The team at Balmer Agency are celebrating this International Women’s Day by sharing the stories of the women we look up to and why they inspire us. Today we acknowledge the achievements of women and reflect on the global fight to end gender inequality.
From sports stars, writers, fashion influencers, to activists, artists, lecturers and media moguls’, inspiration and admiration is drawn from everyone we meet.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 – 2020 and the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
“Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a pioneer for gender equality and spent her professional career pushing forward gender-discrimination litigations. I hope we can carry forward her legacy to fight for who, what and how we want to be. May the force be with you.”
- Almee Cheng, Account Coordinator
Turia Pitt
A best-selling author, athlete, engineer and motivational speaker. She has overcome overwhelming odds and inspires others to do the same.
“Turia Pitt has overcome a huge personal challenge, both physically and mentally. She is a great example for people (not just women) that you can make the most of the cards you have been dealt and still keep going. Also, her sense of humour tickles me.”
- Jes Egan, Client Services Director
Greta Thunberg
Activist and creator of the global School Strike for Climate Change movement. She went on to be names Time’s 2019 Person of the Year.
“As a school child, Greta managed something environmentalists have been trying to achieve for years – she got the whole world’s attention. No matter your age or your size, you can make a difference.
- Mitch Taylor, Junior Graphic Designer
Margaret Zhang
An Australian fashion influencer and the new Editor-in-Chief of Vogue China. At just 27 years old, she’s the youngest ever Editor-in-Chief of Vogue.
“Margaret Zhang continues to use her creativity and innovation in defining new media approaches and I look forward to her bringing global fashion to China while sharing Chinese culture with the rest of the world. With her international experience, exceptional multi-platform digital savvy, she is definitely a representative of the new Chinese Gen Z and a leader of the future.”
- Sophia Zhang, Lead of Chinese Digital
P!nk
AKA Alecia Beth Moore. A singer and songwriter known for her pop hits and energetic performances.
“P!nk believes in herself and not what others think. Those beliefs are grounded, respectful and inspiring. As much as she claims not to be a role model, she is one. Not by how she thinks she should behave but by the way she is – a talented musician, devoted mother and a natural entertainer to her millions of fans around the world.”
- Rob Francazio, General Manager
Frida Kahlo
Renowned painter known for her compelling self-portraits. Frida defied gender stereotypes and became a symbol of empowerment and hope.
“Frida Kahlo is one of my female role models due to her brevity and resilience. She produced some of the most iconic paintings in history and was way ahead of her time.”
– Olivia Gorman, Account/Content Coordinator
Dr. Brene Brown
Professor, lecturer, author and podcaster. She’s spent 20 years studying the emotions and experiences that bring meaning and purpose to our lives and has hosted notable guests such as Barack Obama and Alicia Keys.
“Early into my career I realised that I was putting on a “tough persona” in order to be taken seriously, to be heard. I discovered a Ted Talk by Brene Brown called ‘The Power of Vulnerability’, where she dispels the myth that vulnerability is weakness and that in fact, it is our most accurate measure of courage. It resonated so strongly with me then and I still continue to”.
- Rochelle Jones, Senior Social Specialist
Naomi Osaka
A world class tennis player and winner of 4 grand slam titles at just 23 years old.
“In addition to her outstanding career, Naomi has also made headlines for her social activism. In the lead up to, and at the 2020 US Open, she unapologetically showed her support for the Black Lives Matter movement, disrupting the game in ways that could not be ignored. Naomi inspires me to address injustices and use my voice to amplify the voices of others.”
- Sarah Leong, Content Coordinator
Oprah Winfrey
The ultimate media mogul – talk show host, motivational speaker and philanthropist who uses her success to empower girls and women around the world.
“Oprah has triumphed over many of life’s challenges – poverty, violence, assault and racial segregation. As a woman of colour she has paved the way and proved that no matter what colour you are, no matter what shape, or religion, you can be successful. She uses her status as a platform to highlight global issues and has supported and funded many organisations aimed at empowering women, such as the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls a world-class school for girls in South Africa.”
- Asorthi Dimachki, Senior Designer
My mum, Mary Balmer
Mother of four girls, sister to nine siblings, nurse, friend, wife, and inspiration.
“My mum has always been an inspiration. Growing up we were always told we could be, and do anything, if we put our mind to it. It was with this encouragement, from such a young age, that fuelled my ambition. A culmination of which is Balmer Agency.
Since becoming a mother, I look back and I’m awed by the balance of family, friends and work that my mum managed to juggle on a daily basis. So as we celebrate women this year, I’m looking a bit closer to home and sending a shout out to my mum.”
- Sarah Balmer, CEO
