Thus, The Flamingo Project was born — a free, community-led women’s mentoring program.
While the first image that comes to mind at mention of a flamingo is a pink bird wading in muddy water, they can also soar at great heights.
“The leader of the flock flies ahead and the rest follow — the leader makes it easier for the rest of the flock,” Ms Samar said.
“Many times in our career we may feel we are standing in the mud, directionless . . . The Flamingo Project is about unfurling your wings and flying at the altitude you deserve to fly.”
The idea for the project came to Ms Samar about a month ago, and quickly grabbed the attention of Goulburn Valley women from various walks of life.
When Ms Samar moved to Shepparton five years ago she struggled to find work, and was overlooked despite her experience, education and enthusiasm.
“In Shepp, I’ve come to realise after a very long time in a very difficult way — it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know,” she said.
In the meantime she devoted time to volunteering, had two children, slowly found her place in the community, and, eventually, rewarding work.
“The idea (of The Flamingo Project) is to speed up that process,” she said.
The initiative has already attracted 14 mentors and 12 mentees, and is led by a team of three: Ms Samar, Ruthu Shah and Melissa Mitchell.
“I haven’t even made a single call — these are all volunteers who’ve come forward and said this concept is really good, we want to be a part of it,” Ms Samar said.
The youngest mentor is 22-year-old Brea Dorsett, who brings a wealth of life experience to the program.
“I didn’t really have a great home-life upbringing, so I ended up living at the Education First Youth Foyer, in conjunction with Berry Street,” she said.
Four years later, Ms Dorsett is a small business owner, volunteer, mentor and ambassador with expertise in fitness, beauty, social media and youth advocacy.
“I’ve undergone a lot of self-development in so many ways, especially with confidence and self-esteem,” she said.
Now Ms Dorsett wants to share the lessons she’s learnt along the way with young women facing similar challenges.
Another mentor, Tara Daniel, said the intention behind the project immediately resonated with her.
“I really like the concept of women in the GV stepping out and supporting other women,” she said.
The project has attracted leaders with an array of skills and knowledge — including farmers, marketing experts, community workers and business owners.
Ms Daniel is a chemical engineer who built a successful career in STEM before using the skills she developed in science-based roles to change tack.
“Last year I got a job working in a digital innovation team as manager of business intelligence — I look after the data and bring it together to tell stories,” she said.
Ms Daniel has had various mentors along her successful journey, and now it’s her turn.
“It’s nice to be in a position where I can pull all of my experiences together and give back to people who are emerging in their field,” she said.
For mentee Arunabha Banning, The Flamingo Project is a chance to pick the brains of someone who has already tackled the problems she’s facing.
Mrs Banning doesn’t have a business background and is running a reusable face mask shop online to diversify her income.
“I want to find someone who will help me streamline my processes, make things more efficient, and help me get over blockages and hurdles that get in the way,” she said.
“What I’m really after is practical, sensible advice, and someone who holds me accountable.”
Mrs Banning said there was nothing like The Flamingo Project in the Goulburn Valley, and while there were loads of mentoring programs online, they were prohibitively expensive.
“It's fantastic that something like this can be done in Shepparton,” she said.
● To learn more about The Flamingo Project or submit an expression of interest visit: theflamingoproject.com.au/programs.
