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From Future Me to Right Now

What Empower Her Taught Me About Financial Confidence

Published on the 05 May 2026

For many young people, financial literacy can feel like something to think about later — after school, university or after securing their first full-time job.

UNSW Business School’s Empower Her: From Financial Confidence to Property Ownership challenged that idea by encouraging students to start building their financial knowledge and confidence now.

Bringing together female students from across Greater Western Sydney, the program combined practical learning, industry insights and peer connection to help participants better understand the opportunities and decisions that shape their futures.

In the reflection below, Year 12 student Rinani Mahe from Blacktown Girls High School shares how the experience transformed her perspective on financial independence, strengthened her confidence, and reminded her that with the right knowledge and support, young women can take meaningful steps towards achieving their goals right now.

Before I signed up, I knew financial literacy mattered, everyone says it does, but I honestly didn’t know where to begin.

Money, investing, property ownership… they all felt like “future me” problems. Something I’d figure out after uni, after getting a job, after becoming an adult.

But UNSW Business School’s Empower Her school holiday program flipped that mindset completely.

I realised that the earlier I understand these things, the more confident and prepared I’ll be when I step into adulthood. It wasn’t as scary or overwhelming as I had first thought – it was something I could learn now.

One thing that stood out immediately was how interactive the workshop was. Instead of being talked to, we were invited into real conversations. The environment felt open, friendly, and genuinely interested in what we had to say.

We even explored financial dangers like financial abuse, something that sounds like common sense until you actually break it down. 

Understanding how to protect yourself financially is just as important as knowing how to budget, and this workshop made that crystal clear.

The Empower Her Industry Panel was one of my favourite parts. We also heard from university students studying business degrees who shared their “why,” their challenges, and how they manage their personal and professional lives. It was refreshing to hear real stories from people only a few years older than us – someone who was only sitting where I was a few years ago.

Then there was Nicola Powell, a speaker who left a huge impression on me. She talked about being a woman in a male‑dominated field and how stepping into the spotlight, instead of shying away from it, helped her become who she is today. 

The activities weren’t just worksheets or slideshows; they were problem solving and surprisingly fun. 

In the ZARA case study, we designed a girl’s financial journey and decided when and why she should enter the property market.

It was like planning someone’s life, but with real‑world logic behind every choice. Working with mentors and student leaders made the experience even better. They guided us without taking over, letting us think, question, and make decisions ourselves.

One of the biggest things I learned was the importance of financial confidence. Not just knowing how to save or budget but understanding how money actually works. We explored credit, expenses, long‑term habits, and the “why” behind every concept.

It wasn’t about memorising rules; it was about learning how to make decisions that support the life I want to build.

What I found most valuable wasn’t just the knowledge, it was the community.

Being surrounded by other young women who were eager to learn made the experience powerful. We weren’t competing, we were lifting each other up. There’s something inspiring about seeing girls your age take financial independence seriously.

It made me feel like I wasn’t alone in wanting a strong, secure future especially being in a " working in traditionally male-dominated industries".

I joined Empower Her because I wanted to feel more prepared for adulthood.

But I walked away with so much more: confidence, clarity, and a new perspective on what it means to take ownership of my future, also gaining new friendships in such a short time because everyone else in the room just wanted to be smart with their money. 

My Advice for Next Year’s Students

If you’re thinking about joining next year, here’s my honest advice:

  • Don’t underestimate how much this workshop can shift your mindset.
  • Even if you think you already know the basics, you’ll learn something new.
  • Even if financial topics feel complicated, the presenters make everything understandable.
  • Even if you’re shy, the environment helps you come out of your shell.

Looking back, I’m grateful I signed up. Empower Her didn’t just teach me financial literacy, it helped me see myself as someone capable of making smart, informed decisions.

It reminded me that being young doesn’t mean being powerless. With the right knowledge, preparation, and confidence, I can create the life I want.

A big goal for me in life personally is to build my own home and participating in the 2026 Empower Her Workshop was one of the most valuable learning experiences for me in taking a step closer to this goal.