Over her 20+ years at St Vincent’s, Charlotte has built a career marked by growth, innovation, and mentorship. She moved from cardiothoracics into diabetes education, helped establish the islet transplant program, and now leads the Endocrinology & Diabetes service. Along the way, she has been guided by extraordinary leaders – mentors who taught her that nursing leadership is about more than managing beds or rosters. “It’s about seeing the whole person – staff as well as patients – and creating an environment where people can thrive.”

Receiving the Emerging Leader Award scholarship has given Charlotte the chance to pause and reflect on her next chapter. With the support of her team and senior leaders, she is exploring whether to use her scholarship for an international diabetes conference, advanced management training, or a course that strengthens leadership in a changing health environment.

What matters most, she says, is that the opportunity will not stop with her. “Scholarships like this don’t just benefit one nurse – they strengthen entire teams. They create space for us to learn, bring back new ideas, and shape the culture here at St Vincent’s. The impact is immediate, but it also builds for the future.”