A note from Stella’s new Executive Director

Hello. My name is Michelle Scott Tucker and I’m the new Executive Director of The Stella Prize.

I only started work in early August but have followed Stella with admiration since its inception and have so far been impressed and inspired by the enthusiasm and expertise of the Stella team and community. It is an immense credit to the founders, past and present staff, and our wide range of supporters, that The Stella Prize has made such a significant impact on the Australian literary landscape in so short a time.

I’m committed to ensuring the Prize remains the cornerstone of our work, and to securing the Prize’s future. The Stella Prize is crucial to raising the profile of Australian women writers.

I am keen to extend The Stella Count’s contribution to research into representation in the Arts and media. Building on the insights from The Stella Count, we will continue to explore the relationship between writing and gender equality to advocate for positive cultural change.

I am excited about the next generation of women writers. Both Girls Write Up and the Stella Schools program are empowering young people to challenge stereotypes and imagine new futures. By growing these programs in collaboration with teens themselves, Stella will work hard to equip young writers around the country with the skills and confidence to reshape our world.

Over the coming weeks and months, I’m planning to meet with as many people as possible – to learn more about what makes Stella tick, and to discuss how best to ensure that the organisation remains effective and responsive.

If you’d like to meet with me, if you have a question, or even if you’d just like to say hello, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email me at michelle@thestellaprize.com.au.