Katrina Childs is known for her mortgage broking skills and excellent sourdough. Photo: Supplied.
The new president of Griffith Women in Business (GWIB) says she is determined to shine a light on the town’s female entrepreneurs and to create clear pathways for others to learn the secrets of their success.
Mortgage broker Katrina Childs has taken over the reins from outgoing president and beautician Jacinda Violi, who served the maximum permissible term of three years.
Business coach Tegan Summers steps in as vice president and secretary, while bookkeeper Dominique Betts takes on the role of treasurer.
“We’re starting with a bang with an International Women’s Day event on 6 March,” Ms Childs said.
“We have 11 sponsors, and they’re all female business owners in Griffith.
“I’m celebrating them and their achievements in the community.”
Cocoa and Bean was chosen as a fitting venue, having recently been taken over by young female entrepreneur Kira Zalunardo.
“We want to keep our networking events, but also give back a bit more to our members,” Ms Childs said.
“We’re bringing in a mentorship program, matching a mentor with a protege.
“We’re also aligning closely with council and the business chamber to run workshops through a program called the Griffith Business Playbook. I also hope to be able to reach a wider audience.”
The 36-year-old grew up in Griffith as a first-generation Australian, with an Italian father and a Filipino mother. She studied accountancy by correspondence and worked for Pinnacle for 10 years before changing careers to the male-dominated world of mortgage broking with the company Alcove.
“I really enjoy this line of work. I see my goal as empowering people to make their own decisions about what property to buy,” she said.
Ms Childs urged young people not to be disheartened by soaring house prices and talk Gen Zers would never be able to afford a property.
“Your dream home isn’t your first home. If you can afford a stepping-stone property that you can add value to, do it. I think this generation has a lot of compare culture exposure through social media and wants a million-dollar property. But if you start lower, you’ll get there eventually,” she said.
“You need to get your foot in the door. In Griffith, prices aren’t as crazy as the capital cities.”
When she’s not at work, Ms Childs spends her time raising her two children and baking mountains of sourdough.
Outgoing president Jacinda Violi said she was leaving GWIB in good hands.
Former GWIB presidents Jacinda Violi and Sara Pixley. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
“I’ve been there since the very beginning; it was time for me to hand it over to some fresh faces. Katrina will do a wonderful job. As for me, I’m now thinking of becoming the president of the Griffith Tennis Club, as I hear the current president is doing an awful job,” Ms Violi said.
The 11 sponsors of the IWD event are as follows:
Melissa Capararo from Browse Books
Tracy Ciampa and Olivia Gee from Eclipse
Shantell Gannon from Griffith Panel and Paint
Simone Pfitzner from The Perfect Pfit
Nedene, Selina and Keani Gatto from Neliani Creates
Elizabeth Romeo from Time2Tutor
Cassandra Cadorin from Candid Marketing
Lauren Gale from Lauren Gale Conveyancing
Andrea Gonzo from Lend Your Way
Susan Catanzariti from Studio Flow Pilates
Kira Zalunardo from Cocoa & Bean.
Cocktails & Connections starts at 6:30 pm on Friday 6 March at Cocoa & Bean on Yambil Street in Griffith. Tickets are available online.
