donors and business partners to achieve long-term impact. I have extensive major gifts, annual appeal, gifts in wills, lower and middle-level donors strategic engagement, relationship management, and managing budgets, investments and endowment. Strong governance, business development and building of highly engaged, supportive communities of internal and external stakeholders. Formal qualifications in business management, marketing, events and fundraising. I have held senior executive and board roles in education, and the arts.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.” – Steve Jobs
// Let’s get to know you
I am a passionate advocate for the arts and a dedicated professional, currently the Director of Philanthropy at the Adelaide Festival Centre and Executive Officer for the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
My journey in the arts commenced at the age of 5, immersing myself in drama classes at the Stirling Youth Theatre. Throughout high school, I continued to pursue this passion by undertaking a comprehensive three-year drama course through SA Castings with Ann Peters. At the age of 11, I started participating in competitive ballroom dancing, competing until the age of 22, when the demands of my career necessitated a shift in focus.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Business Management and Marketing, complemented by an Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, specialising in Marketing and Event Management. Eager to enhance my skills and expertise, I have actively pursued professional development opportunities, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) duties and responsibilities for Not-for-Profit Directors. Presently, I am completing the AICD Company Directors Course, further augmenting my governance skills and leadership skills.
My professional journey has been diverse and enriching, with each role contributing significantly to my growth and expertise. As the Executive Officer of the Westminster School Foundation, I spearheaded initiatives in philanthropy, fundraising, and relationship management, forging robust connections within the community to support educational endeavours. Additionally, my tenure as the Manager of Classic Adelaide provided invaluable insights into event management and promotion, while my role as the Marketing Coordinator at the SA Motorsport Board allowed me to leverage marketing in a dynamic and competitive arena.
These multifaceted experiences have equipped me with a unique blend of skills, knowledge, and unwavering passion, positioning me to lead impactful philanthropic efforts at the Adelaide Festival Centre. I am deeply committed to effecting meaningful and sustainable change within the arts sector, and I am honoured to be considered as a SA Woman to Watch.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am passionate about leveraging the power of the arts to inspire, engage, and transform communities. My commitment extends beyond the traditional realms of fundraising and donor relations; I strive to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
My unwavering dedication to excellence, coupled with a genuine passion for fostering positive change. I approach my work with a collaborative spirit, seeking opportunities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. My ability to blend strategic thinking with creative problem-solving allows me to navigate complex challenges. Furthermore, my arts, education, and marketing background equips me with a unique perspective and multifaceted skill set. Whether developing innovative fundraising campaigns, forging strategic partnerships, or advocating for the arts on a broader scale, I am committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and the vibrancy of our cultural landscape.
I am genuinely passionate about making a meaningful and lasting impact in the world around me. I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the transformative power of the arts, and with an amazing team working with me, we are making huge strides in the right direction.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
My goal for the year ahead is to continue making meaningful and lasting contributions to the arts community while fostering positive change through philanthropy and advocacy. I aspire to further deepen the impact of our initiatives at the Adelaide Festival Centre, ensuring they are inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of our community.
To achieve this goal, I have outlined several key strategies:
Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships: actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including artists, community leaders, and government agencies. By fostering strong partnerships, we can leverage collective resources and expertise to maximize our impact.
Amplify Underrepresented Voices: I am committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities within the arts sector. This includes actively seeking out diverse perspectives in our programming, outreach efforts, and decision-making processes.
Develop Innovative Fundraising Campaigns: Working closely with our philanthropy team to develop innovative fundraising campaigns that engage donors and supporters in meaningful ways. This may involve leveraging digital platforms, hosting fun and inclusive events, or exploring new avenues for donor engagement.
Advocate for the Arts: To be a vocal advocate for the arts. This may involve participating in advocacy campaigns, engaging with policymakers, and raising awareness about the importance of arts and culture in our society.
Professional Development: I recognize the importance of ongoing learning and growth. Therefore, I have already invested in my professional development, including completing the AICD Company Directors Course and seeking out opportunities to expand my skills and expertise in areas such as philanthropy, governance, and leadership.
I am committed to staying flexible and adaptable in the face of challenges and remain open to new opportunities and perspectives, and I will approach each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and learning. By remaining focused on my goal and staying true to my values, I know that I can make meaningful progress towards creating a more vibrant and inclusive arts community.
// What would being a 2024 Woman to Watch mean to you?
Being recognised as a Woman to Watch would be an honour and privilege for me. An amazing opportunity to inspire and empower others, to pursue their passions and dreams. It would serve as a platform to amplify important messages about the importance of the arts, diversity, inclusion, and the power of women in leadership roles. While personally, it would mean that my efforts, dedication, and contributions are acknowledged and recognised – the feeling of being seen and heard.
Being recognised in this way would also come with a responsibility to continue pushing boundaries, and driving positive change through:
Philanthropy – the importance of supporting your community in whatever way you can and to the causes that are important to you.
Arts – the importance of the arts in the challenging world that we live in,
Values – the importance of staying committed to your values, to continue learning and growing, and to always strive for excellence in everything you do.
Being a Women to Watch would be a meaningful achievement that I would cherish and carry with pride.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I envision a future for South Australian women and girls where the arts are celebrated as essential to our humanity, where creativity flourishes, and diverse voices are heard and valued. In this future, women and girls are at the forefront of artistic expression, shaping and enriching our cultural landscape.
I see a society where philanthropy is ingrained in our culture, empowering women and girls to give back and make a positive impact in their communities. This spirit of generosity and community involvement would be a cornerstone of our collective identity, fostering a supportive and compassionate environment.
Additionally, I dream of a future where women have equal opportunities in every aspect of life—where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality. Women and girls would have the same chances as their male counterparts to excel in education, careers, and leadership roles, with their achievements celebrated and their voices amplified.
A crucial part of this vision includes achieving a healthy work-life balance, where women can pursue their professional ambitions without sacrificing personal well-being or family time. Family and personal time would be celebrated and respected, recognizing the importance of nurturing relationships and maintaining mental and physical health.
These values—embracing the arts, fostering a philanthropic spirit, championing equal opportunities, and prioritizing work-life balance—are essential for a vibrant and inclusive society. They serve as catalysts for positive change and progress, ensuring that every woman and girl in South Australia can thrive and contribute to a future that is truly equitable, compassionate, and enriched by the diverse contributions of all its members.
Get in touch with Abbie:
LinkedIn: Abbie Taylor
Website: www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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