Cara Ellickson

Cara Ellickson serves as Director of the Gender Consortium within Flinders University's College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, where she coordinates graduate coursework in Gender Analysis and Gender Mainstreaming while providing technical gender expertise across Asia-Pacific development programs. Her academic leadership bridges theoretical frameworks with practical community applications through participatory methodologies.

Her educational foundation includes:

• BA (Hons) from University of Adelaide
• Master in International and Community Development from Deakin University
• Current Doctor of Education candidate at Flinders University

Ellickson's research specializes in participatory action learning and action research (PALAR) addressing gender equity, disability inclusion, and cultural safety across diverse contexts. With field experience spanning Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Cambodia, Kiribati, PNG, Vanuatu, Samoa, and partnership work extending to Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, her scholarship emphasizes co-creation with communities to challenge systemic inequalities. Her approach integrates intersectional analysis with practical tools for organizational and social change, particularly through communication for development campaigns that center marginalized voices.

Her research portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on women's leadership development, disability inclusion, and gender-based violence prevention through community-centered projects that generate both academic knowledge and practical interventions. The recurring theme across her publications is creating spaces where participants become knowledge producers rather than subjects of research.

Her significant contributions have been recognized through:

• Flinders University Social Sciences Faculty Award for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching
• Australian Learning and Teaching Council Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning
• SA Women's Honour Roll for Gender, Disability and Cultural Inclusion
• Vietnam Women's Union dual honors for contributions to women's development

As an educator and mentor, Ellickson has supervised research including 'Women and Leadership in Higher Education in Indonesia,' creating 'innovative learning spaces which promote the critical application of knowledge to real world gender equity issues.' Her grant funding from DFAT, WHO, UN Women, and multiple government agencies supports transnational initiatives that translate academic insights into practical gender mainstreaming tools.

She leads the Gender Consortium which manages high-impact projects including 'Women with Disabilities Leading Loud and Proud,' 'Transformative Women's Economic Empowerment' across South Asia, and the 'I am beautiful. You too!' initiative expanding from Sapa to Ho Chi Minh City. Her professional network extends to Coralus (formerly SheEO) as an Activator working globally to address systemic barriers, and to The Will to Live's Advisory Board supporting disability inclusion in Vietnam.