Becca Shepard is the Head of Communications at the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) at the Australian National University. In this role, Becca leads the institute’s communications and engagement activities, working to amplify the impact of GIWL’s world-leading research on gender equality and leadership.

With a strong focus on translating complex research into accessible, engaging content, Becca oversees all digital and print communications for the institute. This includes editing and copywriting across platforms and designing a wide range of visual assets – from infographics and social media content to research reports and event collateral, to website design – ensuring GIWL’s work is clear, informative and engaging.

Becca manages GIWL’s digital presence, including social media channels, email newsletters, and the website. She is responsible for planning and delivering a dynamic program of events, from high-profile public panels and stakeholder roundtables to multi-day conferences. She also leads the coordination of GIWL’s Youth Committee, supporting the next generation of gender equality advocates.

In collaboration with former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s office, Becca produces A Podcast of One’s Own, GIWL’s award-winning series sharing the stories of remarkable people advancing gender equality around the world — from those dismantling systemic barriers to trailblazers redefining leadership in their fields. Guests have included former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, actor Cate Blanchett, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, and musician Annie Lennox.

Prior to joining GIWL at the Australian National University, Becca worked at our sister institute, GIWL King’s College London, where she also contributed to The Policy Institute’s research communications and engagement activities. She previously held roles in digital communications at The King’s Fund, one of the UK’s leading health and social care think tanks, and has worked with a broad range of organisations across sectors – including the BBC, Ralph Lauren, the University of Cambridge, and the NHS – spanning higher education, media, health and the not-for-profit sector.