UTS Ambassadors

Chair - Hayes Theatre Co
GradDipArtsM (1992), MBA (2002)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Fiona Allan is an international arts leader who most recently was CEO of Australia’s largest performing arts company, Opera Australia. Her career has been based between Australia and the UK, where she spent 18 years in CEO and Artistic Director roles.

After initially completing a Bachelor of Music (Hons) degree, Fiona shortly after enrolled in the first ever intake for the UTS Graduate Diploma in Arts Management programme, and then later completed a UTS MBA, spending some years as an adjunct lecturer for the Faculty of Business teaching undergraduate and MBA subjects.

She has worked variously at the Australian National Academy of Music, Sydney Opera House, Sydney Film Festival, Wales Millennium Centre, and Birmingham Hippodrome, as well as Opera Australia.  Her non-exec roles have included chairing the national advocacy organisation UK Theatre, digital agency The Space, the Midlands Tourism Board, and UK Dance Consortium. Currently she Chairs Hayes Theatre Co and serves on the Exec Council of Live Performance Australia. 

Fiona is a Churchill Fellow and a recent Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Vice President, Market Segment Head Renewables, Energy Transition & Utilities  - Capgemini UK
BBus Int Bus Major (2008)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Nicole is a technology consulting executive leader with a focus on the power, utilities and renewables sector. Nicole has a successful track record of P&L leadership, profitably growing and managing multi-million-dollar portfolios, and building and leading teams.

Nicole is currently the Energy & Utilities Sector Lead at Capgemini Australia responsible for strategy, go-to-market and delivery of services to support clients' energy transition and net zero agendas. Nicole is co-author of the Australian chapter of Capgemini's World Energy Markets Observatory and an expert panel moderator and facilitator. Prior to Capgemini, Nicole held roles in business development at global systems integrator Fujitsu.

Nicole's superpower is connection, relationships and networking. She is passionate about empowering women in energy and technology. Nicole is the founder and chair of Capgemini's Women in Energy Global Network and is a Mentor for startup founders in the area of business growth at EnergyLab.

Nicole has completed various courses at Sydney University's Centre for Continuing Education and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Nicole has completed leadership programs with the Trans-Tasman Business Circle, Women Rising and Capgemini University. Nicole is a certified AWS Cloud practitioner.

Partner and Chief Operating Officer - Blackbird  
BBus LLB Finance Major (2006), GradCertLegP (2007)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Alex Apoifis is a seasoned financial services professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

Currently serving as a Partner and the Chief Operating Officer at leading Australian venture capital firm Blackbird, Alex is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the funds, including finance, investor relations, and compliance.

Prior to joining Blackbird Ventures, Alex held various roles in the financial services industry. He served as Chief Operating Officer at Auscap Asset Management and worked in investment banking and institutional equities at J.P. Morgan in Sydney and London. He also worked as a capital markets lawyer at Baker & McKenzie.

Director - GSBN Studio  
BDes Architecture (2013), Master of Architecture (2015)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Alessandro is a founding director of Goodwin Scarfone Belgiorno-Nettis (GSBN), an architecture practice with a focus on transformable design.

With his partners, also UTS Alumni, GSBN designs buildings that provide multiple functions over a 24-hour period. With the aim of reducing the physical and ecological footprint of the built environment, their research hopes to reduce the construction and demolition of single-use buildings.

Alessandro now focuses on business growth and development, leaning on his soft skills of open communication, active listening and problem solving through a design lens to deliver successful projects for a range of clients.

Chief Investment Officer - Snow Foundation  
BBus Finance & Economics (1988)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Craig is an experienced financial markets executive with over 30 years of experience working in global banks. He started his career as an undergraduate at Westpac in 1984 whilst studying his BBus at UTS part-time. He went on to work for Bankers Trust in Sydney and London where he specialised derivatives trading in Eastern European Emerging Markets. After a short stint working in Frankfurt, Craig returned to Australia to senior roles at ABM Amro, Royal Bank of Scotland and most recently 10+ years at Westpac Institutional Bank as the head of foreign exchange derivatives. In Craig’s current role as the CIO for a philanthropic foundation he is responsible for the portfolio management and investment decisions for the fund.

Craig has developed a skill base in managing skilled teams in global financial centres, developing new talent and as a coach and mentor.  He is experienced in oversight and delivery of complex IT systems as well as banking regulatory and oversight committees.

Craig was a board member at Bronte Surf Club for 5 years where he was responsible for delivery the nippers program for 800 children. He has been a Director of the Snow Foundation since 2006 where he has an active role in supporting socially disadvantaged groups and investing with impact.
 

Consultant, Workplace Advisory
Doctor of Philosophy (2022)
LinkedIn

Collaborating and connecting stakeholders at the intersection of individual health, productivity, workplace and sustainability is where Kirsten adds true value to organisations. She is a thought leader and expert in building health and resilience in organisations for a more productive workplace. Kirsten is an experienced workplace strategy and wellbeing consultant with a PhD in health in the workplace. 

Kirsten has been involved in all aspects of workplace consultancy from design to research. Curiosity and challenging the status quo has motivated Kirsten to complete degrees in design, real estate, commerce and research. This knowledge and industry experience over decades results in considered, holistic and tailored solutions. 

Kirsten is focused on adding value to projects with research-based practical applications and engaging stakeholders resulting in the positive impact on people’s work lives.

Principle, Business Development - AustralianSuper
BBus Banking Major (2012)  
UTS Young Alumni Award (2012); UTS Friend of Distinction  
Resides in VIC  
LinkedIn

David Brennan is a senior executive in the investment management industry and a seasoned non-executive director across finance services, healthcare and not-for-profit landscapes in Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. David began his investment career at Macquarie Bank as a graduate and currently serves as the Principle - Business Development at AustralianSuper, which is Australia’s largest superannuation fund and one of the largest pension funds globally.

David was the previous Chairman of the Dry July Foundation, the Australasian College of Sport & Exercise Physicians, and the Doctors Health Service Australia (Drs4Drs). Other Board and/or sub-committee appointments include the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (RANZCOG), the Society for Hospital Pharmacists Australia, Australian Literary Studies and Axis Health New Zealand. David has also held Commonwealth Government appointments at the Australian Taxation Office and the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC).

David completed undergraduate studies in finance and international management at ESC Rouen in France and also holds a Senior Executive Master of Business Administration (SE MBA) from Melbourne University’s Melbourne Business School and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2020, David was recognized by the Australian Financial Review’s BOSS Magazine as a Young Executive of the Year.

CEO, Australian Business Events Association 
BBus Marketing (1995); MBA (2006)  
Resides in WA  
LinkedIn

Melissa Brown is based in Perth, Australia, and holds the position of CEO, Australian Business Events Association. Previously she was Head of Marketing and Communications for Sapien Cyber, an operational technology cybersecurity startup. Melissa returned from the US in 2020 where she was based as Global CMO for Talent, a tech recruitment business operating in Australia, the Americas and Europe.

Prior to this role she was Head of Marketing for Telstra’s international operation based in Hong Kong, which she joined in 2008. She was responsible for overseeing the marketing strategy development and implementation across Asia Pacific, Europe and the US.

Before joining Telstra, Melissa held the position of CEO of Australian Business in London, now operating as the not-for-profit Australian-UK Chamber of Commerce. Melissa has also worked in a number of management roles at companies including Australian Associated Press, Continental Airlines and Thomas Cook.

Partner, KPMG Australia
BInfTech (1998)
Resides in QLD
LinkedIn

Linda is a partner in our Advisory business and leads our Technology Enablement practice nationally.  She specialises in helping clients define and deliver their growth and digital transformation programs. 

Working from strategy, through to business case, and then implementation, Linda has worked internationally, leading the delivery of substantial programs of work, including the definition of Australia’s National e-Health Strategy; the establishment of organisations as a result of mergers/integrations; and the digital and innovation programs for household names such as David Jones, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart (CA), British Gas, Queensland Health, and the New Zealand Government.

CEO - Banna Property Group; Founder - Haymarket HQ  
BAppSc Land Economics (1996); MPlan (2008)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Brad is a property professional and the CEO of Banna Property Group, a 3rd generation family business with a vision to transform its shopping centres into community hubs. Brad is also founder of HaymarketHQ, an innovation hub with a particular focus on helping startups grow into Asian markets.

Brad was a previous board member of the Museum of Chinese in Australia, former President of the Haymarket Chamber of Commerce, and was the first President of the Australian Asian Association of Bennelong. He was previously a Board Director of Northcross Limited, remains involved with a number of other community and local government committees and currently sits on the City of Sydney Business Advisory Panel. In 2016, he established the Banna Foundation, the family group’s philanthropy arm which currently supports a range of charities including the UTS Humanitarian Scholarship.

Brad is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has been a Justice of the Peace in NSW since 2010.

Law Graduate - Ashurst Australia (Sydney)   
BLaws (2024), BComm (SocPolSci) (2024)
UTS Friend of Distinction (2024) 
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Kurt Cheng is a Law Graduate at Ashurst, a leading global law firm and industry partner of the university. He is currently in the Real Estate practice which specialises in structured real estate investments, managed investment funds, joint ventures, and large development and infrastructure projects spanning asset classes across industrial and logistics, build-to-rent, hotels, student accommodation, and healthcare. Prior to joining Ashurst Sydney, Kurt was a policy advisor to a Minister at the NSW Government. Kurt will be admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales later this year.

An alumnus of the university, Kurt holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) and is a UTS Friend of Distinction. Kurt is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is currently completing a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the College of Law.

Kurt is a board director for Run4It, a not-for-profit that aims to increase civic and political engagement among young people in Australia. He currently serves as Secretary for the NSW Labor Kogarah State Electorate Council and leads the NSW Labor Diversity Fellowship, a political training program for culturally and linguistically diverse community leaders across NSW.

During his studies at the university, Kurt was elected to the UTS Council, Academic Board, and the Faculty Board in Law between 2019 to 2024. He held various roles with the Law Students' Society, the Students' Association, and the Australian Labor Party Club.

CEO & Co-Founder - AIR4 Australia
BAppSc Biomedical Science (1991)
Resides in VIC
LinkedIn

Regina is a senior executive with extensive experience in developing and implementing whole-of-government policies and minimising business risk in international defence, health and education markets. 

With 20 years of experience as a Senior Defence Scientist at the Australian Department of Defence, she has investigated the health, human performance and injury management of deployed special forces soldiers and developed future technology assessment methodologies. 

She has held the position of Associate Director of the Defence Science Institute, where she helped to facilitate research and development that fostered a globally engaged, competitive and innovative defence and national security sector. 

More recently, Regina was the Associate Dean of Allied Health, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT and Executive Director of Health and Critical Technologies at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

Currently Regina is the Principal Investigator at Satellos Bioscience Inc. bringing clinical research to first-in-human trials for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. She is also the proud mother to five beautiful children. 

Retired Global President - Procter & Gamble; Independent Non-Executive Director  
BBus (1998)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Joanne is an experienced global leader of multi-billion dollar businesses in the consumer goods sector and also a seasoned Director on several Australian Boards.

Joanne joined Procter & Gamble as a marketing graduate and was promoted through the ranks leading Australian, Asian and global businesses. Her assignments saw her based in Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Switzerland. Her 27-year tenure at Procter & Gamble included many senior leadership roles including Vice President of Asia Female Beauty Care Division, Vice President of ASEAN/Emerging Markets and culminated in her role as Global President of the A$4Billion Prestige Division and a member on the Worldwide Leadership Council of Procter & Gamble.

Following her retirement from Procter & Gamble, Joanne worked as a Director across listed, private equity and not-for-profit Boards. Her Board portfolio included Dulux, oOh!media, RM Williams, Seafolly & Advance. During this time, Joanne also served as a Strategic Advisor for LCatterton Asia and as a member of the UTS Vice Chancellor’s Industry Advisory Broad. Joanne is also an International Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Joanne’s passion for developing and unleashing talent sees her current focus on coaching and mentoring many local and international leaders of the future.

CEO, Developing East Arnhem Limited
BMMgt (1996)
Resides in NT
LinkedIn

Paul has worked in resources, information technology, higher education, and not-for-profit sectors across Australia, India, and the United States. He strives to bring authenticity, integrity, and vulnerability to his leadership roles.

He currently lives and works in remote East Arnhem Land, in the Northern Territory of Australia, where he has had the privilege of walking beside and learning from the Yolŋu Traditional Owners as they navigate a post-mining future to achieve their vision of being self-sufficient and able to live and work in harmony on their homelands.

Paul aims to bring his passion, knowledge, and experience to conversations that contribute to creating a just society for future generations.

Chief Technology Officer (Global Leisure) – Flight Centre Group Travel
BSc Information Technology; DipITProfPrac (2007)
Resides in QLD
LinkedIn

Tim is Chief Technology Officer for the Global Leisure business at Flight Centre Travel Group. In this role, Tim leads the technology platforms that support Leisure's global brands, including Flight Centre, Travel Associates, and Independents.

Prior to joining Flight Centre Travel Group, Tim worked as a senior technology leader at Youi, SBS and Fairfax Media.

Some of Tim's career highlights include: delivering a flawless 2018 FIFA World Cup digital experience to SBS’s largest digital audience ever; streaming 55 live matches in HD and 64 in audio; growing Fairfax Media's digital audiences through new product development in travel, health, food and parenting; increasing share of wallet at Youi, through successful digital initiatives; large-scale technology transformations to cloud, DevOps and agile - increasing throughput from idea to outcome.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in IT from the University of Technology Sydney and an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW).

Australian Author; Lecturer - UTS Creative Writing Program  
Doctor of Creative Arts (2012)  
UTS Luminary; UTS Friend of Distinction  
Resides in NSW  
Website

Anna Funder is a former DAAD Fellow in Berlin, Australia Council Fellow, and Rockefeller Foundation Fellow. She has served as a member of the Advisory Panel of the Australian Privacy Foundation, and an Ambassador for the Norwegian-based ICORN (International Cities of Refuge Network) organization.

Anna is the author of the internationally bestselling and award-winning works Stasiland and All That I Am, and the novella The Girl with the Dogs.

Stasiland was awarded the UK’s Samuel Johnson Prize 2004 and was a finalist for the Guardian Best First Book Award; Index Freedom of Expression Awards; W.H. Heinemann Award from the Royal Society of Literature; the Age Book of the Year Award; Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards; South Australian Festival Awards for Literature; and the Australian Bookseller’s Choice Award.

All That I Am won the Miles Franklin Prize 2012, along with the West Australian Premier’s Prize, the West Australian Premier’s People’s Choice Prize, the Barbara Jefferis Prize, Indie Book of the Year, Indie Best Debut Fiction, the Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Book of the Year, ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year and the Nielsen BookData Bookseller’s Choice Award. It was BBC Book of the Week and Book at Bedtime, and The Times (London) Book of the Month.

Her book Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life, has been hailed by Geraldine Books as ‘simply, a masterpiece'. Wifedom will be published in mid-2023 in Australia, the UK and the USA.

Journalist
BA Comm (1980)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Catherine is a leading commentator on women and the workforce, an award-winning journalist, author and presenter.

During a long career with the Financial Review, she wrote the weekly Corporate Woman column and for Boss magazine, and has published several books. Stop Fixing Women was awarded the 2017 Walkley Award for Women’s Leadership in Media, and her latest book Breaking the boss bias: how to get more women into leadership was launched in 2024.

Catherine helped establish the annual Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards in 2012 and was named a Woman of Influence in 2018. She has been a gender equality advisor to the Australian Defence Force, sits on the Australians Investing in Women board, and the Sydney Women’s Fund advisory council.

In 2022 she was awarded an AM for significant service to journalism, gender equality and diversity.

Chief Information Officer, Banking & Wealth - Suncorp Group  
BAppSc Computing Science (1995)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Johmar has 30 years of experience in software services, consulting, and banking and financial services industries. He started his career with IBM as a software engineer followed with technology consulting in Accenture for various Banking and Financial Services clients.

He has held various executive leadership roles in two of Australia’s tier 1 banks, and has enjoyed developing innovative technology solutions as Chief Technology Officer in an Australian NeoBank. Johmar is currently the Chief Information Officer for Suncorp Bank.

Johmar loves buildings high performing teams and solving complex problems through technology, people, culture and innovation using his experience gained from software development, complex program deliveries, strategic planning, and people leadership with a variety of banking clients and companies across Australia and Asia.

Head of Government Engagement / Public Policy, Australia - Amazon Web Services  
BA Comm Soc Inquiry (2006)  
Resides in ACT  
LinkedIn

Sara Goldsworthy is a senior public policy leader with a passion for tackling complex issues at the intersection of national security, technology, economics and international relations.

Sara is currently the Head of Government Engagement for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Australia, leading a range of high-profile public policy issues in Australia and New Zealand.

Prior to AWS Sara was privileged to serve 15 years in the Australian Government where she led multidisciplinary teams through crises, government reform, and major event delivery at the commonwealth and state level. Sara’s leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the Centre for Counter-Terrorism Coordination in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the Cyber and Critical Technology Mission in the Office of National Intelligence (ONI). She also led the whole-of-government taskforce which oversaw establishment of the Home Affairs portfolio, and coordinated Australia's G20 Presidency.

Sara has held senior executive positions in the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, PM&C, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ONI, Attorney-General's Department and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

Sara is an advocate for increasing the representation of women in national security and STEM and is a proud mentor of women in these fields. Sara is on the Board of Women in STEMM Australia and is a mentor for Future Women. Sara served as Vice President of the RSPCA ACT from 2015-20.

Managing Editor - Media and Journalism sector 
BA Comm Journalism (2001)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Natalie Hambly is a managing editor at SBS Voices where she is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of Australia's diverse creative talent. In her role Natalie oversees a variety of projects, including a short-form documentary series called The Swiping Game, the Let Me Tell You podcast, and the national Emerging Writers' Competition.

She has a special interest in both television and female storytelling and, praise be, is able to combine those through her work on the award-winning SBS Handmaid's Tale podcast, Eyes On Gilead. Other awards include Best Short-Form documentary at the 2021 Content Innovation Awards in London, and Best Arts & Culture podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards 2022.

Prior to SBS, Natalie worked in the Sydney Morning Herald newsroom for 10 years where she held a variety of roles including homepage editor, entertainment editor and Daily Life editor.

An early digital adopter, Natalie's career has been defined by change and innovation in order to meet audiences where they are at, whether it's a streaming service, a website, a social media platform or a podcast. No matter the platform, the goal remains constant, which is always to inform and entertain.

Director, Pride Inclusion Programs - ACON
BEd Adult Education (2000)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Dawn Hough is the Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs (Pride in Diversity, Pride in Sport, Pride in Health + Wellbeing). All programs provide employer support for all aspects of LGBTQ+ inclusion either within the workplace, Australian Sport or through health and wellbeing service provision.

Dawn started within ACON in 2009 specifically to develop and establish the national Pride in Diversity Program and to develop the Australian Workplace Equality Index (national benchmark on LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion). Since that time, the program has grown substantially and gained an international reputation for its leading practice and gold standard index.

Dawn has authored five workplace publications on aspects of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion and with her team, extended the Pride in Diversity Program to incorporate a Pride in Sport Program and world first national sports index and a program targeting LGBTQ+ inclusive service provision - Pride in Health & Wellbeing along with bespoke training services via Pride Training.

Dawn sets the strategic direction for all divisional programs, continues to author LGBTQ+ inclusivity publications in addition to authoring and managing all programmatic indices in order to measure and shift leading practice in LGBTQ+ inclusivity annually. Dawn heads up a division of approximately 40 staff, manages budget, risk and compliance as well as strategic relationships to ensure currency and longevity of all program offerings.

Dawn was appointed Adjunct Senior Fellow, University of Queensland, December 2022 and graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2024.

Director and Principal Solicitor - Violet Co  
LLB (2009)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Karen Iles is a lawyer, accredited mediator, consultant, board director, sexual assault survivor and Aboriginal woman.

Karen is the Founder and Principal Solicitor of Violet Co Legal & Consulting. Violet Co supports businesses, organisations and individuals with issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, employment law and governance.

In 2022 Karen was awarded the inaugural NSW Law Society Pro Bono Service Award in recognition of her outstanding service to the NSW Legal Profession and the Community. Karen’s advocacy work was recognised in the Australian Human Rights Commission 2022 Annual Oration delivered by Professor Larissa Behrendt. She was also featured in the Guardian Australia, A Current Affair, ABC 7.30, ABC Radio and Mamamia.

Karen holds a number of current Non-Executive Director board roles: The National Justice Project, First Australians Capital Limited, Marist180 (out of home care) and Teach Us Consent. She was appointed to the Australian Catholic Safeguarding panel in 2022 to review claims of sexual assault within Catholic institutions, and is on the NSW Law Society Employment Law Committee.

Prior to establishing Violet Co Legal & Consulting in 2019 Karen held senior executive and management positions within Australian companies and non-profit organisations.

Karen was born and raised on Darkinjung land and now lives on both Darkinjung and Gadigal Land. Karen is a Dharug Aboriginal diyin (woman) and has family connections to the Gunanday (Rainbow River) area of Dyarubbin (the River - the Hawkesbury River). Karen also has Scottish/English heritage.

Head Strength & Conditioning Coach - Sydney Swans  
B Human Movement (2011); BHM (Hons) (2012);  
Doctor of Philosophy (2019)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Stephen Kelly has over 15 years of experience in the exercise and fitness industry, including 12 years at the elite and professional sporting level.

Stephen is currently the Head of Physical Development for the Sydney Swans Academy and for the inaugural Sydney Swans AFL women’s team. Prior to these roles Stephen held several positions within the Sydney Swans senior men’s coaching team. During this time Stephen experienced a number of highlights including three Grand Final appearances.

Prior to working for the Sydney Swans, Stephen spent three years working for the Sydney Roosters Rugby League Club, covering several roles including sport scientist and strength and conditioning coach. A highlight from his time with the Sydney Roosters included one Grand Final appearance.

Throughout these active years in industry, Stephen has maintained academic affiliation with UTS, facilitating tutorials and assessing students in the Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science.

Chief Customer & Marketing Officer - IAG
BA Comm (1998)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Michelle Klein is an international business leader, who in her 25-year career has led multidisciplinary teams to transform results across a wide range of categories, including technology, consumer packaged goods, travel, hospitality, financial services and insurance. In May 2023, Michelle was named Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Insurance Australia Group (IAG).

Michelle has spent the last decade of her career at Meta in Silicon Valley, where she led an organization of ~1,000 people as Vice President of Global Business and Product Marketing. She was a key leader in rebranding “Facebook” to “Meta” and has been instrumental in preparing leaders everywhere to understand the opportunity presented by Web3 and AI.

Michelle serves on the board of craft bean-to-bar brand Raaka Chocolate, and she champions effectiveness as a member of Effie Worldwide’s Board of Directors. She is a Global Board Member of the Unstereotype Alliance, which is a platform convened by UN Women to eradicate gender-based stereotypes in media. She also serves on the board of Women in Need, the largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for New York City's homeless families.

Michelle lives in Sydney with her husband and two children. Now that she is back home in Australia, she is paying it forward, mobilising her passion to support the growth of the Australian tech community.

Columnist; Author; Co-Founder, Media Diversity Australia  
BA Comm Soc Inquiry (2006)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Antoinette Lattouf is a media personality, TEDx speaker, diversity advocate, author, mental health ambassador and mum.

The multi-award-winning journalist is the co-founder of Media Diversity Australia - a not-for-profit organisation working towards increasing cultural and linguistic diversity in the media. She has worked in television, online, radio, and is currently a host of the daily news podcast ’The Briefing’.

She’s a Sydney Morning Herald columnist and has been a guest commentator on Q&A, The Drum, Sky News, The Project, Studio10, SBS’s Insight and The Feed. Antoinette’s first book How to Lose Friends and Influence White People was published by Penguin in May 2022.

In 2019, Antoinette was named among AFR’s 100 Women of Influence. In 2021 she was awarded a Women’s Agenda Leadership Award and B&T Women in Media’s Champion of Change. Antoinette is also an Ambassador for parent mental health organisation Gidget Foundation.

Managing Director, Intercorp
MBA Executive (2006) 
Resides in VIC
LinkedIn

Daniel is an experienced entrepreneur, executive and non-executive director with an accomplished senior executive career spanning defence, telecommunications, fintech and technical services. Daniel’s experience includes a broad range of ASX listed corporate, commercial and board positions including, as Chair, CEO, M&A, Corporate Governance, REM/NOM, and particularly, strategic business development and innovation commercialisation. Extensive government interface and relationships.

Founder, QuayCom 2000 (exit into ASX listed Comet Satellite & Cable). Joint CEO and Managing director BSA (ASX:BSA) 2002/07. Commercial Director BSA 2006/07. Co-founder/Director CDN tech innovator Sunnyvale Ventures 2008/10. Co-Founder and Commercial Director One Atmosphere 2010/17. CEO IAI Australia 2012/18 (defence systems OEM). Director AAUS - national peak body; Australian Association of Uninhabited Systems 2014/19. Partner and CEO Intercorp Pty. Limited (defence advisory) 2008/present. Partner/Director ITech: R&D AI and robotics telecommunications support venture 2010/present.  Independent Non-Executive Director Preamium (Fintech -ASX:PPS) 2017-present. Chair REM/NOM Praemium. Nominated Board Chair, Well and Productive CRC initiative (Swinburne and UTS alumnus, MBA, GICD, DISC, APRA member).

A passionate Victorian, Daniel is a proud husband and father of three including a serving ADFA officer cadet.

Director - O’Connell Street Associates  
LLB (1997)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Stephen Loosley served in the Australian Parliament during the Hawke and Keating Governments (1990-1995), and prior to his Senate service, Stephen was the General Secretary of the NSW Branch of the Australian Labor Party (1983–90). He also served a term as ALP National President (1991–92).

Stephen is now the Deputy Chair of Thales (Australia). He has served as Chair of the Woomera Prohibited Area Advisory Board and is the immediate past chair of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, where he served as a Senior Fellow. In 2017, Stephen accepted an invitation to join The United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney as a Visiting Fellow.

In addition, Stephen serves as a Corporate Councillor of the Asia Society (Australia) and on the Board of the European Australian Business Council (EABC). He has also served on the Board of CoverMore Travel Insurance (2013-2016), the Advisory Boards of Veolia (Australia/NZ) and Crescent Capital and on the Board of the Australian-American Leadership Dialogue, along with the Ethics Centre.

Stephen’s first book, Machine Rules, was published by Melbourne University Press in August 2015. Stephen serves as a Governor of AmCham and writes for The Australian, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Spectator (Australia), and he authors a regular column on international security for Sky News Australia. He was recently appointed as a Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW. In 2015, Stephen was awarded an AM for services to the Parliament and to public policy.

Founder & CEO - Design.com
BA BInfTech (2005)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Alec is the Founder & CEO of Design.com, a leading online design company used by entrepreneurs and small businesses around the world.

Alec started the company in 2007 at the age of 23. Today, the company employs over 200 people and generates over $100 million in sales. The company also operates the DesignCrowd.com and BrandCrowd.com websites.

Prior to founding Design.com and DesignCrowd.com, Alec was a strategy consultant at Booz & Co where he worked with clients across Australia, New Zealand and Brunei.

Alec holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from UTS, where he was awarded a Co-op Scholarship and the University Medal. In 2014, Alec was named EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year for NSW in the emerging category.

Senior Screen Executive 
BA Comm (1987) UTS Luminary;  
UTS Friend of Distinction  
Resides in NSW 
Website

Graeme has over 30 years of international experience in film, television and multimedia businesses. His career has spanned large US studios, a UK television network, independent producers and government agencies.

He worked in both factual and entertainment TV programming in Australia before moving to the UK, where his work encompassed all aspects of film production, sales and acquisitions, and distribution, for companies such as Polygram Filmed Entertainment.

From 1998 to 2002 he was President of Worldwide Acquisitions for Universal Studios. He then joined Channel 4 Television UK as Head of Media Projects and later became Managing Director of Rights, before moving to New Zealand to lead the New Zealand Film Commission from 2009 to 2013. Graeme then served as the Chief Executive Officer of Screen Australia from 2013 to 2023.

Director, First Nations – Australian Museum
Indigenous Studies Major MeD (2012)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Laura is a Wailwan woman and Director, First Nations at the Australian Museum (AM). Leading the First Nations strategic direction and operations, she oversees the management of the Archaeology, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and Pasifika cultural collections.

Laura’s vision for the AM focuses on prioritizing and amplifying First Nations voices, ensuring that Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Pasifika communities authentically represent themselves and their cultures within the Museum. She has been pivotal in guiding the Executive Leadership Team towards fostering stronger connections with First Nations stakeholders and knowledge-holders and building Indigenous self-determination into the interpretation, care, classification, access and use of cultural objects.

With over 15 years of professional experience in museums, Indigenous education, and cultural heritage, Laura is an acclaimed curator. She has received awards for her work and has led First Nations storytelling through exhibitions like GADI and UNSETTLED.

Since the Division was launched in 2021, Laura has guided her team in the delivery of the groundbreaking Wansolmoana permanent exhibition, exploring the interconnected histories and cultures of Pasifika nations; BURRA Learning Place; Her Name is Nanny Nellie documentary and display; and the AM’s repatriation operations that has led to the repatriation of 9 Aboriginal Ancestors to 7 communities and two Tongan Ancestors back to the Kingdom of Tonga.  

Laura holds academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Arts (University of Sydney, 2008) with a double major in Psychology and Australian Indigenous Studies, and a Master of Aboriginal Education (University of Technology Sydney, 2012).

Director of First Nations Talent - Deloitte
BA Comm (1999)
Resides in NSW 
LinkedIn

Phillipa is a proud Wakka Wakka and Mulinjali woman and a committed public advocate and champion for diversifying workforces, the arts and media to best reflect contemporary Australia. With over 30 years’ experience in media, arts and employment, Phillipa provides strategic thought leadership and direction to develop and drive corporate strategies, change and inclusion. 

Phillipa has held previous senior executive roles at Deloitte and ABC and has just recently been appointed as the Executive Manager Centre of Excellence Indigenous experience at CBA. 

She is currently the Chair of Bangarra Dance Theatre, a Board member of the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team, and a member of the NSW Treasury First Nations Advisory Committee. In 2020 she was honored as the UTS Indigenous Alumni of the year recipient.

CEO - Food Ladder  
BA Comm - Public Comm (2009)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Kelly is an advocate for the power of multidisciplinary collaboration in ensuring equity in the social and economic participation of all Australians.

She is the CEO and co-founder of Food Ladder, a not for profit organisation creating social enterprises across the country that address food security, health, education and employment for remote and Indigenous communities.

Food Ladder is an NGO addressing food security challenges in Indigenous and remote communities using a model of social enterprise and agritech solutions that conserve the environment. Working in partnership with Aboriginal Communities and schools across the country, Food Ladder is a highly scalable and sustainable model delivering health, education and employment outcomes.

Kelly completed a Master of Business Administration at Sydney University Business School in 2018 where she was awarded a full scholarship for her work in social justice and community leadership.

Kelly was awarded the Sydney University Dean’s Prize in 2019, Leadership Excellence Award by Embassy 2017 and was named by The Australian Financial Review among Australia’s 100 most Influential Women in 2016.

Chief Customer and Digital Officer - Queensland Government  
BE Electrical Engineering (1996)  
Resides in QLD  
LinkedIn

Chris is the Chief Customer and Digital Officer and is focused on driving Queensland’s Digital Economy, delivering better citizen-centric services and optimising Queensland Government’s investment and use of technology.

He is a globally experienced senior executive with a successful 25-year track record leading, growing, transforming, and advising technology, telecom, utility, energy, services, and software organisations including multi-nationals and start-ups. Chris specialises in digital enablement and transformation, customer experience, operations improvement, and technology innovation.

He has completed studies in Governance at AICD and Digital Strategy and Transformation at MIT, and is the former Chair of the North America Advisory Board at UTS.

CEO & Founder - Internal Consulting Group
B.App.Sci (Comp.Sci)(Honours)(Medal) Sub Major in Business (1991)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

David Moloney is a proud UTS Computer Science and School of Business graduate and Ambassador for all things UTS. Beyond brand building, David has contributed as a tutor and a guest lecturer and is delighted to serve as an ambassador for this amazing institution.

Prior to and during his five years at UTS, David worked as a banker, rising from teller to working alongside the CEO on a major transformation program. Post UTS, David completed a Masters at Sloan MIT and enjoyed a global consulting career – from Associate to equity partner at Booz Allen Hamilton, to CEO of Oliver Wyman in Australasia and global head of Intellectual property, to founding and leading a global 21st century platform-based firm ICG. ICG is now the only consulting firm ranked in the top 200 globally by Forbes magazine that is also headquartered in Australia.

David’s thinking and frameworks have been presented and published widely, from BOSS Magazine to The World Economic Forum at Davos. David has been quoted widely and frequently by the AFR and business press around the globe. He is a keen student of applied management science and regularly develops new thinking supporting ICG’s clients in the region. In 2012 David was awarded a patent for a Method, system and tool for facilitating industrialised adhocracy.

David loves living in Sydney with his wife and three children. He has a keen interest in longevity and health span research, and is also the elected President of the Royal Automobile Club of Australia (RACA).

CEO - Sasy n Savy
MBA (2004)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

In October 2003 Samea Maakrun founded Sasy n Savy Pty Ltd. Sasy n Savy is based in Miranda NSW and manufactures Australian vegan organic skincare and wellbeing products that are high in vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, mineral and protein to stimulate your collagen & skin cell growth. Sasy n Savy also develops skincare and aromatherapy brands for companies around the world. 

In April 2013, Nurtured Tours was created to help consumers understand, experience and enjoy the benefits of Australian nature to improve health, beauty and wellness in individuals.

Vice President Global Manufacturing & Logistics - ResMed
BE Civil Engineering (1988)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Brendan Mullins is Vice President, Digital Supply Chain & Smart Manufacturing at ResMed, leading the strategic digital transformation of the company’s global supply chain. His focus is on enabling world-class supply chain orchestration through data, technology, and smart manufacturing solutions.

Prior to this role, he led various ResMed supply chain functions, including Global Manufacturing, Engineering, Distribution, Planning, and Logistics. Before joining ResMed, he founded and successfully exited a technology-enabled document and data logistics business. He has also held senior general management roles driving technology-driven operational and business model transformations across national and international manufacturing, logistics, and business services industries.

Brendan has a strong track record in general management, business model innovation, digital transformation, and industry and community collaboration.

Director, Advanced Patient Monitoring, ANZ - BD
BA Nursing (1996)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Sarah Murray has over 28 years of experience in healthcare encompassing clinical practice and commercial leadership.  She has led senior regional roles across Australia and New Zealand in commercial, operations and general management with iconic MedTech multinationals.

Sarah has worked with global executive teams and achieved success in commercialising new and established technologies in competitive markets.  With demonstrated experience in P&L management, strategy development and market activation, her domain expertise includes business transformation and building teams to achieve profitable growth.

Sarah is passionate about enabling access to healthcare, improving patient outcomes and forming relationships based on mutual respect and trust. She is committed to continuous education, developing people and driving relevance for employees and customers through a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.

Owner & Director - Next Progression  
BN (2002), GradCertN Mental Health (2003),  
MN Clinical Practice - Mental Health Nursing Major (2006)  
Resides in NSW  
Website

Scott Neirinckx is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience working across the public and private sectors. A leader in his field, he was a finalist for the NSWPF Civilian Police Employee of the Year Award 2021, LHD Manager of the Year 2018, LHD Collaborative Team of the Year 2018, and he presented at the International Nurses Initiatives Conference ‘Megabytes, Greater Insights - Care Zoning’ in 2012.

Scott’s current roles include the After-Hours Manager for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Mental Health Service (Northern Sydney Local Health District); the Owner and Director for Next Progression - Specialist Mental Health Services; and the Co-Owner and Director for Absolute Care Funerals. Past roles include team leader and management positions in the community mental health sector, Senior State-wide Clinical Advisor to the NSW Police Force, and Casual Academic at UTS teaching undergraduate nursing mental health and professionalism subjects for over 10 years.

Scott’s lifelong passion to reduce the stigma attached to mental health struggles led to the development of his own company in 2021, Next Progression. This specialist mental health service provides tailor-designed training, education and consultation.

In 2021, Scott also found himself joining the family business, Absolute Care Funerals. He hopes that his skills of empathy, his ability to establish trust and his partnership focus provide the much-needed support to families during their most difficult times.

CEO & Founder, Fizzics Education
BAppSc Environmental Biology (1999)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Ben founded Fizzics Education to deliver science education across Australia & beyond, having now reached several million kids since 2004.  He works with multi-disciplinary teams in non-profits, government & corporate social responsibility to create & deliver social impact programs that demonstrate STEM career pathways within schools & communities.

He is a qualified science teacher, 2013 Churchill Fellow, 2020 AMP Tomorrow Maker,  2015, 2016 & 2018 Australian Small Business Winner for Children’s Education Services, 2020 WSABE Outstanding Business Leader of the Year, 2019 Blacktown Business Person of the Year, and the receiver of both the 2023 University of Technology Sydney Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and the Faculty Award of Excellence for Science, plus several Pinnacle Awards
from the Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration.

Ben is a board member for Educating 4 Leadership, is an advisory board member of the Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration, an Ambassador for the Association of Science Education Technicians NSW and is part of the  NSW Churchill Fellows Association committee. He is also the author of ‘Be Amazing! How to teach science the way primary kids love & the host of the FizzicsEd Podcast.

In 2012 Ben co-founded the non-profit Virtual Excursions Australia which has now grown to include over 40 major cultural institutions and departmental distance education managers to deliver online education events. In 2015 he co-founded another initiative called the Pinnacle Education Collaborative, a network of over 30 cultural organisations in North America that deliver virtual excursions to schools, retirement homes, remand centres and more.

Director - The Demographer’s Workshop
BBus (1979)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Having concluded a successful full-time executive career as a Commercial Diplomat, CEO and COO, Nick is now a Non-Executive Director, mentor and volunteer.

In his recent commercial diplomatic career, he successfully attracted US investors to land and expand in Australia and helped Australian exporters secure US government contracts and commercial sales, especially in the technology sector for Aussie startups.

As CEO, he privatised a state-owned corporation and he specialises in navigating government for commercial outcomes. Nick held C-suite roles in the retail, media and gaming sectors.

Nick has been involved with The Buttery, the renowned 50-year young drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic in northern NSW (made more famous in the Paul Kelly song, ‘To her door’) for nearly 10 years. His involvement with UTS goes back much further both as a graduate student as well as a part-time lecturer in marketing at the Graduate School of Business in its MBA program.

Nick is a type 1 diabetic, mentors a number of young LGBT professionals and is passionate about his bush regeneration work with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Managing Director, Envirolab Group
Bachelor of Applied Science, Chemistry (1989)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Tania is the Founder and Chairperson of the Envirolab Group of Companies, guiding the strategic direction and governance of the organisation. With a career spanning over 36 years in the scientific field, Tania's expertise encompasses environmental contamination, hazardous materials, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, Envirolab has grown from its founding in 2005 to a multi-million dollar enterprise with operations across Australia and New Zealand.

Recognised for her contributions to science and the community, Tania has received numerous awards including the UTS Alumni Award for Excellence – Faculty of Science and the Weikhardt Medal for Distinguished Contribution to Economic Advancement. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, served as President of its NSW Branch, and holds positions on various industry boards.

Beyond the professional sphere, Tania's love for adventure is evident in her various expeditions, including successfully climbing Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Whether sailing on the vessel Paradise or spending quality time with her family, friends, two beloved puppies, and two grandchildren, she finds joy in a well-rounded life.

Director & Advisor, Net Zero Economy, Sustainability, ESG  
BA Comm (2000)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Emma is a purpose-led executive leader with a passion for creating positive change and helping organisations capture the opportunities generated by the transition to a more sustainable, lower carbon and inclusive world. Her career spans private, public and not-for-profit sector roles in Australia and internationally.

In her most recent role as Head of Net Zero Economy for Investment NSW, part of the NSW Government, Emma worked with teams across NSW government to drive industry development and accelerate economic opportunities as the world decarbonises.

Prior to this she spent a decade leading the Sustainable Business & Communications team for Unilever Australia & New Zealand, where she drove sustainability, stakeholder engagement and partnerships to build trust, drive change, manage risk and support Unilever’s sustainable growth agenda. She’s also held a number of other sustainability and corporate affairs management roles across Australia and the UK including at Coca-Cola Amatil and FSTE 250 company Britvic Soft Drinks plc.

She is a Non-Executive Director for Foodbank NSW & ACT - Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, an Advisory Board Member for climate-tech start-up Wollemi.io and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Chair - Eclipx Group  
MA in Creative Writing (2010)  
Resides in NSW  
Website

Gail has over 35 years of experience in banking and wealth management, and is a specialist in technology and operations.

Prior to a career as a company director, Ms Pemberton was the Chief Operating Officer for UK and BNP Paribas Securities Services, and Chief Executive & Managing Director of NP Paribas Securities Services in Australia and New Zealand. She was also the group CIO and financial services group COO at Macquarie Bank.

Her current board roles include chair of OneVue and Melbourne IT, and Non-Executive Director of PayPal Australia. She was chair of Onthehouse, and served on the boards of Alleron Funds Management, Air Services Australia, the Sydney Opera House Trust, Harvey World Travel, UXC and Queensland Investment Corporation.

In 2018, Ms Pemberton was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished services to the finance and banking industry, to business through a range of roles, as an advocate for technology and as a mentor to women.

Co-Founder & Director - Australian Indigenous Education Foundation  
BA Comm (1989)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Michelle Penfold is a Co-Founder and Director of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) and has worked with the organisation for over 10 years.

Bringing together the government and private sector, AIEF provides scholarship funding for Indigenous students to complete Year 12 or tertiary studies, with career support to help them make a successful transition to employment.

As a Founder and Director of AIEF, Michelle is responsible for stakeholder engagement, advancement, programs, communications, media, marketing and events.

Michelle is a UTS Ambassador, Australian Alumni Network and a former CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AustCham), the largest Australian business organisation outside of Australia.

Michelle began her career in the hospitality industry and spent eight years working in hospitality management in Sydney, London and Hong Kong after completing a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) at The University of Technology, Sydney [in 1988], majoring in Journalism and Political Studies.

CEO – WEM Civil
BA of Construction Project Management (2013)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Drawing on over 17 years of hands-on experience in land development and civil construction, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his role as a proud third-generation leader of WEM Civil. As a forward thinking, results-orientated CEO, Michael has a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and purpose-driven leadership across our office and construction teams.

Growing up immersed in the dynamic world of construction, Michael’s early exposure sparked his passion for personal and professional growth. He has progressed through various roles at WEM, from Site Management and Estimating to Project and Construction Management. 

Michael is confident that his holistic understanding of the construction processes implemented by WEM, and the wider Australian construction industry can be effectively implemented across all projects to provide a positive outcome for clients. At the heart of Michael’s leadership is his passion for civil construction management, strategic planning and team development. 

Managing Principal & CEO - Better As Usual Pty Ltd  
BInfTech (1996)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Damon Rees is a business leader focused on customer centricity, culture, digital enablement, and innovation, with more than twenty years of experience driving transformational change, organisational performance, and better customer outcomes.

He is currently the Managing Principal and CEO of Better As Usual Pty Ltd, a practitioner-led professional services organisation committed to customer success and positive social impact. Prior to his current role, Damon spent 5 years as CEO of Service NSW, leading the organisation through a period of significant growth and unprecedented natural disasters to become a leading organisation globally for customer service excellence, team engagement, culture, and digital enablement.

Damon’s experience spans the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors including as the inaugural Government Chief Information and Digital Officer for NSW Government, the Chief Digital Officer for Macquarie Group, the Chief Technology and Interim Chief Information Officer for Woolworths, and the Head of Integrated Delivery for Westpac. He has served as an independent Director of GP Synergy for the last eight years including three years as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk committee, and six years as Chair of the Digital and ICT committee.

Damon was awarded the Sir James Wolfhenson scholarship to study at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2018, and completed a Global Executive MBA with the University of Sydney in 2011.

Director - Jiwah
BBus (2018)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Clarence Slockee is a Coodgenburra/Bundjalung Aboriginal man and graduate of the National Aboriginal & Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Dance College. Clarence has gained experience across a broad range of performance mediums, but his passion remains with his farming roots and ensuring the biodiversity of native species.

With a long family history of bushmen, fisherpeople and farmers, Clarence spent his childhood connected to the ocean and bush of Bundjalung Country. His passion for plants forming in childhood and through his formative teenage years working with his immediate family on the family farm growing a range of fruit and vegetables for market. 

Clarence has over two decades of experience in environmental and cultural education, natural area revitalisation, green infrastructure design and installation including roles with the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the Barangaroo Delivery Authority and more recently as Director and founder of Jiwah Pty Ltd, a 100% Aboriginal-owned company that delivers a range of collaborative projects including urban native species greenspace. 

With regular segments on ABC TV series Gardening Australia, he continues to educate people about medicinal, cultural and edible native plant species unique to the Australian landscape.

A graduate of UTS Business School, Clarence is currently working with a broad range of collaborators to incorporate Indigenous cultural perspectives into green space urban design.

Global Partner, ThinkPlace Global
BBus (1999)
Resides in NSW
LinkedIn

Dr Nina Terrey is a world recognised designer in the field of complex system transformation working with industry leaders, communities and organisations to tackle very complex issues facing humanity and our planet. Nina’s approach focusses on collaboration, design framing, and taking an integrated socio-ecological of innovation.

In 2006 Nina co-founded ThinkPlace Global, a strategy, design and innovation company. ThinkPlace is an award-winning global company focussed on creating sustainable impact. Nina is responsible for leading sustainability by design and innovation at scale. 

Nina’s expertise is held in high regard by academic institutions in Australia and internationally. She holds several adjunct academic positions such as Adjunct Associate Professor Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra; Distinguished Fellow of ANZSOG; Senior Lecturer, UNSW Business School. In 2022, Nina, was invited as a visiting scholar to Parsons School of Design, New York City. Teaching in such areas as: strategic design, co-design, systemic innovation, regenerative design, public policy innovation and scaled impact.

Nina has published several papers and co-authored the book “Design for a Better Future: A guide to designing in complex systems”. Nina is currently co-authoring a book with Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, exploring the way we unlock gridlock in complex problems.

Nina holds a PhD in Managing by Design, a pioneering study into the way public organisations adopt and adapt design-led methodologies to implement and improve public policy. 

Strategic Advisor - Command Hub  
MA Communication Mgt (1999)  
Resides in VIC  
LinkedIn

Leonie Valentine is an innovative and inclusive digital technology thought leader. She serves as a Strategic Advisor to CommandHub, and is a board member of Save The Children Australia. She has over 30 years’ experience in sales, marketing, digital technology and operations, including as Executive General Manager, Customer Experience, Digital & Technology at Australia Post and over seven years at Google as a member of the global leadership team.

Leonie was previously a board member for Pro-Pac Packaging Limited, Save The Children HK, a Governor for the American Chamber of Commerce HK, as well as an advisor to CUHK's EMBA Program.

Leonie holds an Executive Certificate in Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship of Swinburne University, and a Bachelor of Science from Melbourne University. After moving to Hong Kong in 2011, her studies focused on learning the basics of Cantonese, and Non-Exec Director certifications.

Group Treasurer - ITOCHU Minerals & Energy of Australia  
BBus Accounting (2003)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

With over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance and treasury industry, Amy Wong has established herself as a prominent figure in the field. Her expertise spans across various sectors including banking, finance, hotel management, investment and more. Amy currently holds the position of Group Treasurer in a subsidiary of 500 Fortune Company ITOCHU Minerals & Energy of Australia Pty Ltd.

As a Chartered Accountant and Fellow Member of CPA Australia, HKCPA and Institute of Public Accountants, Amy possesses a deep knowledge and understanding of accounting, financial, auditing, trade finance, capital market, commodity hedging, cash flow management and FX risk management.

Throughout her career, Amy has held several high-level positions in reputable organizations, including senior roles in multinational banks, international hospitality groups and 500 fortune companies. She has a proven track record of successfully managing teams and overseeing accounting and financial operations.

Amy Wong was the recipient of Women in leadership in Australia China Alumni Awards in 2021. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding accomplishments of an individual in the corporate field. Amy is also known for her dedication to community service. She serves as a mentor to emerging professionals in the accounting and finance industry.

CEO - LawPath  
BBus Marketing Major (2010), Juris Doctor (2012) 
UTS Alumni Award, Law (2020); UTS Friend of Distinction  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

As Chief Executive Officer of Lawpath, Dominic Woolrych has dedicated his career to making legal services more accessible and affordable, revolutionising the industry by assisting over 350,000 businesses in navigating legal matters with unparalleled efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Under Mr Woolrych’s leadership, Lawpath has earned its reputation as one of Australia's top 10 legal startups, ranking within the top 50 worldwide. The company's achievements include recognition in the AFR's list of top 50 fastest-growing businesses in Australia, nominations for the 2022 AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies, and selection as a finalist in the Australian Financial Review's Best Places to Work in 2022.

Mr Woolrych’s expertise extends beyond his work at Lawpath, as he is also an Adjunct Professor at the UTS and a founding member of the Australian Legal Technology Association. He is a winner of an Australian Legal Innovation Index award and was a finalist in the SmallBiz Young Hero Awards' Young innovator category.

Before his work at Lawpath, Mr Woolrych worked as a corporate lawyer at Minter Ellison Lawyers, Australia. He also advocated for the public interest at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) as a criminal solicitor and spent time at the International Court of Justice.

Term: 2023 - 2025
Co-Founder & Executive Director - Salon Lane  
BBus Finance (2000) 
UTS Luminary; UTS Friend of Distinction  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Lance Kalish is a serial entrepreneur and recognised among Australia’s most accomplished international consumer product builders and social entrepreneurs. Lance is the co-founder and executive director of Salon Lane, a premium shared workspace solution that creates move-in-ready salon studios and workspaces for hair, beauty and wellness professionals. Founded in 2020, Salon Lane has three sites housing more than 120 freelancers.

Prior to Salon Lane, Lance co-founded Yoobi, a school/office supplies brand that facilitates giving school supplies to more than six million needy schoolkids in Australia and the US. In 2016 Lance co-founded LA-based beauty brand incubator Beach House Group, which creates and commercialises worldclass brands including Florence By Mills with Millie Bobby Brown, Pattern Beauty with Tracey Ellis Ross and Moon Oral Care with Kendall Jenner.

In 2006 Lance and his partner Ido Leffler co-founded global skincare brand Yes To Inc. which became the second biggest natural beauty brand in the USA. In 2013, the two co-authored Get Big Fast and Do More Good, a guide to modern entrepreneurship.

In 2016 Lance and Ido won Third Sector’s award for Australian Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

Term: 2023 - 2025
Co-Founder, Director - Atelier Sisu  
BDesign Industrial Design (2010)  
Resides in NSW  
LinkedIn

Renzo is a Sydney-based Peruvian sculptor and light artist, industrial designer, and creator of interactive installations. He is the Owner and Lead Artist of Chimera Atelier and the Co-founder and Director of Atelier Sisu.

Atelier Sisu is a design studio, located in Marrickville, led by award-winning artists Renzo B. Larriviere and Zara Pasfield. The pair work with a multi-disciplinary team to create experiential environments, installations and sculptures.

Their direction of work sits between the fields of art and architecture (art-chitecture), with particular focus in the realm of public art. Their work endeavours to be visually engaging and intellectually elegant in nature. Each public artwork aims to provide a unique spatial experience for its visitors, while also contributing to the visual identity of a place.

Accolades for Atelier Sisu include INDEF Design Awards (winner, 2020), Architecture and Design Community Awards (second place, 2022), and the Australian Enterprise Awards (winner, 2023).