Written by Open House Magazine.

Launched last month, Women in Hospitality (WOHO) aims to give women access to a supportive network that educates and provides access to mentors and forums to share information and experiences, discuss issues, find solutions and support one another to help nurture their careers and encourage longevity in the hospitality industry.

Women in Australia represent 51.8 per cent of workers in the hospitality industry but only 15.4 per cent of CEOs in the industry are women.

“It is a very exciting time for Australian hospitality which is now getting more recognition on the world stage,” said WOHO founder and chair Julia Campbell.

“While our forward-thinking approach to food and concepts is well-recognised, it is imperative that we face the issue of female under-representation at a senior level in the industry. WOHO is a vehicle for us to inspire, recruit and retain more females and to give them the confidence to support themselves and each other in their professional development.”

Members will pay $10 per month, while apprentices will receive complimentary membership, giving them access to a program of year-round events and member created meet ups. The mentoring program will be led by accomplished industry stalwarts including Christine Manfield, Danielle Alvarez and Nadine Ingram.

The board is comprised of Julia Campbell, Anna Pavoni (Ormeggio), Jane Hyland (4fourteen), Claire van Vuuren (Bloodwood), Jane Strode (Bistrode CBD), Lisa Hobbs (Dedes Group), Lisa Margan (Margan Estate), Kerrie McCallum (delicious and Stellar), Lyndey Milan (OAM) and Michelle Maiale (A Tavola).