In 2023, the International Women’s Day campaign is titled #EmbraceEquity focussing on the importance of forging harmony amongst diversity and inclusion with equality being the ultimate goal.
If you have seen or heard anything to do with Melbourne Storm recently, chances are Head of Marketing, Michaela Berry had something to do with it.
Working in sport for close to 10 years, Michaela first moved to Australia from New Zealand in 2017 starting at a Queensland Cup Club before heading down to the Geelong Football Club to work in their Marketing department.
Having now been a part of the Storm team for almost 2 years, she oversees the marketing, brand and design of the Club, helping build brand awareness to attract new fans and build engagement across key areas such as Membership, Ticketing, Events and Game Day.
Playing a key role in so many parts of the Club, Michaela says she has “been very fortunate to work across some incredible projects & initiatives in my time so far”. From bringing together campaigns to support Storm’s charity partners and bringing joy to sick kids with the Good Friday Appeal and Starlight to being a part of the ‘Victoria, this one’s on us’ campaign, giving all game access members in Victoria free membership in 2022 following two COVID affected seasons, to bringing to life some fresh and exciting finals campaigns.
Most notably, Michaela is one of the key integral drivers in the Women of Storm initiative, describing it as “a huge passion project”. Being there from concept to fruition, she has worked hard to create a platform celebrating and empowering both men and women to drive positive change and equality, just like this years International Women’s Day theme.
2022 also saw Michaela’s hard work recognised when she was awarded 1 of 20 of the Victorian Government’s Next Generation Leaders Grant in the ‘Change Our Game' Professional Development Scholarship program.
With her work in sports now recognised at a state level, Michaela describes the grant as “a real opportunity to continue making a difference in the industry and community. It’s extremely special to be recognised and have the resources to keep making sports a space I love being a part of.”
Having made her mark in the sporting world, Michaela shares her insights on how she has grown to become the woman she is today.
What does it mean to you as a female to work in a largely male-dominated industry?
“I’d like to say it doesn’t make any difference, and maybe one day it won't be as big of a deal, but it most definitely does,”
“I think it moulds both the individual and your career, but in my personal experience, I try to use it as a motivator rather than a deterrent.”
Is there anyone or anything that inspires, or has inspired, you in your career?
“I think what inspires me is equal opportunities, being in an environment that fosters growth and knowing that the best person is chosen for the job, regardless of diversity or gender,”
“I also get inspiration by seeing other females paving the way forward, and hopefully I can play my part in also contributing to this. Storm has a lot of strong women across the Club playing their part in driving positive change, inclusiveness, and equality.”
What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
“Sounds cliché, but don’t be afraid to rock the boat. I come from a family of strong women and growing up, these qualities were ingrained in me,”
“Making sure to continuously challenge things, speak and stand up for myself, even when it can be uncomfortable – those are the times when I’ve made the most progress.”
