We are delighted to announce the formal appointment of Cathy Scalzo as Chair of Australians Investing In Women (AIIW).

Cathy is CEO of the Scalzo Family Office and Trustee of the Grace and Emilio Foundation. Cathy also serves on the board of ygap, and the Mornington Peninsula Foundation.

As Deputy Chair, Cathy worked closely with AIIW’s former Chair and now Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia. More recently, she has provided strong leadership as Interim Chair, ensuring the organisation’s continued impact in advancing gender equity through philanthropy.

“I am both delighted and deeply aware of the responsibility involved in succeeding AIIW’s Patron, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, as AIIW Chair at this critical time for gender equity—a time when hard-won progress toward a fairer world for all cannot be taken for granted,” said Cathy Scalzo.

“With the support of my fellow Board Directors, Catherine Fox AM, Dr Doug Hilton AO and Karen Kandur, our wonderful donors and supporters, and in collaboration with partners across many sectors in Australia and globally, I look forward to stewarding AIIW as we galvanise the power of philanthropy to highlight the economic and social benefits of investing in women and girls and eliminate the ongoing barriers to lasting equity and inclusion for the benefit of all.”

Julie Reilly OAM, AIIW CEO, welcomed Cathy’s appointment, highlighting her commitment to gender equality, “Cathy Scalzo’s deep commitment to gender equity and passion for driving positive social change, combined with her extensive philanthropic and business leadership, makes her the ideal Chair for AIIW at this critical time. Under Cathy’s stewardship AIIW will continue our evidence-based advocacy, driving more and better philanthropic investment in women and girls that strengthens social, economic and political participation and creates a more equitable future. We invite you to join us, engage with our work, apply and champion a gender lens, and help accelerate progress towards gender equality and a better world for all.”

About Australians Investing In Women

Australians Investing In Women (AIIW) is a leading not-for-profit organisation that advocates for Gender-wise philanthropy.

AIIW encourages all Australians – particularly philanthropic, corporate, and community leaders – to apply a gender lens to their giving and increase investment in women and girls, to help create a fairer and more inclusive society.

Watch a recent video interview with Chair Cathy Scalzo here.

Contact: Ella Mitchell | AIIW Communications and Engagement Lead | 0439 876 878