Meet Our IWD Panellists for 2025
Studies show that the longer girls play sports, the more likely they are to step into leadership roles. In fact, 94% of female CEOs, COOs and CFOs grew up playing sports, and senior businesswomen are 75% more likely to hire candidates with a sporting background.
Women who play sports are not just shaping the leaders of tomorrow, but are the leaders of tomorrow, proving that sport isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about resilience, teamwork and confidence that translates into leadership. At MLC, we are committed to sporting excellence, making this year’s United Nations Women Australia theme, “March Forward”, more relevant than ever.
As part of our second annual International Women’s Day event, we are delighted to introduce the five high-profile MLC Collegians who will be making up our Panel Discussion. Focusing on women in sport, each panellist is a leader in her respective field and offers a unique perspective on this year’s theme.
Lauren Pavlich, Class of 2000, Moderator
Lauren Pavlich has spent her career helping people achieve their long-term health and fitness goals, using her expertise as a physiotherapist and clinical Pilates instructor and deep passion for health and wellness to do so. Working with a wide range of clients – from elite athletes to those recovering from severe spinal surgeries or fighting cancer diagnoses – Lauren prides herself on taking a personal approach and tailoring sessions to an individual’s specific needs and physical capabilities.
Lauren’s client base includes children, women and men who are looking to stay physically well, enabling them to live the life they desire. A mother of three, Lauren is especially interested in pre- and post-natal treatment and optimising rehabilitation after pregnancy, while also extending her focus to support her female patients through other life phases including perimenopause, menopause and beyond.
Lauren has first-hand insight and experience into the AFL and the demands of professional sport – not just on the athletes, but their families as well. She is a huge advocate for the growth of girls playing football, including through her local club, the Swanbourne Tigers.
During her time at MLC, Lauren was actively involved in many sports and remains active playing netball, tennis, running, and of course, practicing Pilates.
With her private practice and personal profile, Lauren is committed to raising awareness for causes close to heart, especially as they relate to women’s health and wellness.
An experienced presenter, Lauren is unapologetic about using her voice to draw attention to women’s issues, and as Moderator we can’t wait to hear her insights and see her amplify the voices of our exceptional panel.
Physiotherapist & Clinical Pilates Instructor – Private Practice | Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences – University of Western Australia | Master of Clinical Physiotherapy – Curtin University | Team Physio – State Junior Netball | Wellness Advocate | Community Leader | Presenter | MLC Parent | MLC Collegian – Class of 2000
Hon. Mia Davies, MLA, Class of 1995
A trailblazer in West Australian politics, the Hon. Mia Davies MLA has had many milestones and firsts in her political career. She made history in 2013, becoming the first female appointed Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA, and again in 2017 when she was elected the party’s Parliamentary Leader, making her the first woman to lead The National Party in Australia. With no signs of slowing down, Mia became the Opposition Leader for WA following the 2021 State election, marking the first time a member of The Nationals WA has held the title since 1947 and only the third woman in the State’s history to do so.
Throughout her time in Parliament, Mia has held numerous Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial positions including Minister for Water, Sport and Recreation and Forestry and Shadow Minister for Regional Development; Finance; Electoral Affairs; Federal-State Relations; Public Sector Management; Women’s Interests; Jobs & Trade; Mines & Petroleum and Aboriginal Affairs. Some highlights from these portfolios include championing several major projects like the Optus Stadium build, the expansion of WA’s irrigated agriculture sector and increasing participation of women in sport.
In 2023, Mia announced her decision not to run in the next State election in order to contest the upcoming Federal election in the newly formed electorate of Bullwinkel. Born and bred in the Wheatbelt and a former MLC Boarder, Mia remains true to her regional roots, continuing to bring her passion. practical experience and strong voice to support WA’s agricultural sector, economy and industries. We are privileged to have Mia back at MLC to hear her unique insights.
Member of the Legislative Assembly – Central Wheatbelt | Shadow Minister – Mines & Petroleum; Aboriginal Affairs; Electoral Affairs; Women’s Interests | Candidate – Federal Seat of Bullwinkel | First Female Leader – National Party of Australia | Former Leader – The Nationals WA | Former Minister – Water & Forestry; Sport & Recreation | Former Leader of the Opposition – Western Australia | MLC Collegian – Class of 1995
Dr Rachel Harris OLY MBBS FACSEP IOCDipSpPhy DipChH, Class of 1996
Dr Rachel Harris is no stranger to the life of a competitive athlete. A member of the Australian Swimming team from age 15, she won a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in the 800m Freestyle event. She also competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, placing 12th in the 400m Individual Medley and 800m Freestyle events, setting personal best times for both.
Today, in her self-proclaimed “second career”, Rachel works in private practice at the Perth Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Centre as a sport and exercise physician. Shaping the future of sports medicine for over a decade, she has extensive experience in elite sports and patient-centred care, with a reputation for empowering individuals of all backgrounds to exercise safely for optimal health and performance, now and into the future.
Some of her career highlights include being appointed the Chief Medical Officer for Water Polo during the Tokyo Olympics cycle and the Chief Medical Officer for the Paralympic Team during the Tokyo Paralympics cycle then attending the Paris Paralympic Games. She has also worked with elite sporting teams including the Australian Women’s Cricket and Rowing teams, the Fremantle Dockers AFLW team in their inaugural season and the South Fremantle WAFL team.
She now works as the Project Lead for the Australian Institute of Sport Female Performance and Health Initiative and is the Chief Medical Officer for Swimming Australia – a full circle moment for Rachel, who first discovered her passion for professional sport in the pool. Dedicated to mentoring other women in sports medicine in what is a typically male-dominated field, and accelerating the careers of elite female athletes, Rachel is an exceptionally credentialled addition to our panel.
Sport & Exercise Physician – Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Centre | Project Lead – AIS Female Performance & Health Initiative | Gold Medallist – 1998 Commonwealth Games | Australian Swim Team Member – 2000 Olympic Games | Former Director & Board Member – WAIS | Chief Medical Officer – 2020 Olympic Australian Water Polo Team, Swimming Australia, 2024 Paralympic Games | Graduate – University of Western Australia | Fellowship Recipient – Australian College of Sport & Exercise Physicians | Board Member – Australasian College of Sport & Exercise Physicians | MLC Collegian – Class of 1996
Tanya Brown, Class of 1997
Tanya Brown is the proud and only West Australian Director on the National Board of Special Olympics Australia. She also Chaired the Special Olympics Australia World Games Bid for Perth 2027 which led to being awarded the exclusive, globally preferred, host nation rights by the international body Special Olympics, Inc (SOI), to host the largest humanitarian event on the planet for the first time in the southern hemisphere, holding the exclusive rights for a year.
She is passionate about elevating sporting and other opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, dedicating the last five years to driving multimillion dollar fundraising campaigns and forging powerful partnerships with government, corporates and philanthropies for the Special Olympics.
A graduate from top institutes including Harvard University Business School and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Tanya is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience. As a Director at Hardie Finance Corporation and Entertainment Enterprises, she leads a diverse family office with interests in commercial property, hospitality and festivals.
Tanya’s lifelong passion for sport and health began during her time as an MLC student with a varied athletic career that includes competing in National and State equestrian, Club League tennis and many years of classical ballet. She thrives on inspiring and empowering others while balancing family life with her husband and three children, including two girls currently at MLC. Tanya’s dedication to providing opportunities for all athletes makes her a panellist we feel honoured to hear from.
West Australian Director – National Board of Special Olympics Australia | Former Chair – Australian Bid for the Special Olympics World Games Perth 2027 | Director – Hardie Finance Corporation and Entertainment Enterprises Graduate – Harvard University Business School | Graduate – University of Western Australia | | Graduate – Australian Institute of Company Directors | MLC Parent | MLC Collegian – Class of 1997
Tian Beckett, Class of 2013
Tian’s journey is one of resilience, transformation and triumph. After a very difficult early childhood fending for herself on the streets of China, she was adopted from a Chinese orphanage at age 7. Given a second chance at life through the unconditional love and unwavering support of her parents, Tian flourished at MLC from Year 3, excelling in several sports from a young age, including athletics and swimming.
But it was cycling where she especially excelled and at the tender age of 11 was identified by the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) through their Talent Identification Program, before earning a full WAIS scholarship at 16. Feeling she’d been given a ‘second chance’ and drawing on the hardships endured in her formative years, Tian thrived on hard work and pushed herself to become a cycling champion.
As a track cycling specialist, she dominated at the Junior level, winning multiple Australian track and road championships, setting the U19 500m Australian time trial record, and taking silver in the Australian Teams Pursuit Track Championship. She also competed internationally, including at the U19 World Championships where she won a gold medal, before retiring from professional cycling in 2015.
During her professional cycling career, she was an ambassador for the Bikes 4 Life charity, which donates bicycles to disadvantaged people in developing countries. Her passion for giving back informed her decision to study Nursing at Notre Dame. Having worked as a theatre nurse at Joondalup Hospital, she now works in her family business managing projects and administration. Tian embodies the grit, work ethic and determination needed to excel in elite sport and far beyond it, and we are thrilled to be able to hear her perspective.
WAIS Scholarship Recipient – Cycling | Multiple Australian Junior Road & Track Cycling Champion | Gold Medallist – 2013 U19 Junior World Track Championships | Shortlisted – 2014 WA Junior Sportsperson of the Year | Former Australian Record Holder – U19 500m Time Trial | NSW Institute of Sport Scholarship Recipient | Former National Ambassador – Bikes 4 Life | Graduate – University of Notre Dame | Registered Nurse | Administration and Project Manager | MLC Collegian – Class of 2013
Join Us
Celebrate International Women’s Day with MLC at our and Panel Discussion and Networking Breakfast. As an all-girls’ school, we are passionate about supporting and equipping our students with the tools needed for success. At this event, you will have the chance to meet with members of our community and discuss the importance of this year’s theme.
