CARNIVAL Australia ceo Ann Sherry yesterday was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sydney’s Macquarie University, in recognition of her significant contribution to the government and corporate sectors. Sherry’s extensive career has included senior roles with Westpac Bank, as well as with the Office of the Status of Women within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. She’s headed up Carnival Australia since switching career course in July 2007. The citation for the honorary Doctor of Letters highlighted Sherry’s commitment to “making a difference to the lives of people in general and of women in particular”. Speaking at an official graduation ceremony, Sherry encouraged students to follow career directions about which they felt passionate, as well as taking well-considered risks. “For me, making the jump from government to the corporate sector was a risk. Making the jump from Westpac to the cruise industry was seen as a risk,” she said. “There can be a million reasons for not taking a chance and plenty of people to dissuade you from taking a leap of faith”. Ann Sherry is pictured above in her graduation robes with Macquarie University Chancellor Michael Egan.
