In partnership with the WOW - Women of the World Australia and Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), the event will welcome more than 200 secondary school students for a day of inspiring conversations, interactive workshops, live performances and speed mentoring aboard the Wheel of Brisbane, where students will connect with over 100 mentors from a diverse range of industries and lived experiences.
The program is designed to broaden horizons, spark ambition and empower young people to imagine new possibilities for their futures. A highlight of the day will be the WOW Big Ideas Panel, hosted by ABC Big Ideas presenter Natasha Mitchell, featuring four extraordinary changemakers exploring leadership, courage, creativity and the power of community to shape a better future.
From 11:00am, students will participate in a series of rotating workshop and mentoring experiences designed to maximise engagement and ensure every student can explore their areas of interest.
As part of their booking, schools will be asked to nominate two workshop preferences for their students from the below options. Once registrations close, students will be allocated into rotation groups based on their workshop preferences and the operational capacities of each activity.
In addition to their two selected workshops, all students will participate in Speed Mentoring aboard the Wheel of Brisbane, one of the signature experiences of WOW Schools Day.
WOW schools day program
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The WOW Big Ideas Panel, hosted by ABC Big Ideas presenter Natasha Mitchell, will feature four extraordinary changemakers (biographies below) exploring leadership, courage, creativity and the power of community to shape a better future.
Together, they'll explore what it means to lead with courage, challenge expectations, embrace creativity and build communities where others can thrive. Through honest conversation, they'll share the lessons they've learned, the obstacles they've overcome, and why some of the most powerful ideas begin with simply asking, "What if things could be different?"
Whether your passion lies in science, social justice, the arts, business, education or community, this conversation will inspire you to see leadership not as a title, but as a choice to make a difference wherever you are.:
Ruby Allen, Founder, Kids of Purple
Talicia Minniecon
Founder, Gimuy First Nations Homeschool Co-Op, TTPOPP and Mob Made Communications
Dr Raisa Rudge, Food Scientist & Science Communicator
Anja Christoffersen, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur & Disability Advocate
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Get ready to move, connect and express yourself through the power of dance. Led by internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and educator Nadiah "NfuZion" Idris, this high-energy workshop celebrates movement as a universal language that builds confidence, creativity and community.
Drawing inspiration from Dancehall, House and dance styles from across the African diaspora, participants will explore rhythm, musicality and self-expression while learning choreography in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Beyond the steps, Nadiah shares how dance can be a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural connection and personal wellbeing.
Having performed and taught in more than 30 countries around the world, she brings a wealth of global experience and an infectious passion for empowering others through movement.
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Money Moves is a dynamic financial literacy workshop designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to build financial independence, break cycles of economic disadvantage, and create generational wealth. Through engaging discussions and practical activities, participants explore how mindset and cultural wealth influence financial success.
The session covers the essentials of smart budgeting, saving, and investing, while also unpacking the realities of credit, debt, and achieving true financial freedom. To finish, participants will channel their learnings into creating a personal vision board – setting clear goals and visualising their path toward a confident and prosperous financial future.
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Creating safer, more respectful communities starts with everyday people having the confidence to take action. In this practical and engaging workshop, participants will explore the important role bystanders play in preventing bullying, harassment, discrimination and gender-based violence.
Through real-world scenarios, interactive discussions and practical strategies, students will develop the skills to recognise harmful behaviours, respond safely and support others with confidence and care. Rather than focusing on confrontation, the workshop equips participants with the tools to speak up, challenge harmful attitudes and contribute to cultures built on respect, inclusion and accountability.
By the end of the session, students will leave empowered to become active allies, understanding that even small actions can create meaningful change and that leadership begins with choosing to be someone who doesn't stand by, but stands up for others.
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Take your future to new heights with one of WOW Schools Day's most unique experiences. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Brisbane, students will step aboard the Wheel of Brisbane for a series of fast-paced mentoring conversations with inspiring professionals from a wide range of industries, backgrounds and lived experiences.
Each rotation offers the opportunity to ask questions, gain insight into different careers, hear personal stories and discover the many pathways’ people take through work, study and life. Whether you're exploring future possibilities, curious about a particular profession, or looking to broaden your perspective, these conversations are designed to spark ideas, build confidence and encourage meaningful connections.
Speed Mentoring is an opportunity to learn from people who are making a difference in their communities, explore new possibilities, and leave with fresh perspectives, practical advice and inspiration for the journey ahead.
If your students have accessibility concerns or are uncomfortable with heights, please message us at education@qpac.com.au. We will endeavour to allocate your students in another session experience where capacity permits.
WOW Big ideas Panel speakers
Ruby Allen
Ruby Allen is the 19-year-old founder of Kids of Purple, a not-for-profit initiative providing support for children and young people impacted by domestic and family violence. Drawing on her own lived experience, Ruby identified a critical gap in youth-specific resources and created a platform offering accessible information, guidance and validation for children and young people.
Her advocacy has driven real change, including informing professional training and contributing to initiatives with organisations such as Brisbane Catholic Education, the Department of Housing, and
the Queensland Victims’ Commissioner.
Now studying law at Bond University, Ruby remains dedicated to developing Kids of Purple and shaping a future of reform, prevention, and support. In recognition of her advocacy work, she was recently named the Gold Coast Young Australian of the Year.
Anja Christoffersen
Anja Christoffersen is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and disability advocate based in Brisbane. She was born with VACTERL association, a rare congenital condition affecting multiple body systems.
She wrote her first book, Behind the Smile, about growing up in and out of hospital, and has since founded a string of ventures including Champion Health Agency, a world-first talent agency representing people with disability, chronic illness and carers, and the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network. She was named Queensland Young Achiever of the Year for Leadership in 2020 and has modelled internationally, including at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Amsterdam.
Anja holds an MBA in health services management and entrepreneurship and is an Adjunct Associate Fellow with the University of Queensland's Centre for Health Services Research.
Talicia Minniecon
Talicia is a proud Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng and Ni-Vanuatu woman, entrepreneur, educator, creative and communications strategist. Through Mob Made Communications, TTPOPP and the Gimuy First Nations Homeschool Co‑Op, she champions Indigenous storytelling, culturally grounded education and community‑led leadership.
A passionate advocate for digital truth-telling, leadership and community empowerment, Talicia works alongside First Nations, Pasifika and marginalised communities to amplify voices, protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, and create pathways for the next generation of storytellers, creatives and changemakers.
Her work spans media and communications, education, leadership development and the creative industries, with a strong focus on ensuring our stories are told by us, for us, and with integrity.
Natasha Mitchell
She hosts ABC National Radio flagship live events radio show and podcast BIG IDEAS and was founding host and producer of the blockbuster radio show and one of Australia’s first podcasts, All in the Mind, for a decade.
She hosted the ABC’s flagship daily social affairs Life Matters, and was founding host and producer of Science Friction, awarded Best Science and Medicine podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards.
Natasha served as vice president of the World Federation of Science Journalists and was recipient of a prestigious MIT Knight Fellowship. Her science, mental health and human rights journalism have received many accolades, including the overall Grand Prize and four Gold World Medals at the New York Radio Festivals.
Dr Raisa Rudge
Dr. Raisa Rudge, originally from the Caribbean island of Aruba, is a food scientist, science communicator, and passionate advocate for making science accessible, inspiring and fun.
Raisa's research combines fundamental scientific knowledge with cutting-edge science to create foods that are healthier, more sustainable, and enjoyable to eat. Her work has been featured on ABC Radio Brisbane, ABC Radio National and ABC Radio Perth where she shared the excitement and real-world impact of food science with a wider audience.
Beyond the laboratory, Raisa is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists. She has written a children's science book, delivered hands-on science activities for young people, and was selected as part of the Flying scientists program, taking science
into regional communities across Australia.
Important information
Year-level suitability
Years 10 to 12
Accessibility
WOW Schools Day will be Auslan Interpreted.
Schedule
8:30am: Registration
9:00-10:45am: Opening Session & WOW Big Ideas Panel
11:00-12:00pm: Workshop Session 1
12:00-12:30pm: Lunch
12:30-1:30pm: Workshop Session 2
1:45-2:45pm: Workshop Session 3
2:45pm: Closing Session
3:00pm: Event Concludes
Ticket prices
Great discounts available for school groups 5+.
$29 per student
1 teacher free per 10 students
Student lunches are supplied