Sarah Elston and Caitlin Grigsby who are in their early twenties and are the founders of the Blue Stockings Association are the Winners of the 2008 Leadership Achievement Awards for Women. Together, they turned around a small scale Blue Stockings university event to a community celebration of women’s achievements within Gippsland to fund and encourage the education of women from diverse backgrounds, particularly students from Monash Gippsland and VCE Latrobe Valley schools.  In 2007 they were successful in raising twelve scholarships and in September of 2007, The Blue Stockings Association was initiated to ensure that the success of the initial event is replicated long into the future.

 Background Information:

The Blue Stockings Association was initially supposed to be a one off project between Monash University Gippsland Student Union (MUGSU Inc) board members, Sarah Elston and Caitlin Grigsby, and a group of approximately 8 women and men within Monash University and the Gippsland community. Originally the idea was to host a small in-house dinner to raise some money from tickets for a small ($500) scholarship. The scholarship winner would be decided by nominations submitted by peers.  

Co-founders Sarah and Caitlin pursued a greater aim which later evolved into a gala ball where 13 scholarships of $1000 were presented to women of diverse demographics. The event and overall project which included a week of events such as business women’s discussion panels and an alumni luncheon, were an incredible success. In 2007, the Blue Stocking project raised nearly $30,000 solely from the generous support of the Gippsland business and general community, MUGSU Inc and Monash University.

After the amazing success of the 2007 project, the Blue Stocking Working Party and its numerous investors and supporters were all unanimously passionate and driven about the prospect of continuing and growing the Blue Stocking cause, and as a result, Sarah and Caitlin established the project in September of 2007 in the form of an independent Non for Profit Body – Blue Stockings Association Inc. with the vision: Empowering Women through Education.

At the time of Blue Stockings initial developments, both women were board members for the Monash University Gippsland Student Union Inc. Sarah Elston was in her second year as Womyn’s Director, and Caitlin was in the midst of her first term as Education Vice President of the Student Union. It was in this environment that both women feel they discovered the great need for support for women studying across various modes, and attribute their passion to do more, by the restrictions and barriers they both faced in their times as Student Union members.

“The financial strains on the Student Union were so much so, that we were practically left with no other choice but to seek the financial support from our business community. We were both unbelievably frustrated with the limitations we faced as representatives of the Union, in both time and funding post VSU, and it was only as a result of this experience that we sought, and most definitely found, the many volunteers and working party members that dedicated their time and often, money to our cause.” Miss Grigsby states.

“From day one we knew we hit a nerve. People were willing to invest is us, and we were thirsty to succeed. Sarah and I were surrounded by the most brilliant mentors, and encouraged by our family and friends to give it our all – so we did. The Gippsland business community really came to the plate donating thousands of dollars towards the scholarships and forums, and that support continues today”.

Both Sarah and Caitlin are steadfast that the achievements of Blue Stockings cannot be solely attributed to them. However, both women acknowledge and exude great pride in its success. “We had no idea what we were in for. The whole experience has been an amazing, tiring, frustrating, uplifting and eye-opening experience – much like a roller coaster really. But it’s all been so worth it” explains Miss Grigsby.

“The simplicity of it is, there is now a point of reference for women breaking the mould in Gippsland, and chasing their academic goals. There is a support for women looking to strengthen and develop themselves and by extension, providing significant benefit to their families and networks, by their own education.”

Their plans for the future are clear – tackle Government departments for funding and support. “Blue Stockings has the potential to be something amazing. It is our vision to see the association providing short courses in everything from resume writing to changing a tyre, right throughout the year. We endeavour to develop the scholarships on offer to more financially significant amounts, and deliver them to women across the whole of Gippsland- from VCE level to University and TAFE students. We want to facilitate networking and relationships between Gippsland Women and business, and to empower Gippsland women to take on more leadership roles within our communities. We then intend to take on the world”. Sarah and Caitlin are currently seeking legal and financial advice around the structure of the organization, setting up working parties and organizing plans for the 2008 fundraiser and presentation ball in August.

The winners of the 2008 Centre of Leadership for Women Leadership Achievement Award, are still in shock of the recognition they have received. Miss Elton explains; “This award means so very much to the both of us. To be recognized for all of the hard work we have and continue to put in, but in particular, recognizing the hard work that our loved ones and supporters have and continue to put in, is a great validation of the challenge and of the outcomes we have attained with Blue Stockings. On a personal level, this award helps us finally digest what we have achieved and what we are capable of doing. There is such a difference to be made in our communities to benefit women and by extension; they’re family, friends and communities. To be able to speak and advocate for these women is a real privilege. But to be told that we’ve done a good job, just makes you want to work even harder”.

This Award, the winners argue, gives the greatest benefit to their cause. Miss Grigsby explains, “What we do, what we are working so hard for, is only strengthened by the support of this amazing achievement. It’s out there in a national forum, and it just makes it that little bit harder to ignore. We intend to use the confidence and encouragement we have gained from this accomplishment to invest ourselves in reaching greater audiences, helping more women, seeking more financial support from our government, and from our communities. This award highlights and confirms that our cause is a worthy one, and that all involved in the Blue Stockings Association are doing a great thing- something that deserves to be invested in. This award will bring the spotlight to the Blue Stockings Association, and to the voices of all women pursuing education and is testament to what a woman can do once empowered through education in whatever form it may take. We are so grateful for this recognition and for those who support this award. We hope that this award inspires other women to stand up and take action for what they believe in.

Sarah Elston and Caitlin Grigsby's formal note of thanks upon receiving the Award:

"Being the winners of the 2008 CLW Leadership Achievement award has been quite an amazing step forward for both of us. We have had an increase in exposure locally and have had a high amount of community stakeholders express interest in becoming involved in the Association after the CLW award was announced. The 2008 Blue Stockings Inc Scholarships are looking to be increased to $1,200; with many sponsors from last year as well as several new sponsors contributing to the support of women in their pursuits of education. Personally; the receipt of the award has provided the both of us with a rekindled enthusiasm and drive to develop the Blue Stockings Association into a sustainable body that can provide support and guidance to women within the local community in an ongoing capacity. We would like to acknowledge that without the support of our sponsors in 2007 including the birthplace of the project at Monash University Gippsland and MUGSU Inc; our project would not have been as successful as it was. We are both incredibly honoured to be the 2008 winners and commend the other recipients on their efforts in leadership - it is very humbling to be amongst such inspiring women. We would also like to acknowledge the amazing works of the CLW founder Diann Rodgers-Healey, the panel of judges and the contributions and support of CLW's numerous sponsors and key supporters."

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