Alumni and Supporters

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (1995)

Working in the banking industry in South Africa as a young college graduate, Pearl Proud quickly figured out she wanted more from her career.

“I was in one of the first cohorts of black South Africans who got headhunted into banking. I realised I wasn’t really that into banking as a profession, but I was interested in helping people – that’s what my life’s purpose was and is,” Pearl says.

“So I knew then that I was going to transition out of the banking sector and go and do something else, and chose Psychology because it is a way of helping people.”

Three years after moving to Western Australia and after stints in Geraldton and Kalgoorlie, Pearl embarked on her new career path, studying a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at ECU, graduating with Honours in 1995.

“I chose ECU because it was a new University with a reputation for taking care of students - I wanted to be part of the future being created.”

Little did Pearl know that decades later, she would continue to be part of ECU, guest lecturing over the past 15 years, a member of two advisory boards, and a Chair of a Consultative Committee at the University. In 2024, Pearl joins ECU’s University Council, one of two alumni recently elected to the governing body which controls and manages the University’s operations, affairs, concerns and property.

“When I came to ECU as a student, it was the youngest University in the State. I was really excited and wanted to be part of paving the way for something in the future, through the University doing amazing things,” Pearl says.

“I'm so proud of how that dream has been realised. For me, it is about trying to advance the dream that I had as a 22 year old.

“I want to make sure that the University is progressing in the governance space – it is a space that I'm really interested in - I’ve got naturally a strategic brain, so it is a really good fit for me. ECU is like home, being on the Council is like coming back and doing work at home.”

After graduating from ECU in 1995, Pearl first role was a Psychologist with WA Police, working in recruitment to help select police officers and officers for the specialist units – a role that was both interesting and challenging.

“At the time the Force was predominantly white and male. It was a collective challenge for the whole Department and the State to increase diversity so that we were more reflective of the community we were serving.”

Pearl went on to have other Psychology roles in private practice, mental health, not-for-profit and government sectors throughout her career, but her passion for diversity has stayed strong. Having studied further in other fields, Pearl now works as an Executive Consultant, advising businesses and organisations on diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I am fierce about equity and safe spaces for all”

“Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is growing. It has not only become a governance imperative for that activity to be incorporated into operational spaces, but also a key indicator for performance for CEOs and for the businesses.”

Aside from her busy workload in consultancy, governance, guest lecturing and remaining clinically engaged as a Psychologist, Pearl shares her extensive knowledge by delivering community workshops and keynotes on mental health, leadership and governance issues, and considers her philanthropic and civic contributions among her greatest achievements.

“I hope to continue being of service through my skills and volunteering in governance, leadership, Arts and in mentoring,” Pearl says. “I enjoy providing mentorship to young people and find meaning in making time for others. The primary message I give to younger women that I mentor is to make and be a safe space for everybody in their lives, and I urge young females to always have a mind of their own, space of their own and money of their own.”

Outside of work, Pearl is a self-confessed ‘foodie’ and loves all things gastronomy. She makes time for family and friends, including her son and three stepchildren, and enjoys reading and meditation.

While Pearl has encountered her share of challenges over the years – including balancing the demands of family and professional roles while developing skills and qualifications – she has a wonderful outlook on dealing with them.

“I overcome challenges with a never-ending sense of optimism, gratitude, a keen sense of service, and paying forward the privilege of being raised with love.”