200+ industry leaders and future leaders gather for The Aunties Senior Program in Melbourne

The Aunties, a support system that inspires, protects and uplifts women* across creative industries, kicked off its first senior mentorship program last week with a memorable networking night at the State Library of Victoria.

On Thursday 11 August, 220 senior and executive women from 78 agencies and companies across Melbourne gathered in the grand Ian Potter Queen’s Hall (decked out in Aunties pink of course) for an industry-first ‘Speed Auntie-ing’ event, in partnership with The Producers & Peach. The event launched a six-month program designed to guide and support the next wave of emerging female leaders, by pairing them up with ‘Auntie’ mentors who are leaders in their field.

Says Carolyn Eglinton, business manager, TBWA Melbourne and Aunties operations lead, who was one of the upcoming leaders paired with an Auntie: “I’ve been in the industry for a few years now, and I’ve never seen such an active movement to support future female leaders. It’s a privilege to have been part of such an iconic event, let alone to be able to benefit from invaluable knowledge my Auntie will be sharing with me over the next 6 months.”

This unique take on networking saw mid-senior mentees (some of whom were mentors themselves in the junior phase) engage in short one-on-one conversations with four potential Aunties each, paired up based on their disciplines, interests and experience. From here, Aunties had the option of choosing a mentor they connected with, or felt they could support the most.

Robyn Bergmann, creative director at VMLY&R and proud Auntie, set the tone for a powerful evening with her inspiring welcoming address. From beginning to end, The Aunties’ innate attention to detail was ever present, from the personalised red notepads and telephone badges, to the custom soundscape and elegant canapes.

Says Nat Taylor, executive producer at SHERPA and Aunties co-founder: “The energy in the State Library was electric. It’s rare to have so many industry leaders in one room, let alone be filled with intelligent, kind and incredible women. It felt like an epic reunion. Big shout out to my fellow Aunties, The Producers and Peach for helping us make this event happen.”

The Senior program comes off the back of the successful launch of the junior mentorship program in early 2021. Phase one saw 88 young women paired with 88 mentors across: creative, production (agency and post), strategy, client management, PR and social.

Says Sive Buckley, chief experience officer, Essence and co-founding Auntie: “The brilliance of The Aunties is how unique and comprehensive it is. While the first program provided Aunties for grads and juniors, now it’s the next generation’s turn. And we’re so excited to plan more programs that will aim to support more women at all stages of their lives and careers.”

The Aunties’ much-anticipated expansion into Sydney is in planning for 2023, plus more mentorship programs, networking events, seminars and their steady stream of useful content.

Follow along and absorb The Aunties goodness @theaunties_gram or on LinkedIn.

Photos generously taken by Sarah Tee and supplied by Tiny Disco.

*non-binary, a-gender, gender-nonconforming, and all marginalised genders