International Women's Day 2023 - #EmbraceEquity

International Women’s Day seeks to create an inclusive world through building workplaces where women thrive, celebrating women forging change in typically underrepresented fields and increasing visibility by championing women’s achievements. The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is Embrace Equity, which highlights why equal opportunities aren't enough. True inclusion comes from equitable action as everyone starts from a different place.

To celebrate this International Women’s Day, we spoke to a woman who inspires us, AAT Kings Day Tours Supervisor Alicia Loder who was recognised by the Brolga Awards for her contribution to the Northern Territory tourism industry and whose work in the NT contributed to our Tourism NT Brolga Award 2022 – Major Tour and Transport Operator win.

 Hear what she had to say about her career and about the women who inspire her below:

 Tell us about your work at AAT Kings?

I started working at AAT Kings in 2019 in our Darwin Day Tours Office, since then I’ve now stepped in my current role at AAT Kings as Day Tours Supervisor. I assist in the operation of our Top End Day tours and Short breaks, enhancing the customer experience and ensuring that our guests leave the Top End with an enjoyable and memorable experience.

 Tell us about a woman in your life who has inspired you in your career?

There are plenty of women in my life that have inspired me, however it comes down to one. My best friend has been by my side through everything, and I really owe it to her and her guidance that has inspired my career. She has been there through the challenges and listened to my endless rambles. Without her I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything I have, especially over the last 2 years. She can move mountains and in return so can I.

What’s one piece of advice you’d like to give other women who are considering joining the Travel Industry?

Don’t let your fears of the unknown stop you from pursuing a career in Travel. Over the last few years uncertainty has been a common factor, but you can’t overcome this without trying and embracing your enthusiasm and passion. Bypassing the fear of unknown experiences, opens a world of opportunities that you never knew were possible.

 If you could spend time with one inspirational woman, who would they be and why?

Katherine Johnson, she is one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA Scientist. Katherine broke the barriers of racial and gender stereotypes within the industry, and she showed her passion through her work and was invaluable to her team. Her story stuck with me and continues to do so in everything I do, I aspire to stand with my passions and continue to strive to my achievements.

 Is there a personal or professional achievement of which you are especially proud of?

Professional Achievement would be my nomination to the Brolga Awards 2022. After a challenging year previously, it was nice to see the support from our suppliers and my co-workers about the efforts I put into my career. Although, the win wasn’t in my hands it was awarded to someone that deserved it and overall, that doesn’t take the limelight away that I was nominated and recognised within Top 4 of the category.

 What's the next destination on your travel bucket list?

Norway – the Northern Lights are top of my Bucket list and to get out and see them in person would be a dream come true. The snow and weather conditions are also a nice change from Darwin.

 Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Not only Habit 5 in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People but I have this advice spoken to me at least once a week. This sentence comes to mind because it speaks volumes and can change your thought process in everything you do and try to achieve.

Let's #EmbraceEquity - together!