Educator empowers students to dream big

A passionate educator and advocate for equity in education, Dr Jennet Hansen has been named a finalist for the Department’s 2025 Women of Achievement Award.

Dr Hansen, the Polly Farmer Foundation Follow the Dream Coordinator at Sevenoaks Senior College, has dedicated two decades to empowering Aboriginal students through culturally responsive education.  

Her leadership has transformed the Follow the Dream (FTD) program, making significant improvements in attendance, achievement, and success in post-school pathways. 

The Women of Achievement Award recognises exceptional female educators who contribute significantly to public education. Dr Hansen’s nomination reflects her tireless efforts to enhance educational outcomes for Aboriginal students, making a profound impact on students, families, and the community. 

When informed of her nomination, Dr Hansen was initially shocked, but deeply grateful. 

“My immediate response was, there are so many incredible women I know who are pioneering in education, and I feel truly honoured to be recognised among them,” she said.  

“I began to think back on my journey that led me here, every challenge, every student I’ve supported and every initiative I’ve worked on.” 

Dr Hansen is passionate about the transformative power of education and the impact it has on families, communities, and future generations.  

“I grew up in Apartheid South Africa, where I experienced firsthand what it means to feel invisible … to have doors closed before you even reach them. 

“My mother, despite receiving very little formal education herself, understood the value of education and ensured I attended school every day.  

“It was through her sacrifices and beliefs that I began to understand the power of education … that it could make me visible, open doors, and break the cycle of poverty and oppression.” 

Her experiences have laid the foundations for her successful work as Follow the Dream Coordinator with the Polly Farmer Foundation.  

The Follow the Dream program supports the aspirations of Aboriginal students to successfully complete their primary and secondary schooling. 

Dr Hansen has been instrumental in facilitating Sevenoaks Senior College’s place-based learning initiatives, incorporating local ecosystem studies of the Djarlgarro Beelier (Canning River), cultural mapping, and historical research in collaboration with local Elders.  

Additionally, students have engaged in traditional art and storytelling workshops, fortnightly language and youth sessions through the Moorditj Koorlangka Kaadadjiny (MKK) program with Langford Aboriginal Association, and traditional sports activities with the Institute of Indigenous Wellbeing and Sport of WA.  

Dr Hansen's innovative methodologies, including a PhD project on Aboriginal perspectives in science and the Deadly Maths initiative, have expanded students' academic and career pathways, particularly in STEM fields. 

These initiatives provide a diverse and inclusive educational experience that fosters cultural identity and engagement, empowering Aboriginal students to excel in diverse careers post-graduation. 

“I am just grateful for education. Wealth didn’t lead me to where I am today—the power of education did. And that is the message I share with my students,” she said. 

“Education will empower them to lead, to thrive, and to shape their own futures on their own terms. And of course, dream big! That’s our Follow the Dream motto!”  

The Director General’s Women of Achievement Award winner will be announced at the International Women’s Day breakfast on Thursday 6 March where inspirational special guest speaker Turia Pitt will share her ultimate story of triumph over adversity.   

Meet all five finalists. Their stories can be read on our website¹.