Trailblazers inducted into the 2026 Victorian Honour Roll of Women
The achievements of 12 remarkable people from the University of Melbourne have been recognised at this year’s Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
The inductees, announced last night by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Gabrielle Williams MP, have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in their fields.
A total of 27 women and gender diverse people were celebrated at this year’s ceremony in Melbourne, marking the 25th anniversary since the Honour Roll’s establishment.
Change Agents: This category celebrates those who have shown an enduring commitment to their field of expertise, interest or endeavour, bringing about significant and lasting change.
- Mish Kumar-Jonson is Chairperson of The Iceberg Foundation, a not-for-profit mental health organisation supporting LGBTIQA+ and neurodivergent people.
- Dr Tracy Leong is a highly respected respiratory physician, clinician-researcher and leader, driving change across respiratory medicine, research culture and gender equity.
- Michel Margalit is a University of Melbourne alumna and a specialist in personal injury law.
- Dr Emma O’Brien OAM is a renowned music therapist, researcher, healthcare leader and founder of the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Scrub Choir.
- Aunty Lorraine Parsons is a proud Alyawarr woman dedicated to improving health and wellbeing for First Nations people. She is a clinical social worker, health service executive, senior public servant, research co-author, lecturer and tutor.
- Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis AM is a general practitioner, government health advisor, board director, and primary care researcher with the University of Melbourne.
- Professor Jane Visvader is a world-renowned scientist focusing on the role of stem cell biology in breast development and cancer.
- Professor Clare Wright OAM is an award-winning historian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and public commentator who has worked in politics, academia and the media.
Aunty Lorraine Parsons with Juliana Addison MP, Chair of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women Assessment Panel. Image credit: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Trailblazer: This category recognises inspiring role models who are leading the way in fields that are traditionally male-dominated, or that have significant barriers for women and gender diverse people.
- Professor Katharine Drummond AM is Director of Neurosurgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Head of Central Nervous System Tumours for the VCCC Parkville Precinct.
- Moira Rayner CM is a lawyer specialising in workplace relations and anti-discrimination law.
Local Champion: This category honours those who use their skills and expertise to make meaningful contributions to their community.
- Professor Kathryn Williams is an expert in environmental social studies, focusing on the emotional, social and cognitive factors that shape experiences of nature, conservation behaviour, and perspectives on environmental policy and management.
Emerging Leader: This category celebrates young people whose accomplishments position them as strong role models for the next generation.
- Dr Naba Masad Alfayadh is Founder and CEO of Rahma Health, a charity supporting the global Arabic-speaking community through evidence-based health and parenting information.
Professor Jane Visvader with Juliana Addison MP, Chair of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women Assessment Panel. Image credit: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Acting Vice-Chancellor and 2024 Honour Roll inductee Professor Jane Gunn AO congratulated the 2026 inductees for this well-deserved recognition.
“Through their leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence, each of these inductees has made significant and enduring contributions to their communities,” Professor Gunn said.
“I commend them for the role they are playing in inspiring the next generation to lead and create positive change.”
To see the full Victorian Honour Roll and find out more about this year’s inductees, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-honour-roll-of-women