The path she has followed was not one she deliberately set out from in graduating from Loreto College but rather a path that has been forged with questioning why.

It is a curiosity to follow their passions that has also shaped Jane Hill and Ebony Monson in their career paths.

Dr Heffernan started in teaching but experience with gynaecological cancer had her championing for change, firstly in ward conditions in Royal Women's Hospital and later into academic research, starting a PhD in her 50s, to improve women's health and well-being.

Ms Hall has more than 20 years' experience in not-for-profits and has taken on one of the biggest challenges of her life in trying to increase the survival rate of ovarian cancer in Australia and overseas via her role as Ovarian Cancer Australia chief.

For Dr Monson, she felt life after graduating from Loreto was effectively "winging it". Unsure where to start, Dr Monson pursued an interest in biological science and worked up to a PhD in virology. Her work uncovers novel mechanisms in how the body responds to viral infections which she hopes will contribute to new anti-viral treatments.

The trio, along with internationally recognised pharmaceutical scientist Michelle McIntosh, are inaugural inductees to Loreto College's Women in Time Inspiring Alumnae in the school's annual International Women's Day breakfast on Friday morning.

All humbled by the honour, these Women in Time hoped a little of their stories and continual hunger to learn could inspire future Loreto graduates.

Dr Heffernan urged young women to greater trust their instincts and their personal capabilities.

"I think this class has expectations they have to achieve everything instantaneously," Dr Heffernan said. "Technology can be an advantage and a major disadvantage for young women in that it adds anxiety.

"Women need to know to play to their strengths. Yes, you are going to get knock-backs but have that curiosity and self-assurance.

"Know that you have been born into the right era to make a a difference. Be a trailblazer."

Ms Hall, a champion for women's health and a change-maker, said the six years she spent boarding at Loreto had a big impact on who she had become. She said there was truly a team behind her in all the work she had done and a passion to get to work.

The landscape for women's equality was rapidly changing and Ms Hall encouraged all women to be confident in following their passion - whatever path that took.

"There has been a stepped change but I think one of the much more prominent markers of this symbolically has been in the growth of the AFL women's league," Ms Hall said.

Ms Hall's top tips for young women were: to seize the day in making their mark on life, this includes prioritising time with family; to think big in setting goals and not being afraid to fall short; and, to be generous.

Similarly, Dr Monson said good mentors were vital and she urged young women to always opt in - even if it made them nervous.

Dr Monson admits to feeling some imposter syndrome but, by saying yes and giving things a try, she embarked on a PhD and work that has taken her across the globe. And she graduated in 2010.

"Believe anything is possible," Dr Monson said. "Gradually we are breaking down stereotypes of women and what are 'female jobs' and the same goes for men in traditionally 'female work'."

Professor McIntosh has been a leader in creating the inhaled delivery of oxytocin to prevent unnecessary deaths in the developing world from excessive blood loss in child birth. She was unavilable to attend the Loreto breakfast due to unexpected personal circumstances.

Induction into Loreto's Women in Time followed a rigorous nomination and selection process. Each inducteed has been deemed to exemplify Loreto founder Mary Ward's vision "women in time, will come to do much".

The College intends to add to the honour roll each year and share women's stories about the school to inspire future Loreto graduates.