The opportunity to spend a week at Harvard University is a dream come true for two Brisbane business women who were last night awarded scholarships to one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities.
Marie-Claire Grady and Danielle Duell were announced as the two recipients of the 2011 Fostering Executive Women (FEW) International Scholarship Award, sponsored by St.George Bank, at a gala event last night.
They will head to Harvard for the Women's Leadership Forum at Harvard University in Boston from May 2-6 next year, and both were delighted at the opportunity.
The FEW mentoring program is for Queensland University of Technology (QUT) alumni of postgraduate business programs.
Danielle Duell, who graduated from a Masters of Business Administration in 2009, said the trip to Harvard was an incredible personal and professional opportunity.
"It is overwhelming - children dream of going to Disneyland but I dreamed of something like this," Ms Duell said.
"It is something which can never be erased from my history - to say I have been to Harvard will be an honour and a distinguished privilege."
Ms Duell is CEO of the Gainsdale Group which is owned by Flight Centre founder Graham Turner and his wife Jude.
She oversees Spicers Retreats, Hotels and Lodges along with an event management company, cattle farms and nature reserves, a nature walk business, women's fashion brand and a day spa.
After leaving school with an OP 1, Ms Duell worked in the fashion industry before setting up her own business and raising a family.
It was when she sold her business that she decided to study her MBA, and then became involved with FEW.
"Amid a busy life, FEW offers a chance to focus on improving yourself and share with like-minded and accomplished women," she said.
"It is a great crowd of women and I feel very humbled to have been offered this opportunity.
"With this opportunity there is also a responsibility to deliver value back to the FEW community, which I hope to do with the knowledge I gain while I am there."
Ms Grady graduated from QUT with a Master of Business in 2002.
Since the mentor program she has launched a consulting company, helping businesses to develop customer-focused strategy and design customer experiences.
"I am so humbled and appreciative, and so very excited," Ms Grady said.
"It is going to be an amazing experience for so many reasons; professionally, I have a great interest in how businesses around the world drive innovation and this is a chance to work with the world's leading thinkers.
"I am also looking forward to the Harvard University experience, and of course flying the flag for QUT."
Ms Grady said she was also looking forward to sharing ideas and information she gained at the forum with current QUT students upon her return.
"This wonderful experience will also provide me with an opportunity to give back," she said.
QUT's alumni relations manager Julie Mannion said the two women were in for an unforgettable experience at Harvard.
"Previous winners have found the experience to be a life-changing opportunity," Ms Mannion said.
"The Fostering Executive Women mentor program and Scholarships provide a wonderful development opportunity for FEW women."
At last night's event, recipients of two other scholarships were also announced.
• 2011 Laurie Cowled Indigenous Scholarship: Courtney Butler and Tracy Thelander
• QUT - English Speaking Union (ESU) - Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) Indigenous Leadership Scholarship: Tania Carlos
The FEW program, which has run since 2008, aims to advance and enrich the candidate's career objectives, promote QUT graduates and build a strong foundation for high quality mentors.
Media contact: Rachael Wilson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 1150 or rachael.wilson@qut.edu.au.
**High res images available for media use
