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Speakers
Elle Beaumont – Bilsby
Project Manager Employability, ECU
Elle has had a ‘squiggly career’, working in digital and interactive media since the early web. Through learning, unlearning, adapting and breaking tools/rules, Elle has learned ways to create meaningful, valuable and persuasive human connections using design. Elle’s work in the ECU Employability Project team involves collaborating across disciplines, service areas, academic centres and diverse student cohorts at Edith Cowan University to find ways to increase student agency. At the heart of this work has been a commitment to inclusion, with initiatives that pragmatically address inclusive co-design with the aim of supporting inclusive employability.
sami blue bird
Diversity and Inclusion lead, Avivo
sami blue bird – they/them draws upon a variety of professional and lived experience gained over a career in enterprise, not for profit and community settings. They bring creative and strategic approaches to question conventional attitudes and has a passion for instigating positive cultural change.
sami spent 25 years in digital media in creative/business/executive management roles, before a personal life change –leaving that industry in 2010 to work in the Community Services sector in support of people with disabilities.
From 2020 to the present, they have led the Diversity and Inclusion team at Avivo – a leading not for profit community services organisation with over 1000 employees in WA. avivo.org.au Outside of that role they are also involved in creative, technology and community projects.They perform and record electronic music under the name tranXista: @tranxinsta, and run QUILTBAG workshops: @quiltbag.me
Topic: QUILTBAG – The New Alphabet
Have you ever had trouble remembering all the letters in the alphabet soup? QUILTBAG is all about demystifying and seeing them anew. Learn about how QUILTBAG is helping people unpack LGBTQIA+ labels in a fun and memorable way. Be part of this movement!
Alison Braun
Speaker
Alison Braun’s journey is a powerful testament to the complexities of belonging and self acceptance in a society fixated on appearance. This experience ignited Alison’s passion for challenging societal norms and promoting authentic belonging.
With a diverse background spanning senior leadership roles in local government, aged and disabilities sectors, an appeals board member for the Department of Communities Housing, an ambassador for Lifeline WA and a national motivational speaker Alison brings a wealth of experience to her advocacy work. Alison has used her platform to address mental health stigma and promote emotional and physical well-being.
Often referred to as the “grandmother of reality TV,” she leverages her public profile to challenge restrictive societal boundaries and our self-imposed boundaries and question the ideal image perpetuated by media.
Jeremy Campbell-Wray
Strategic Accounts and Enterprise Growth Executive Director, Baker Hughes
Jeremy is the Strategic Accounts and Enterprise Growth Executive Director for Baker Hughes in Australia, New Zealand, and PNG. He received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and has been working in the Energy & Resource Industry for 20 years. He has worked with Baker Hughes’ Customers & stakeholders to plan, execute, and operate some of the largest and most complex projects in the Asia Pacific region. His role crosses commercial, business development, technical and project management disciplines.
Jeremy leads the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council of Australia, New Zealand & Papua New Guinea, supporting 7 Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s) and leads the Pride@Work ERG across Asia Pacific. He has developed and deployed (DEI) programs across the Asia Pacific region including multiple diversity dimensions. The strategies and partnerships developed by Jeremy have promoted accountability and awareness around DEI as well as quantifiable increases across employee engagement.
Rebecca Darby
Senior Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Business Partner, AngoGold Ashanti
Rebecca is currently the Senior Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Business Partner at AngloGold Ashanti Australia. AngloGold Ashanti is an independent, global gold mining company with a diverse, high-quality portfolio of operations, projects and exploration activities across nine countries on four continents.
She holds a Master of Human Resource Management from Murdoch University and has over 15 years’ experience in People and Capability roles. Rebecca is accountable for driving the development, implementation and maintenance of the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (IDE) business Unit Action Plan, and IDE program design and execution across the Australian region.
AngloGold Ashanti partnered with Menopause Friendly Australia and have committed to becoming a Menopause Friendly Workplace, as well as addressing menstruation and assisted reproductive treatment (ART) in the workplace.
Topic: Inclusive Innovation Showdown
Our showcase where companies share their inclusive projects in a succinct 10-minute slot, aiming to inspire and share best practices. Ait includes audience interaction as voting for your favourite projects in categories such as Best Inclusive Innovation and Most Impactful Project. We promote continued discussion and collaboration and you may find a perfect partnership or idea to adapt to your organisation.
Dr. Tanya Finnie
Global Cultural Strategist , RedHead Communications
Dr Tanya Finnie, the founding principal of RedHead Communications, is a global cultural strategist with over 20 years of experience working in leadership and cultural domains. Tanya hails from a widely diverse cultural background, having lived and worked throughout several African, European, and Australasian countries.
Over time, she has built valuable cultural and intellectual experience to coincide with her academic knowledge on cultural topics and challenges. She holds a PhD in Cultural leadership, postgraduate Diploma in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management.
Topic: From Shadows to Safari: A Journey to Equity and Inclusion
Tanya’s brand-new keynote covers overcoming adversity, adventure, and the pursuit of equity and inclusion. Growing up in an abusive household across Africa during tumultuous political times, Tanya’s story unfolds with her adventures as a game ranger and her ultimate success as an inclusive practitioner. This transformative journey highlights the importance of creating equity and inclusion, offering profound lessons and actionable insights to inspire and guide others in fostering a more equitable world.
Emily Kendall
Principal, Concept Studies | Decarbonisation, South 32
Emily is a Neurodivergent Process Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in the resources industry. Emily knows firsthand what it feels like to be misunderstood, mismanaged, and undervalued as a neurodivergent individual attempting to navigate the neurotypical corporate world.
Drawing from her lived experience she led a collaboration of like-minded individuals to launch the Perth Neurodiversity Network. Currently, she is the Neurodiverse representative on National Association of Women in Operations Intersectionality Advisory Committee, Engineers Australia’s I&D WA Committee, and City of Perth’s Inclusion and Accessibility Committee.
Topic: Neurodiversity Panel
Emily is a Neurodivergent Process Engineer with over 10 years of experience in the resources industry. Emily knows firsthand what it feels like to be misunderstood, mismanaged, and undervalued as a neurodivergent individual attempting to navigate the neurotypical corporate world. Only through finding her community to support her unmasking could she thrive authentically in the workplace. This lived experience led to her starting Neurodiversity Employee Resource Groups at Woodside and Fortescue, before collaborating with like-minded individuals to create the Perth Neurodiversity Network.
Currently, she is the Neurodiverse representative on National Association of Women in Operations Intersectionality Advisory Committee, Engineers Australia’s I&D WA Committee, and City of Perth’s Inclusion and Accessibility Committee.
Emma Ketley
Mental Health Therapist/ADHD Coach, Enriched by Experience
Emma is an HCPC and AHPRA registered Mental Health Occupational Therapist with an expansive range of over twenty years of professional experience from both the UK and Western Australia.
In 2022, Emma’s unquenchable curiosity- amplified by the social impact of the global pandemic- led her to recognize the lack of neuro-affirming and trauma-informed services available for neurodivergent adults. Recognizing this gap within adult supportive services, Emma undertook Adult ADHD Coach training at the highly regarded ADDCA Coaching Academy of New York. From there, she gained credentials as an ADHD Coach, an Academy Associated Coach (AACC), and as an International Federation of Coaching Accredited Coach (ICF ACC).
As a result, Emma’s Private Practice “Enriched By Experience” now provides a unique niche service for Adult Clients that can offer the choice of ADHD Coaching or Neuro-informed Mental Health Therapy. She is committed to both roles as an ICF-registered ADHD Coach and as an AHPRA Registered Therapist.
Topic: Neurodiversity Panel
The robust and comprehensive panel discussion on neurodiversity will explore the diverse experiences of individuals with neurological differences, focusing on both early and late diagnoses. Panellists, including those diagnosed in childhood and adulthood, will share their unique journeys, highlighting the impact of timing on their personal and professional lives. Experts will discuss the challenges and benefits of late diagnosis, shedding light on the importance of awareness and understanding in creating inclusive environments. Audience members will gain insights into the varying needs and strengths within the neurodiverse community, fostering a more informed and supportive society.
Susan Kreemer-Pickford
General Manager, Engineers Australia WA
A Fellow of Engineers Australia and Engineering Executive, Susan joined Engineers Australia as General Manager WA in 2015. Previously, she worked in consulting engineering culminating in senior roles in client management and industry engagement. Susan was Project Director for the Living Smart program consultancy for the East Metropolitan Regional Council to reduce community travel, waste, water and energy use through behaviour change. Susan sits on a number of government and industry advisory committees. She is currently Chair of Curtin University’s Science and Engineering Faculty Advisory Council, a member of the Circular Economy WA steering committee and Board member of the Gravity Discovery Centre.
Topic: Inclusive Innovation Showdown
Our showcase where companies share their inclusive projects in a succinct 10-minute slot, aiming to inspire and share best practices. Ait includes audience interaction as voting for your favourite projects in categories such as Best Inclusive Innovation and Most Impactful Project. We promote continued discussion and collaboration and you may find a perfect partnership or idea to adapt to your organisation.
Cara Leavesley
Special Council, 3D HR Legal
Cara is a specialist workplace relations lawyer and formally trained workplace mediator with a Masters of Laws from Melbourne University. Cara has worked in top tier employment law practices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and currently works for employment specialist firm 3D HR Legal.
As a specialist employment, industrial relations and safety lawyer, Cara works with employers to help them proactively avoid people-related problems, and the myriad of expensive legal claims that often follow them.As a TED enthusiast and workplace trainer, Cara refuses to facilitate boring staff training and works proactively with clients to design bespoke, interactive and practical training that challenges stereotypes and the “way things were” and empowers leaders to create and embrace the standards and best practice of the future. Most recently, Cara has been designing training packages to help managers practically prevent and effectively manage psychosocial hazards.
Topic: Neurodiversity Panel
The robust and comprehensive panel discussion on neurodiversity will explore the diverse experiences of individuals with neurological differences, focusing on both early and late diagnoses. Panellists, including those diagnosed in childhood and adulthood, will share their unique journeys, highlighting the impact of timing on their personal and professional lives. Experts will discuss the challenges and benefits of late diagnosis, shedding light on the importance of awareness and understanding in creating inclusive environments. Audience members will gain insights into the varying needs and strengths within the neurodiverse community, fostering a more informed and supportive society.
Zoe Maher
Principal Strategic Rail Planning Lead, WSP
Zoe leads the Strategic Rail Planning team for WSP in Western Australia and has over 10 years’ of local and international experience in delivering strategic, city shaping, transport focused projects.
Zoe has led some of Perth’s biggest transport planning projects including the Mid-Tier Plan for Perth (MTTP), North East Rapid Transit Feasibility Study (NERTFS), Morley Ellenbrook Line (MEL) Business Case and Concept Design for METRONET/PTA and the Ground Transport Consolidation Project (GTCP) feasibility and concept design for Perth Airport.
Zoe combines her technical knowledge of strategic transport planning principles and her passion for sustainable outcomes to help deliver great places and cities for all people.
Johno Montgomery
Project Lead – LEAP
With a background in Occupational Therapy and a passion for innovative solutions, Johno joined the Valued Lives Foundation, Empowered Connections platform to drive change and see more people with disability working in open employment. As Project
Lead for LEAP, Johno and his team deploy customised employment methods, to offer both practical solutions for employers to realise their workforce diversity goals and provide meaningful employment that matches the skills and experience for people with disability. Whilst many companies realise the value of diversity, equity and inclusion, to date they have tended to focus on gender and ethnicity neglecting disability as a source of competitive advantage. By supporting business in Job Design, Johno works with an employer to address myth or lack of previous experience or simply know how that may be preventing them from tapping into such a diverse and motivated workforce. This highly creative and tailored approach taps into Valued Lives expertise as a registered provider of NDIS employment supports and Johno’s personal quest to break through the status & accumulating in new ways to deliver on diversity and inclusion.
Topic: Inclusive Innovation Showdown
Our showcase where companies share their inclusive projects in a succinct 10-minute slot, aiming to inspire and share best practices. Ait includes audience interaction as voting for your favourite projects in categories such as Best Inclusive Innovation and Most Impactful Project. We promote continued discussion and collaboration and you may find a perfect partnership or idea to adapt to your organisation.
Larissa Muir
CEO, 12 Buckets
Larissa Muir is a firm believer that creating spaces for all people in the community has the power to change lives. Larissa has worked in the community services sector for over 15 years and considers herself a disruptor, challenging the status quo. Her most hated phrase in life is ” why change it? It’s always been done this way?” because she sees it as a limiting comment reducing our ability to be curious and creative. She is the CEO at 12 Buckets, where she is utilising her spicy brain thinking to ensure that all children are able to engage in their education and connect to their local community. When she isn’t working at 12 Buckets, she is renovating with her husband Dave and showing her 3 children how amazing their unique brains are.
Topic: Neurodiversity Panel
The robust and comprehensive panel discussion on neurodiversity will explore the diverse experiences of individuals with neurological differences, focusing on both early and late diagnoses. Panellists, including those diagnosed in childhood and adulthood, will share their unique journeys, highlighting the impact of timing on their personal and professional lives. Experts will discuss the challenges and benefits of late diagnosis, shedding light on the importance of awareness and understanding in creating inclusive environments. Audience members will gain insights into the varying needs and strengths within the neurodiverse community, fostering a more informed and supportive society.
Peter Mousaferiadas
CEO, Diversity Atlas
Peter Mousaferiadis is the CEO of cultural enterprise Cultural Infusion, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and founded in 2002. He has had an extensive career in the cultural & creative industries as a conductor, creative director & producer, and thought leader in culture as a driver of progress, social cohesion and innovation. Cultural Infusion builds global harmony through intercultural action in education, the arts and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), with programs delivered to more than 350,000 students annually. Its holistic data and equity SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) tool Diversity Atlas was launched in 2019 and has clients including multinationals and think tanks from around the world.
Peter Mousaferiadis has garnered international awards and recognition for his innovative approach to education and use of technology in building intercultural understanding, most recently the 2021 Global Business & Interfaith Peace Award Silver Medal from the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation and the United Nations Global Compact’s Business for Peace Initiative.
Topic: Diversity Data Unpacked
Come and see how data drives diversity by analysing the data live of you as attendees. A data-driven approach offers organisations a nuanced, multifactorial understanding of their workforce’s rich cultural diversity, ensuring that everyone counts as the multidimensional person they are. This leads to a more inclusive and better performing workforce.
Roman Ruzbacky
Principal DEI, Roman Ruzbacky & Associates
Roman is an experienced diversity, equity and inclusion leader and practitioner who helps to create equitable, inclusive and happy workplaces.
He is a principal DEI consultant at Roman Ruzbacky & Associates, which he established in 2021 and has previously worked in the scientific research, university and the Victorian Public Sector in a number of DEI roles. He specialises in diversity data literacy, gender equity, pay equity analysis, workshop facilitation and started his career as an analytical chemist with a music major in composition. He was the President of the Equal Employment Opportunity Network between 2017 to 2022, and a member of the AHRI and Swimming Victoria DEI Advisory Committees.
At the core of his work is the belief that people should be treated with dignity and respect, have equitable access to employment opportunities and outcomes and the ability to participate in all aspects of work and public life.
Topic: Harnessing Data for Inclusive Excellence
Roman will delve into the critical intersection of diversity data literacy and the human experience. Attendees will explore how understanding and effectively utilizing diversity data can illuminate the nuanced realities of different demographic groups within organisations. The session will emphasise the importance of data resistance and integrity, addressing how to navigate and counteract biases to maintain the authenticity and reliability of data. Participants will learn strategies for making their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives truly impactful by leveraging data to inform decisions, measure progress, and drive meaningful change. Through this comprehensive discussion, the speaker will empower attendees to transform their DEI efforts into actionable and measurable successes, ensuring that their work fosters a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Prof Tele Tan
Deputy Head of School of Electrical Engineering, Curtin University
John Curtin Distinguished Professor TELE TAN AM is a Professor in Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics at Curtin University. Tele obtained the PhD degree in Electronics Engineering at Surrey University (UK) in 1993 and spent a decade in defence research before joining academia in 2004. As an engineer, Tele’s vision is to make tomorrow better for the community and sees the importance of collaboration as a tool to help build resilience within our community, both local and global.
Tele founded the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) in 2015. AASQA is a social innovation initiative with the vision of harnessing the special talents of people with Autism Spectrum for the collective benefit of those with autism, industry and the wider community. The mission of the AASQA is to enable individuals with autism to leverage their unique skills through training, educating and mentoring programs, creating pathways to valued, long-term employment. This initiative simultaneously meets the social inclusion needs of people with autism and the business needs of the IT industry facing challenges in attracting and retaining productive and loyal talents to innovate in systems development and services.
Dr. Tom Verghese
Principal, Cultural Synergies
Dr Tom Verghese is a trusted advisor, executive coach, international consultant, author, presenter and founder of Cultural Synergies. Tom is a dynamic, enthusiastic, passionate, energetic and entertaining speaker. Tom’s expertise is in cultural intelligence, inclusive global leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion. The development and support of Asian talent is also an area that he is passionate about.
He has designed, facilitated, and written specific learning and development programs for clients that are now delivered worldwide. He is the author of ‘The Invisible Elephant – Exploring Cultural Awareness 2nd edition’, ‘25 Years On – A Collection of 25 Reflections as an Intercultural Management Consultant’ and co-author of ‘The Pillars of Growth – The Keys to Getting Exponential Growth in Your Business Today.’ His latest book is Cultural Agility – A Practical Guide for Putting Cultural Intelligence into Action.
Tom holds a Masters in Education and a Doctorate of Business Administration. He speaks several languages. Of Indian origin, born and raised in multi-ethnic Malaysia, Tom moved to Melbourne as a foreign student. His wife is English, and they have two children as well as a dog and a cat.
Topic: Book Launch – The Fearless Practitioner
A rich collection of stories, strategies, and pragmatic insights that reflect the authors’ shared commitment to creating workplaces where every individual can thrive. Whether you’re an experienced leader, a budding professional, or an advocate for positive change, this book provides a roadmap for integrating DEI into the fabric of organizations, enhancing their adaptability and long-term sustainability.
Special Guests and Entertainment
Hon. Dr Brad Pettitt MLC South Metropolitan
Dr Brad Pettitt was elected to the Legislative Council of the WA Parliament in 2021. Until taking up this role in the Upper House of the State Parliament, Brad was the Mayor of the City of Fremantle. He was first elected mayor in 2009 and re-elected in 2013 and 2017.
Prior to this Brad was the Dean of the School of Sustainability at Murdoch University. His research and teaching expertise included climate change, international development policy, and sustainability planning.
Brad has also previously worked with Oxfam in Cambodia and with the Australian Government Aid Program, AusAID, in Canberra.
When not working he likes riding his bike, drinking coffee, and playing with his 7-year-old daughter.
Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA
Hannah Beazley is the Minister for Local Government and Youth, and the Minister Assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development. She is also the local member for Victoria Park and proud mum of two boys, one of whom has extra needs. She knows first-hand how difficult it is to educate and support our kids. Also a former small business owner. She is passionate about representing her community in Parliament and being a strong voice for their values and accessible health and education for all.
Before entering Parliament, Hannah held senior executive positions across the not-for-profit and education sectors, including helping lead the team at local not-for-profit Western Australia Return Recycle Renew Ltd (WARRRL) to develop, roll out and administer the State’s highly successful container deposit scheme, Containers for Change.
Barbie Q
Alexas Armstrong
Special Thanks to our Sponsors, Partners and Venue Host
