Who We Are?
At CALD2LEAD, we are driven by a simple but powerful belief: when CALD women lead, communities thrive.
Founded in 2019, CALD2LEAD is dedicated to accelerating the representation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women in leadership. We challenge the systemic barriers that have long limited access to opportunities, networks and decision-making spaces — and we actively work to change that.
We invest in women with leadership potential and ambition, providing access to high-calibre programs and pathways that elevate their voice, confidence and influence. These opportunities go beyond professional development — they open doors to leadership, visibility and lasting impact.
Through this, we are building a growing network of confident, capable and connected CALD women who are stepping into leadership roles across community, business, government and beyond.
Because empowering CALD women to lead doesn’t just transform individual journeys — it strengthens communities, reshapes systems, and drives a more inclusive future for all.
What do we mean by CALD?
At CALD2LEAD, CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) refers to people from cultural, ethnic, language, or faith backgrounds that are not part of Australia’s dominant Anglo‑Celtic, English‑speaking culture.
We understand that many people from CALD backgrounds also experience racial and cultural marginalisation, including barriers in leadership, workplaces, and public systems.
You may also see the term CARM (Culturally and Racially Marginalised) used in leadership and advocacy spaces. We respect and value this language and use it where it helps better describe lived experience and systems change.
At CALD2LEAD, our focus is not just on difference, it’s on equitable leadership, representation, and changing systems so everyone has the opportunity to lead.