EmpowerHER Epilepsy Symposium 2025

EmpowerHER Epilepsy Symposium - 26 July 2025 - Brisbane & Virtual

Join us for a dynamic, one-day conference dedicated to supporting and uplifting women living with epilepsy throughout all stages of life. Hosted by Epilepsy Action Australia, Australian Women with Epilepsy, and The University of Queensland, this unique event brings together expert knowledge, lived experiences, and community connections to inspire and inform. Gain valuable insights from medical professionals, hear powerful personal stories, and connect with others who understand the journey. EmpowerHER is about more than information—it's about building strength, confidence, and community.

Venue and Attendance: The conference will take place in Brisbane, offering an engaging in-person experience with opportunities for face-to-face connection and networking. A nationwide livestream will also be available, ensuring that women across Australia can participate and benefit—no matter where they are.

Program Highlights

• Inspirational Stories: Be moved by the powerful experiences of women living with epilepsy, as they share their challenges, triumphs, and resilience.

• Keynote Address: Associate Professor Lata Vadlamudi will deliver an overview of the intricate relationship between hormones, antiseizure medication, and epilepsy over the lifespan of women living with epilepsy.

• Experts Panel Discussion: Dive deep into topics such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and beyond with a distinguished panel of medical professionals, including neurologists, epileptologists, an endocrinologist, a psychiatrist, and an epilepsy nurse consultant. Facilitated by Prof. Lata Vadlamudi, this session will provide valuable insights into family planning, pregnancy, and more.

• Lived Experience Panel: Join facilitator Carol Ireland for a thoughtful and engaging session where women with epilepsy from various life stages share their personal experiences and respond to audience questions. This intimate discussion offers a unique opportunity to gain practical advice and meaningful insights from those who truly understand.

  Peer Networking: In-person and online attendees can take part in guided networking sessions facilitated by Australian Women with Epilepsy, offering a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and build rapport with other women living with epilepsy.

• Additional In-Person Inclusions:
  In-person attendees will enjoy complimentary morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, along with a conference bag filled with helpful resources. For online participants, all resources will be provided electronically.

PROGRAM

8:45 - 9:00 | Registration
9:00 - 9:05 | Welcome - Carol Ireland
9:05 - 9:25 | ‘Your Ticket to Ride’ - Jayne Meyer Tucker
9:25 - 9:45 | Waves and Cycles: Navigating Epilepsy in the Lives of Women - A/Prof Lata Vadlamudi
9:45 - 10:00 | Australian Women with Epilepsy - Danielle Heaven & Laura Bullock
10:00 - 10:50 | Morning Tea and Networking - Danielle Heaven & Laura Bullock - Jayne Meyer Tucker (Online Facilitator)
10:50 - 11:00 | Networking Wrap-up - Danielle Heaven & Jayne Meyer Tucker
11:00 - 12:30 | Epilepsy Insights: Mind, Body & Brain - Panel Discussion Facilitator: A/Prof Lata Vadlamudi
Panelists: Dr Melisa Hamidon (Neurologist), Dr Christina Jang (Endocrinologist), A/Prof Cecilie Lander (Neurologist), Dr Chris Randall (Neuropsychiatrist), Angela Spencer (CNC Epilepsy), Dr Kate Thompson (Neuropsychologist)
12:30 - 12:45 | Navigating Life with Epilepsy: OT in Context - Brittany Williams (Occupational Therapist)
12:45 - 1:00 | Equity in Epilepsy Care: A Focus on Regional & Rural Women’s Health - Lisa Todd (CNC Epilepsy)
1:00 - 1:30 | Lunch
1:30 - 1:45 | ‘Tonic Blue’ - Danielle Tomlinson
1:45 - 3:00 | Epilepsy Voices: Women, Wellness & Life - Panel Discussion Facilitator: Carol Ireland
Panelists: Danielle Tomlinson, Elizabeth Ambrose, Laura Bullock, Danielle Heaven, Olivia Miles
3:00 - 3:15 | Consumer Voices: Shaping Clinical Pathways - Carol Ireland
3:15 - 3:30 | On the Horizon: Innovations in Treatment and Clinical Research - Prof Aileen McGonigal
3:30 - 3:45 | Wrap-up, Evaluations & Close - Carol Ireland
3:45 - 4:00 | Afternoon Tea

Join us at EmpowerHER to celebrate resilience, build connections, and gain knowledge that will inspire and empower you on your journey with epilepsy. We can't wait to see you there!