Women in Digital’s Holly Hunt is forging a more inclusive future for Queensland and beyond

Women in Digital’s Holly Hunt is forging a more inclusive future for Queensland and beyond

This year’s 40 Under 40 Awards recognised a diverse range of Queensland-based trailblazers across different industries. Alongside the final 40, Queensland Government also presented the Inspiring Female Leader Award to Holly Hunt, a local founder and CEO working to cultivate greater inclusivity in the digital sector.

“I am a firm believer that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’,” explains Holly Hunt, 40 Under 40 Awards finalist and the recipient of the Inspiring Female Leader Award, presented by Queensland Government. 

This sentiment has been a driving force behind Holly and her work as the founder and CEO of Women in Digital – a national membership organisation focused on supporting employers and individuals to achieve their business and career goals. First launched in 2014, the organisation has played a significant role in connecting, educating and empowering women in digital industries across Queensland and beyond.

“Women in Digital was established to bridge the visibility gap and to provide a supportive network that nurtures and champions the talents of women in the digital industry,” says Holly.

In addition to this work, Holly also founded Hunt & Co – a boutique digital recruitment agency helping businesses and individuals hire diverse and high-performing talent. Hunt & Co was created to develop innovative talent acquisition strategies to build diverse teams. 

Through its distinct approach, Hunt & Co has garnered a reputation for helping to create teams that are primed to excel, whilst also reflecting a more inclusive industry culture.

The Inspiring Female Leader Award win reflects Holly’s tireless work over the last decade to push the boundaries of the business community and cultivate a more inclusive future for the digital sector.

“My motivation has many origins,” reflects Holly. “But I think it is most easily captured when thinking about the fact that women over the age of 55 are the fastest growing group of homeless people in Australia.”

“… [This phenomenon] stems from women’s participation in the workforce and their ability to secure well-paid, flexible work. And as the digital and tech industry is one of the biggest growing sectors in Australia, this is something that careers in technology can offer.”

“By providing women with the opportunity to see a career path, and ultimately grow within that career, I am determined to make a career in tech a reality for as many women as possible.”

Today, WID’s community consists of more than 12,000 women and men across Australia and has hosted almost 23,000 attendees and 420 speakers through its event series. This month, WID will also host its seventh annual Award Gala, which has recognised the achievements of more than 95 women in digital since it was first launched.

“After seven years of hosting our own Women in Digital Awards Program, being recognised for the work I am doing has given me a first-hand experience of how our winners feel,” adds Holly. “And what an honour it is to be recognised.”

When submissions for the 40 Under 40 Awards earlier this year, Holly received a few nudges from colleagues to nominate herself. But it was that core motivation to provide representation that led her to apply.

“I thought, ‘why not put my hat in the ring?’ It was not only a great opportunity for my business but also for me to show other young women that starting their own business in something they are passionate about is possible.”

“I truly hope this recognition is the encouragement other women need to follow their passion and start their own business.”

Beyond its Awards Gala, Women in Digital is set to announce a new chairperson soon, who Holly teases is someone who has “forged an incredible career within politics, technology and sports.”

It’s the Women in Digital community, however, that remains the organisation’s priority, “[We] will be doing things a little differently next year in response to what our community wants – which we consistently hear is more opportunities for meaningful connection,” shares Holly. 

To see the full list of this year’s 40 Under 40 winners, head here

To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.

Subscribe:

Sign up for our weekly enews & receive more articles like this: