Four BCE educators you MUST meet this IWD

As we gear up to International Women’s Day (IWD) (8 March), four Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) educators stand out for their contributions to Catholic education in Queensland. 

From online learning to leading some of Queensland’s most popular schools, these four educators exemplify this year’s IWD theme ‘Balance the Scales.’ 

Andrea Hickey, Head of Campus, St Francis College, Crestmead

Guided by the words of John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full,” Andrea Hickey leads with purpose, creating opportunities so others may flourish. 

Like this year’s IWD theme, Andrea’s leadership is balancing the scales in more ways than one. 

Stepping into the role of Head of Campus (Secondary) at St Francis College, Crestmead in 2026, Andrea is on a mission to ensure every student is seen, supported and empowered to shape their own future. 

“I am motivated by the opportunity to create environments where young people feel safe to take risks, develop their gifts, and discover who they are called to be,” Andrea said. 

“Central to my role is also a desire to build hope and help students work towards the future they want for themselves. This is also the reason I became an educator.” 

Andrea describes her teaching philosophy simply, to inspire lifelong learning, a belief that aligns closely with the spirit of IWD, where progress is driven by courage, growth and shared opportunity. 

“Last year I took on new challenges, including driving through the snow in the United States and putting snow chains on by myself while heading up a mountain,” she said. 

“Continuing to grow and challenge yourself is important, and sharing this with students, letting them know that we are all learners, is critical to developing lifelong learners.” 

By modelling resilience, confidence and a willingness to step beyond comfort zones, Andrea helps ‘Balance the Scales’ for the next generation. 

Trudi Lucas, BCE Head of Education and Future Initiatives 

In her role as Head of Education and Future Initiatives, Trudi leads three key programs of work united by a single purpose, to delivering excellence and equity for Brisbane Catholic Education’s almost 80,000 students.  

At the heart of this work is a system‑wide focus on strengthening literacy and numeracy outcomes and a desire to shape what quality education looks like in a contemporary, complex and diverse system. 

“All students should have access to an education grounded in strong foundations in literacy and numeracy,” Trudi said. 

“These strategies are about making sure every student has the opportunity to grow and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.” 

That commitment reflects more than strategic intent; it reflects lived experience.  

Trudi’s career spans a wide range of educational settings in Australia and overseas, including urban, rural and remote communities. Along the way, she has held leadership roles in curriculum design, inclusive education, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, developing a deep understanding of how systems can either widen or close opportunity gaps. 

On International Women’s Day, Trudi’s leadership offers a powerful reminder that progress is often the result of steady, purposeful work. By balancing strategy with empathy, and ambition with equity, she is helping shape an education system where success is not reserved for the few, but possible for all. 

Megan Pidskalny, Head of Campus, FisherONE Online Education

Pioneering online education, Head of Campus Megan Pidskalny is also balancing the scales this IWD by making niche subjects accessible to all learners, no matter their location. 

Whether you are in Brisbane or Childers, students across Queensland can access high quality senior learning that may not otherwise be available at their school. 

Developed in response to global trends in education, FisherONE Online Education evolved as an innovative solution to provide high-quality, accessible online education for Years 11 and 12 students across Queensland. 

“We’re removing geographic barriers and creating equitable pathways for success for students across Queensland,” Megan said. 

“By expanding access to specialised subjects through online learning, we are helping ensure opportunity is not defined by a postcode.” 

In 2026, Megan also represented FisherONE Online Education on a global stage at the DLAC Ignite in Sacramento, California.  

Megan said the conference was an opportunity to, "share FisherONE’s story”. 

“It was more than just showcasing a model, it was about contributing to a broader conversation around access, inclusion, and excellence in digital learning,” she said. 

"It was an opportunity to demonstrate that online schooling can be rigorous, relational, and also deeply human at the same time.” 

For more information about FisherONE Online Education and its offerings click here.

Erin Dougherty, Senior Education Advisor - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement

Celebrating 5 years at BCE, Erin Dougherty continues her impactful work, helping to ‘Balance the Scales’ for First Nations students across BCE’s 146 schools. 

Through Erin’s leadership and support, all 146 BCE schools are now active on their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journeys through the national Narragunnawali Reconciliation Action Plan platform. Of these schools, 33 are working on a second RAP, while nine have progressed to a third RAP. 

Erin’s work helps schools create culturally safe learning environments, strengthen connections with First Nations communities, supporting stronger engagement and identity and outcomes for First Nations students. 

In 2021, Erin established a working group ‘ngapa Jahgu’, which provides a supportive networking environment for school staff  who work with and support First Nations students, to create culturally safe learning environments that advocate for practices which recognise the strengths, identities, and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. 

Erin was also part of BCE’s RAP Working Group from 2020 to 2025, and continues to advocate for meaningful, system-wide Reconciliation. 

About ‘Balancing the Scales’

‘Balance the Scales’ is the official theme for International Women’s Day 2026, emphasising justice, fairness, and equality for women and girls.

Image caption above: St Francis College, Crestmead Head of Campus Andrea Hickey with students ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Francis College, Crestmead (2026).

Image caption below: Trudi Lucas, Megan Pidskalny, and Erin Dougherty.©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).