Southern Cross University graduate Angela Powditch turns heartbreak into successful law career

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to change a person’s life for the better.

SOMETIMES it takes adversity to change a person’s life for the better.

Angela Powditch thought she had her life sorted with a tight family unit and a career in marketing.

When her marriage broke down about five years ago, Ms Powditch was forced to embark on a new journey as a single mum.

It was through this heartbreak that she found her calling, recently graduating from Southern Cross University (SCU) with a bachelor of laws (honours).

“My painful experience with the breakdown of my marriage and interacting with the family law system that made me realise I had to practise law,” she said.

“(I wanted) to secure a rewarding career which would provide financial security, while also assisting others to navigate the legal system as a professional with lived experience.

FROM REBELLIOUS TEEN TO BUDDING PARAMEDIC

SCU Law student Angela Powditch was chosen to attend an International Human Rights Law Summer School, is now working for a Ballina law firm and has been nominated in the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year.

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“The day I knew my marriage was ending, it very quickly went from being a comfortable life for my children and I to a new-found vulnerability. Sometimes it takes an unforeseeable situation in life to work out your inner strength and what your true purpose in life is.”

During her studies Ms Powditch represented women as a delegate with the National Rural Women’s Coalition and UN Women Australia at the United Nations and was one of 70 students globally selected to attend the prestigious Oxford/George Washington University International Human Rights Law Summer School.

She was also selected for a Telstra mentorship program and served as part of the Law Student Society.

Ms Powditch is proud to be the first female solicitor at Ballina law firm Baker, Mannering and Hart in 20 years.

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The Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus at Bilinga. Photo: Scott Powick

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She is part of a network of countless Gold Coast women making a difference in the community, as highlighted by Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year.

The campaign, led by the Gold Coast Bulletin, profiles the achievements of hardworking women throughout the region to recognise the invaluable contribution they make to the community.

“I know my goals have seemed ridiculous to others at times, but my motto is ‘why not have a big life’?” Ms Powditch said. “I would encourage others with difficult personal circumstances to keep going. Sometimes, life can take a dramatic change for the better.”

Do you know an inspiring woman deserving recognition for all of her hard work? Nominate her at womenoftheyear.com.au