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Celebrating Matina Jewell for International Womens Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day, We are delighted to announce the incredible Matina Jewell as the keynote speaker for the MEA 2020 Conference this September in Queenstown.

 

Major Matina Jewell (Retired) CSP is a transformative leader providing life-changing perspective from the front-line of leadership, resilience and change.

“The most powerful speaker you will ever see”  – Chief Fire Officer, Country Fire Authority

Matina grew up in the hinterland of Byron Bay and joined the Australian Army aged 17.

 

She has earned military accolades in some of the toughest environments on earth and her courageous decision making, values-based leadership and vision for empowering teams continues to transform organisations globally.

During her 15-year military career, Matina:

  • Served on five missions and earned eight war medals
  • Became the only Australian to receive two Republic of Lebanon war medals for acts of bravery on the battlefield and being wounded in combat
  • At 23yo, was appointed Officer in Command of the Army Department and Diving Officer for HMAS Kanimbla, then Australia’s largest Navy ship
  • Was the first woman in the Australian Army to complete the physically demanding Navy divers’ course
  • Served with American Navy Seals
  • Tracked-down war lords in the Solomon Islands
  • Fast-roped from helicopters and boarded smuggler ships in the Arabian Gulf, and
  • Was posted as a peacekeeper with the United Nations in Syria and Lebanon.

“Matina’s inconceivable circumstances, raw courage, storytelling and rare ability to package her lessons in risk and leadership into a realm that we could digest was a pure gift. The entire room was transfixed and moved for the entire speech”
– Nicole Hatherly, Commbank

 

 

More than just another incredible life story, Matina’s message of courage continues to empower leaders and transform mindsets from all walks of life.