Listen "Room For All - S2 E22 - Live at 2025 Social Enterprise Festival - Vanessa Brettell, Stepping Stone"
Episode Synopsis
Creating Opportunities: Vanessa Brettell on Empowering Refugee and Migrant WomenIn this episode of Room for All, we sit down with Vanessa Brettell, the co-founder and CEO of Stepping Stone Social Enterprise. Vanessa shares the mission of Stepping Stone, a work integration social enterprise in Canberra that provides employment and training to migrant and refugee women facing multiple barriers to employment. The initiative operates two cafes and a catering business, offering both long-term and transitional job pathways. Vanessa also discusses future plans for an urban farm and expanded catering services to provide more inclusive employment opportunities. Join us as we learn about the impactful work being done to help women gain financial stability and build their futures.00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:09 About Stepping Stone Social Enterprise03:25 Employment Streams and Challenges06:19 Running Cafes and Business Model07:47 Vanessa's Motivation and Background09:38 Future Plans and Expansion11:54 Community and Support15:13 Finding Stepping Stone and Upcoming EventsSend us a text