A visionary leader driving positive change

When Helga Smit joined Atwea College as CEO, she didn’t just take the reins – she set out to reshape the future of community education at Atwea. With a sharp strategic mind and a people-first approach, Helga has led Atwea College through a period of renewal and growth, grounded in purpose and driven by impact. 

When Helga joined us, she quickly set to work, determined to lead Atwea to a place of growth and sustainability. 

The turning point

Helga’s first step was building a solid foundation for the future by leading an organisational review to better align leadership capabilities with strategic goals and fostering a structure that supports long-term growth. Helga’s approach to leadership has always been centered around empowerment, encouraging staff and students alike to grow, share ideas, and work together towards common goals.

“A cornerstone of my leadership approach is a strong belief in ongoing personal development. I recognise that great leaders are always evolving, which is why I actively engage in executive coaching and other professional development opportunities to continually enhance my self-awareness, strategic thinking, and leadership capability. This commitment not only sharpens my effectiveness but also reinforces a culture of lifelong learning throughout the organisation.”

The next key focus was developing a strategic plan that would guide Atwea College for years to come. One of the key areas where Helga’s leadership stands out is in her ability to balance fiscal responsibility with a deep commitment to people. She believes in the long game of education, not just helping students achieve their goals but transforming the trajectory of their lives.

Guided by Helga and the Leadership Team, Atwea College developed a bold Strategic Plan for 2025–2028, one that reflects her commitment to aligning culture with purpose. The plan empowers both staff and students through a clear focus on strategic partnerships and long-term sustainability. It’s structured around four key themes that echo Helga’s priorities: People, Community, Partnerships, and Sustainability – each one driving forward a vision of growth, innovation, and resilience.

Transformative results

Under Helga’s leadership, Atwea College has not only expanded and enriched its educational programs but also deepened its connection to the community through stronger partnerships. Her forward-thinking approach has helped position Atwea as a responsive, future-ready institution – one that truly understands and meets the evolving needs of its students and the broader community.

This impact is tangible: our skills-based courses are designed with real outcomes in mind. In the most recent survey (2025) 60 per cent of students improved their employment status after completing their course, and 74 per cent were employed post-training (NCVER Datahub).

Internally, Helga, in collaboration with the Senior Leadership team, has fostered a culture where both staff and students feel genuinely supported and empowered to thrive. Her emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and wellbeing has shaped an organisation that is not only successful, but also deeply compassionate and aligned with its mission and values.

“Mentorship is another key pillar of my leadership. I provide strategic and individualised support to emerging leaders within and beyond my organisation. This includes regular one-on-one mentoring, leadership development workshops, and advocating for inclusive leadership pathways. My mentoring style is grounded in empathy, active listening, and practical guidance – helping others to grow in confidence, capability, and impact.”

A vision for the future

Helga’s vision for Atwea College is both bold and grounded: to grow the organisation into a beacon of opportunity, empowerment, and support for students from all walks of life. Under her leadership, Atwea remains committed to delivering high-quality education that unlocks potential, while nurturing a culture that champions sustainability, community, and meaningful partnerships.

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, Helga is steadfast in her commitment to leading Atwea through future challenges and opportunities. Her work is far from finished, but her impact is already clear – shaping not only the future of Atwea, but the lives of the students and communities it serves.

If you’re passionate about education and want to be part of an organisation that’s making a real difference, check out our vacancies here. We’re always looking for talented, motivated individuals to join our community and help us achieve our mission.

“I believe education is a long game, not just about passing students, but changing the course of their lives.”