St Mary’s Women: Amy Dawson (Fraser ’94)
POSTED March 16 2022 , Old Girls
IN 30 SECONDS
Class of: 1994
Tertiary education: Bachelor of Commerce UWA and Diploma of Property Services.
Current role: Boss Lady at Ian Fraser and Co. Real Estate.
Current Board roles: Member of the Board of Governors, President of the Old Girls’ Association.
Dream dinner guest: David Attenborough.
Favourite subject at school: Accounting and Economics, Phys Ed, and Chemistry. I loved school!
Your experience at St Mary’s in 3 words: Amazing, Fun, Enriching.
Where has life after St Mary’s taken you?
I feel I’ve had four careers or roles after St Mary’s – lots of fun in hospitality immediately after school and during uni; challenging and rewarding event management career in both Perth and Melbourne, which took me all over the world; current career in real estate; and at home-role as wife, and mum to three children. I love living life at a fast pace and I think I’ve always pursued jobs and roles that keep me busy.
How do you think St Mary’s prepared you for life after school?
I think it gave me such a good grounding in doing your best and trying your hardest, but also a strong message to be kind and act with purpose and integrity. It gave me confidence to try new things and go after what I wanted but not at the expense of all else.
What prompted you to pursue a position on the Board, Foundation or Association at your former school?
I Ioved my time at St Mary’s. It was a huge part of my life for 11 years and I wanted to reconnect and give back to the school. It is a lovely community and one I am proud to be a part of.
How has holding a board position benefited your career?
It has opened my eyes to a lot that you don’t see as a student. I think it has sharpened my critical thinking skills and has introduced me to some amazing individuals.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
There are many, none too huge when compared to those of others but important to me. A lifetime ago I was a competitive high board diver; I won the Accounting Prize in Year 12; my Duke of Edinburgh Award; I moved to Melbourne on my own with no job and ended up working with and then managing an incredible event management team within two years. On returning to Perth, I managed the Perth Fashion Festival in 2007. Nowadays, working for myself, it is securing repeat business, helping people rent, sell or buy their homes; and my family – watching the kids grow into kind, confident young people – these things make me feel proud.
What is your fondest memory of your time at St Mary’s?
Again very hard to pin down one memory. Inspiring teachers, winning awards, goofing off with friends – the fairs, laughing til you cry with friends, it all adds up, although winning the Interschool Swimming in Year 8 and the bus ride back to school was amazing – such energy and excitement, and the ten-day Outward Bound camp in Year 10 was also pretty special.
How can we encourage more women to pursue board positions or senior leadership roles in their careers?
Lead by example I think. If you can see it you can become it. And less focus on ticking a box – lawyer, accountant, doctor etc – these people are important on boards but you also need critical strategic thinkers.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Don’t stay where you aren’t being challenged; never be afraid to move and take the next step to where you want to be (and sometimes that may be sideways if you are balancing other pursuits like travel, health and/or family). Just go for it and do what is best for you, not what everyone else thinks you should do. If that thing is the next big job, why not you? Also, be genuine and kind in all your interactions; I have had some amazing opportunities handed to me because people liked me and wanted to help me.