Meet the finalists of the ACT Women’s Awards 2026: Ashlee Berry
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From transforming healthcare and improving women’s safety to opening doors in construction, automotive and sport, 11 remarkable women and gender-diverse people have been named finalists in the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards.
In the lead-up to the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards ceremony on Thursday 3 September, we wanted to get to know each of the finalists a little better. Today we meet Ashlee Berry, recognised for her leadership in the property sector, advancing housing policy, championing women in industry, and supporting community initiatives through volunteering and fundraising.
Congratulations on being named a finalist in the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards! How did you feel when you found out?
It was surreal. I felt a lot of gratitude for the person who nominated me, and for all the people in my life who have supported me to this point – my family and friends, people I work with, mentors (whether they know they are or not), and members of the community.
I don’t often pause to reflect on my achievements because the next challenge is usually ready and waiting, but getting this notification did make me stop and take a moment. Some of that is big, like our fantastic Women Building Change team result this year; others are small – a conversation here or there.
In a nutshell, tell us about the work or initiative that led to your nomination.
Two things – my work leading the Property Council here in the ACT & Capital Region, advocating for better planning, investment and productivity settings, for putting things in place to attract more women to the industry, and to provide the necessary support when they get in!
The other part is my Vinnies Ambassador role for the CEO Sleepout, leading the Women Building Change team to be the highest fundraising team in the country, as well as supporting other community organisations like Karinya House and the Australian Brain Cancer Foundation.
Looking back, was there a particular moment, challenge or experience that set you on this path?
There was no single defining moment for me. Early in my career, there weren’t many women I saw in senior leadership positions balancing that with family responsibilities, and actually enjoying it. Over time, I felt a real need to create workplaces and communities where women felt included and valued. Women who are often balancing family responsibilities – and that doesn’t just mean kids, it could be caring for others too. This has happened over time – it can be tough, but I guess just keep showing up and encouraging others to do the same, and this is often when the real progress happens.
What achievement are you most proud of – and why?
The friendships we’ve built among the Women Building Change team members and our collective networks. I’m so proud that we’ve built genuine connections across industries and generations and that we have done this while raising significant funds and awareness for homelessness. The true success will be when this initiative is still going three, five or 10 years from now, making a meaningful difference to the Vinnies team, and to the women who keep showing up too.
Is there a woman, mentor or role model who has inspired your journey?
As cliché as it sounds, my mum, but not in the way you might expect. Mum and I had very different approaches to life; I’ve always been organised, career-driven, and perhaps a bit ruthless in my youth – she was the opposite.
My Mum died from brain cancer in 2020 when she was 54, and it was a stark reminder about the value of community, relationships, and looking out for others. It was a lesson for me that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s ultimately about how you contribute to the people around you. And now I get to take that mantra forward, making sure that I contribute, show up, and give back as much as I can.
What does being recognised as an ACT Women’s Awards finalist mean to you?
It’s meaningful because this is recognition from our local community, and it’s nice that it is a recognition of my professional achievements through industry advocacy and the community contributions, which are vitally important.
This is really a thank you to, and recognition of, all the people who have supported me, and I hope that it gives encouragement to women to step forward into leadership positions, because there are so many amazing women across the ACT doing some really special things.
What advice would you give to a young woman or gender-diverse person hoping to make a difference in their own community or industry?
Build genuine relationships and support the success of others. Raise your hand (or jump up) even if you don’t feel like all your ducks are in a row (they never will be). Remember, some days will feel like you’re conquering Everest; others will feel like you’re going downhill fast.
Meaningful change is built through a cumulative effect of showing up, volunteering, advocating, and being genuine. Bring others with you and pay it forward. Do all these things, and you’ll underestimate the impact it is having on other women around you.
