ALUMNAE A LIFE WELL BALANCED Nicky Long (Beesey, ‘89) Nicky Long (Beesey, ‘89) grew up believing that women could do anything. After graduating from Ruyton as the School Sports Captain however, Nicky left School not knowing what she really wanted to do. Nicky had a natural attraction towards health sciences, and this led to her studying a nursing degree, while working part-time at Georges. After completing her degree, Nicky applied for nursing graduate positions; however, there were limited places available and she was unable to secure a position. Nicky continued to work at Georges for a further two years and became the Sales Manager. When Georges closed, she was headhunted by David Jones to run their homewares department. It was at this time that David Jones encouraged her to apply for the Young Retailer of the Year Award. After leaving David Jones, Nicky pursued a sales position at GlaxoSmithKline, a pharmaceutical company. Nicky quickly rose to become the Brand Manager in the marketing department. Nicky once again returned to university to solidify her knowledge and obtained a postgraduate degree in marketing. After several years at GlaxoSmithKline, Nicky left and started her own business, Oliver & Coco. After selling the business, she was approached KATE NIXON We welcomed Kate Nixon, Alumnae Relations and Bequests Manager, in July 2020. Kate recently returned from a sabbatical in Uzés, France where she had planned to live for a year with her daughter. Kate’s plans changed when COVID-19 spread in Europe, and she returned to Melbourne after eight months. 34
by CSL to work in a consultant role on Gardasil, the vaccine for cervical cancer. While working at CSL, Nicky was asked to join the board of the Snowdome Foundation. Her work here ignited her passion for not for profit. In 2015, she learnt that the Riewoldt family had lost Maddie and wanted to start a foundation, and Snowdome collaborated with the family to launch Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision. Five months into its founding, and with $300,000 in funding raised, the position of CEO was advertised. Nicky applied and was appointed to the role. Five years later, they’ve raised nearly ten million dollars. Nicky was also a finalist in this year’s Telstra Business Women’s Award. Nicky says that the essence of what she’s learnt is this: find good mentors, and actively seek them out. They can be older or younger, but always wiser. Don’t become rigid or habitual in your thinking. Maintain your network at every stage of your life, and be open to new ideas. Above all, Ruyton creates strong, capable women who can achieve anything, and can do it humbly. Nicky will start a new position in November 2020 as the CEO of Expression Australia, leading the deaf and hard of hearing community. L-R: Nick Riewoldt, Darcy Vescio (Carlton AFLW player), Jane Bunn (Ch 7 Meteorologist), Nicky Long, the Hon. Jill Hennessy, Attorney General of Victoria. At Purple Ladies Lunch focused on celebrating women’s achievements.
‘I am really excited about working at Ruyton. I am excited to get to know the wonderful alumnae, build strong relationships, connect with the School’s community, and work closely with the Old Ruytonians’ Association committee members.’ Prior to travelling to France, Kate worked in a similar role at another girls’ school in Melbourne and has a long career in sports administration at the Melbourne Racing Club and Tennis Australia. the ruyton reporter
