About 260 students attended the School Leaders Breakfast at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday.
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This year’s speaker, Jamila Gordon, inspired the students as she delivered her unique story about survival, overcoming the odds, remaining positive and dreaming big, which has led her to great things.
Separated from her entire family, Jamila arrived in Australia when she was just 18 years old, after escaping the Somalian civil war, via Kenya.
Starting out with next to nothing, her intelligence, aptitude and determination has led her on a journey to a global career, working for the likes of Qantas, IBM Europe and currently, Director and Global CIO of GetSwift Ltd.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said he was blown away by Jamila’s story and is pleased so many of our local school leaders were there to hear it.
“After hearing this courageous woman’s story, I am certain every student in the room left feeling inspired and knowing they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it,” Cr Pynsent said.
The breakfast is hosted annually by Cessnock City Council as a part of Local Government Week.
