Connected through Careers

The atmosphere was filled with curiosity and possibility as students listened to our graduates. Each alumna generously shared insights into her study pathway, early career experiences, and the unexpected opportunities that have shaped her journey.

Our alumnae speakers were: 

• Aryn Azlan (Year 9 2012) current Resident Medical Officer, Haematology, Christchurch District Health Board, on a year’s sabbatical from the UK
• Eliza Barltrop (Year 9 2016) Nutrition Coordinator at New World, having recently completed Masters of Health Science in Nursing at the University of Canterbury 
• Jo Costello (Year 9 2007) founder of Sparrow Global Consultancy, which supports the growth of technologies and initiatives through international innovation programmes, and former Business Development Manager at Lincoln AgriTech
• Elizabeth Cross (Year 9 2016 ) Reserve Combat Medic with the New Zealand Defence Force, and a fifth year trainee doctor, currently at Christchurch Hospital 
• Alice Darling (nee Batt, Year 9 2011) Executive Contracting Team Lead at executive search consultants Brannigans / The People Collective 
• Amelia Harris  (Year 9 2014) VinLog Customer Care Specialist at global logistics company Kuehne+Nagel
• Maddy Lloyd (Year 9 2011) Communications and Media Manager at The Crusaders, as well as founder of Studio Alchemy 
• Isabella Peat (nee Fanselow, Year 9 2012) Decarbonisation & Energy Programme Lead at Fonterra 
• Mimi Simpson (Year 9 2006) Insurance Broker, BMS Risk Solutions, having previously been a family law solicitor 
• Rosa Strawbridge (nee Horncastle, Year 9 2011) Marketing Director at Lumin, a New Zealand based Software as a Service company.

Students left with new ideas to discuss with their families, a clearer sense of what is possible, and reassurance that careers are rarely linear. The key messages from our alumnae were that growth comes through exploration, resilience and self-discovery, and that maintaining balance ensures a full and rewarding life beyond work.

Events like this are an essential part of St Margaret’s College and our treasured big sister–little sister culture, strengthening the network of support, shared experiences and mentorship between alumnae and current students.