Work of art

Melinda Martin is a big believer in the value of life’s journeys.

The newly appointed Shepparton Art Museum chief executive officer began her further studies in financial journalism, before obtaining a degree in Criminology and Fine Art.

“My journey can give people the hope that you can end up somewhere not yet necessarily knowing the outcome, but it all makes sense at the end.”

Melinda said she doesn’t take opportunities like education for granted.

“I’m the first woman in my family to go to university, not because I’m the smartest in my family, but because it wasn’t an opportunity easily available before my time,” she said.

“I’m grateful to be born into a generation where higher education was a possibility for women.”

Melinda recalls her family’s contrasting educational journeys — both grandmothers leaving school at 14 and her mother limited to nursing, teaching or secretary work as the only suitable possibilities for women.

“In honour of the women that came before me, I think it’s really important that now as a leader I try and enhance the opportunities for other women in the community and other women leaders in our team.

“Hopefully, one day it will be less remarkable to have female CEOs at the helm of organisations.”

Through her work in the arts sector, Melinda has seen the world, elevated programs into multi-million-dollar operations and individually worked with artists to further raise their business skill levels, in turn raising their income.

For young women who share her drive to build an aspirational career, Melinda’s advice is a reflection of the small minority of women appointed as CEOs — understated yet powerful.

“Go for it. Back yourself, trust yourself, surround yourself with good supporters and mentors,” she said.

“The more women we have sitting at the table, the better the decisions are.”