Young Members Co-Convenor

We welcome aboard our newest Committee Member Julia Camilli. Julia introduces herself here - 'I’m originally from Brazil, but after spending a semester of my undergraduate degree at the University of Otago, I knew it was the right decision to return to beautiful New Zealand to pursue my PhD. I hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and am currently working on targeted therapies for colorectal cancer treatment.

Outside of science, I try to stay active and enjoy the sunshine whenever it’s around. Since moving to Dunedin, I’ve taken up surfing and usually catch waves in Brighton or Aramoana (safely away from St Clair big waves and its pro surfers!) When the water gets too cold, I switch to playing basketball with the Andy Bay Falcons team (B/C grade).

I’m very excited to be part of the Graduate Women Otago Branch and look forward to the year ahead!'

Vice President

Barbara returned to live Dunedin in 2021, bringing with her 30 plus years of involvement with GWO committees, activities and in particular its gowning activities.  With a background in science, she has spent her working life in science education and initial teacher education.

Barbara has supported our 2024 - 2025 President Otila Osborne in her role as Immediate Past President. We are delighted to have Barbara in the role of Vice President.

Outside of her GWO work, Barbara is busy caring for her grandchildren, gardening, politics, cooking, music and reading.Barbara is also very involved in our GWO Gowning Business, supporting Jules Gross. She is a passionate ‘sewer’ and has a keen interest in textiles and fabric. This photo is taken after Barbara presented at a Textiles Conference.

Committee Member and Accountant

I have a Bachelor Of Commerce and am a qualified Chartered Accountant.

I have been involved on the branch committee on & off since 1987 helping with the formation of the Charitable Trust and also served a term as Treasurer on the National Executive.

A past gym addict I now have a more relaxed regime going for walks with the dog. I enjoy dining out and holidaying in the sun with family & friends.

Graduate Women International Vice President Education

I completed a BSc in Psychology at Auckland University and followed this later with a MA and PhD in Education at Otago University. I have worked in education for many years as a primary teacher and at the University of Otago in various academic roles. My teaching and life passions are philosophy of education and social theory, gender studies, and empowerment for women through sport.

In addition to my involvement in GWO I am a Board member of New Horizons for Women: Hine Kahukura, and of the Otago Hockey Board. 

I have recently organised the GWI Triennium Conference in Zambia, 2025. For Graduate Women I have attended several international conferences including the Commission on the Status of Women, CSW (New York). In 2024 - 2025 I also created the 105th Graduate Women International Wall, in which members worldwide donated over $14k to support the work of Graduate Women International.

Hobbies/interests include hockey, people of other cultures and old houses. (Dr Shirley at the 2025 GWI Triennium in Zambia, the tall blonde woman in the picture 2nd from the right)

Committee Member
Helen Benson Award Committee
Branch Meeting Speaker Coordinator

My early working life was as a teacher in South Australia. I began a BA in Geography there, which I completed in Dunedin as an adult student. Much of my employment in Dunedin focused on immigrants and refugees which was extremely rewarding, and in which I still maintain an interest.

I love to travel and am broadly engaged with my near and far-flung whānau and friends. I am an active walker, reader, amateur genealogist, follower of film, theatre and classical music, and creator of original handcrafts.

President

I officially joined GWO at the end of 2023, however, I have worked with Graduate Women through their Regalia business since 2020. I was honoured to be voted in as Vice President in 2024 - 2025, and am thrilled to have been appointed your GWO President. My work with GWO has involved Advocacy, and co-facilitating the Young Members group.

I started my tertiary education immediately after high school, travelling to the other end of the country, to complete my BA majoring in English and History and minoring in classics. I spent seven years in high school studying Latin, which I continued for two years through my Classics minor. I continued my studies at Victoria, University of Wellington, where I completed my Masters in Information Studies, focused on library science 2024.

I have umpired and played hockey, and enjoy skiing, reading, playing board games, and role-playing games, and spending time with friends & family. (Photo: Nadja at her graduation in 2025)

Membership Treasurer

I have a BSc in physics from the University of Otago and am currently studying accounting part-time with Te Pukenga.

I have a working background in administration and accounts in the public sector.

My hobbies include reading, board games, Dungeons & Dragons, and playing computer games.

Minutes Secretary
Academic Dress Hire Gown Room Manager

I have a PhD from the University of Otago and currently work as the Human Ethics Advisor on the Otago University Research and Ethics Committee. I have been involved with the GWO Branch Committee on and off for the last 10 years and with Academic Dress Hire for over 20 years. 

When I am not working as an Ethics Advisor or managing the Gowning Room Operations, I like to spend my free time puffing up hills on my mountain bike so that I can enjoy the downhills! (Photo Credit: Otago University)

Advocacy

I trained as an Occupational Therapist and worked in NZ, Australia, Thailand (with Volunteer Service Abroad) and the UK. I then completed a BA in West Virginia (Sociology), a MEd in Edinburgh and a PhD at Victoria University in Wellington.

My research interests are in exploring education, understanding the clinical reasoning of health professionals and in social gerontology.

I enjoy gardening, cooking, machine knitting, golf, and Scottish Country Dancing.

Marketing and Membership &
Young Members Co-Convener

Having completed a BMus at Otago in 2024, I am currently undertaking a BA majoring in English and Linguistics with a minor in German. I am passionate about the Arts and languages, particularly opera, classical music and performance. As well as working to develop my craft, I have been supporting charities, helping to promote social justice issues and advance the voices of young women in the sciences and political arena. This has included being a United Nations Youth Representative, a scholarship recipient of the Innovative Young Minds Women in STEM, selected as a Schools to Skies (NZ Airforce) candidate, as well as being an Irish Youth Ambassador (2021 - 2023). I have also performed to support local hospices, the Cancer Foundation, Wellington City Mission, Salvation Army, as well as Probus and other community groups and charities. I am proud to be a GWO Committee Member, Membership and Youth Representative and I am excited to be working with our wonderful team to support our members.

When I am not training or studying I enjoy traveling and performing, playing with our dogs Hugo and Jack, playing music, painting, cooking, and exploring the wonderful walking trails around Dunedin. (Photo Phoebe Rose presenting her speech as an Irish Youth Ambassador at Parliament St Patrick’s Day)