In Their Own Words

Women of the Riva Community Celebrating International Women’s Day

In honour of International Women’s Day and this year’s theme, March Forward, we spoke with women across our community whose careers span recruitment, family law, finance and digital marketing. While their industries differ, a shared perspective emerged: progress often begins with the courage to step forward, even before feeling fully ready, and is strengthened when women support and champion one another.

Melissa Attard - Catalyst Recruitment & Consulting

For Melissa Attard, recruitment has always been about people before the process. She describes being drawn to the industry by a fascination with “what drives people, where they thrive, and how the right opportunity can genuinely change someone’s trajectory.” Early in her career, she realised recruitment wasn’t just about filling roles. It was about understanding ambition, culture and timing. That mindset shaped Catalyst Recruitment & Consulting. Rather than chasing quick wins, Melissa built her business around long-term relationships and trust.

“I wanted to do things differently, where quality takes priority over volume.”

Supporting women in their careers is central to that philosophy. She often sees capable professionals hesitate unless they meet every requirement of a role. Part of her work involves helping them reframe that thinking, recognising transferable skills, articulating strengths and negotiating with confidence.

“Ultimately, it’s about helping women see their own potential clearly and step into opportunities that truly align with who they are.”

For Justine Booth, the decision to work in family law was grounded in both curiosity and conviction. “Knowledge is power,” she explains, and understanding the law felt essential. Family law quickly became her favourite subject at university, not only because it was engaging, but because it gave her the opportunity to advocate for families in meaningful ways.

Today, as an Independent Children’s Lawyer and accredited Domestic Violence Duty Lawyer at Booth & Co Family Law, she brings that same belief into her work. Experience and knowledge, she says, are what help clients feel confident and supported when navigating legal challenges. Her advice to women starting out in business reflects that same direct, no-nonsense approach:
“Go for it. Don’t look back. Be bold and brave. Ask lots of questions and explore all options.”

Lauren Hall - Loan Market

In finance, Lauren Hall’s journey began in banking, where she discovered a love for the complexity of lending. But stepping into business ownership was a different kind of challenge altogether.

In an industry still largely shaped by traditional pathways and established voices, she chose to build something of her own. Not because it was easy, but because it aligned with her vision of independence, leadership and long-term sustainability for her family.

Building her business became her version of the Australian Dream. It was a decision rooted in courage and conviction.

“Clarity is key. I’m not wishy-washy and we don’t wing it.”

Lauren leads with certainty in a space that can often feel opaque and intimidating. She backs her expertise, makes decisive calls and creates structure where others see complexity.

Her journey is a reminder that you don’t need to fit the mould to succeed. You can build your own.

Isabella Silva - Melrose Agency

In the digital space, Isabella Silva founded Melrose Agency after recognising a gap in how brands approached growth. She saw businesses investing heavily in paid advertising without building the foundations needed to convert and retain customers long term.

“There was constant pressure to spend more, but not enough focus on the systems needed to create sustainable growth.”

Her approach combines strategy, creativity and commercial focus, working with brands she genuinely believes in. Trust, she explains, is built through honesty and proactive communication. Her advice echoes a familiar theme: “Don’t wait until you feel fully ready. Start before you feel ready and refine as you go.”

Despite their different industries, a common thread runs through their stories: the courage to begin before feeling fully ready.

“Back yourself, long before you feel fully ready.”
“Design a business that works for you, row your own canoe.”

Different words, shared belief, progress starts with action. 

This year’s theme, “When we give, we gain,” reminds us that when women step forward with conviction and support one another, growth becomes collective.

At Riva, that spirit is reflected in the way our community shows up for one another every day. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who are shaping our community and building lasting success for the future.

Sound like a community you want to be part of? Contact us.