

Dr Wells said the program equips women with the skills and knowledge to succeed in running for elected office and to thrive as political leaders. The University’s Vice-President (Strategy and Culture) Dr Julie Wells said the Pathways to Politics Program for Women is all about “changing the face of politics”. Carol is a visionary thinker and great supporter of women in leadership and I am delighted this award recognises her outstanding philanthropic work." “Considering what the nation has gone through this year, from the devastating bushfires to COVID-19 and the challenging living and working environments that so many people have endured, we need exceptional philanthropists to help lead and deliver outcomes that make a real difference in metropolitan and regional areas. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women delivers practical outcomes and has certainly had a positive impact on the conversation around representation of women in parliament. She has built lasting partnerships and networks and made sure that bold ideas come to life and help our society. "For more than 20 years Carol has focused on improving the quality of leadership and decision making in Australia. University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said: “Carol is a remarkable leader and extraordinary philanthropist and it is wonderful that she has been recognised with Australia’s highest philanthropic honour.

The program was initiated and made possible by a generous donation from the Trawalla Foundation established by the Schwartz family. Ms Schwartz was the driving force behind the University of Melbourne’s ‘ Pathways to Politics Program for Women’, designed to increase female participation in politics. The Leading Philanthropist award is Australian philanthropy’s highest honour and it is awarded to an individual philanthropist whose work is visionary, high impact and transformative.

The University of Melbourne today congratulated business and community leader Carol Schwartz after she was announced as the ‘Leading Philanthropist’ at the 2020 Australian Philanthropy Awards. Ms Carol Schwartz was the driving force behind the University of Melbourne’s ‘Pathways to Politics Program for Women’, designed to increase female participation in politics.
