EmpowHer Club Leadership: Breaking Barriers, Building Success

Their personal experiences and unwavering commitment have shaped this initiative, aiming to empower women in leadership roles within the club industry. Through mentorship, skills development, and authentic conversations, Sharon and Ragina are breaking down barriers and opening doors for women everywhere.

The Vision Behind the Initiative

Sharon Styman
“My inspiration began with Ragina. Together, we became the first women to serve as directors at Twin Towns, a milestone that felt both exciting and sobering,” Sharon says. 

“We recognised that our visibility could send the message that leadership is exclusive or out of reach, and we want to change that.” 

Sharon says that while her postgraduate education helped build her confidence, many capable women may not have the same opportunities or resources. 

“Our focus is on broadening these on-ramps: providing mentoring, facilitating skills development, and offering frank conversations about how boards operate,” she says.

What drives Sharon is her adventurous spirit. 

“I love breaking new ground and opening doors for women in leadership. It’s about making the club industry a realm where more women can aspire to lead and achieve,” she states passionately.

Ragina Rogers
“For me, the progression towards understanding women’s leadership wasn’t marked by a single moment, but rather a series of pivotal experiences,” Ragina says. 

“Confidence in the boardroom began with familiarising and upskilling in corporate governance, while also honing my emotional intelligence.”

Ragina believes the combination of corporate governance and community emotional intelligence is her “superpower.” This synergy helps her lead with empathy and effectiveness.

You can hear more from Ragina in Episode 11 of the ClubLIFE Podcast, here.

The Importance of Mentorship

Sharon: “I’ve encountered challenges as a woman in leadership — navigating being spoken over and having to re-assert my expertise. 

“But through this club initiative, I’ve realised the value of advocacy and mentorship for women in multiple ways. I want to ensure that women feel they belong and can lead with confidence.

“I want to help others navigate this journey more smoothly and empower them to build their paths.”

Ragina: “Mentorship is crucial in our sector; it evolves just as we do in our leadership journeys. As a mentor, my role is to provide ‘situational leadership.’ I want to guide women through each phase of their development, allowing them to thrive and eventually mentor others.

“It’s about pushing women forward and ensuring they have the confidence to take up space.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Leadership

Sharon’s Vision: “The EmpowHer Club Leadership program aims to create a clear, supported pathway for women at every stage in the club industry. This means structured mentoring, training, and celebrating every success, no matter how big or small,” she says.

“By normalising equity and making opportunities accessible, we can shift the paradigm in the club industry.”

Ragina’s Perspective: “Over the last four years on the Board at Twin Towns, I’ve witnessed significant progress in our approach to Indigenous governance and community engagement. I’m proud to contribute to initiatives that empower our local Indigenous community, ensuring they are part of the leadership conversation,” she says.

Both Sharon and Ragina are committed to creating a more inclusive environment that not only supports women but invites diverse voices into leadership positions.

Join Us for the EmpowHer Club Leadership Program

If you’re inspired by Sharon and Ragina's vision and want to learn more about how you can contribute or benefit from this initiative, we invite you to attend their upcoming event.

• Date: 20 November 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
• Location: Twin Towns Services Clubs
• Contact: To find out more, contact Chrissie or Jayde via e-mail: [email protected] or call 1800 015 015

Join us in creating a community of empowered women ready to break barriers and build successful pathways in the club industry. We look forward to seeing you there!