BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING LEADERS

FUTURE FORTE CONFERENCE 2024

Empowering International Students for Inclusion, Equity, and Innovation in Australia

🗓️ 6th September

🕑 9am - 5pm

📌 Melbourne Museum

This Conference will become part of your story in Australia.

On September 6 (Friday) at Melbourne Museum, Future Forte Conference 2024 is bringing together 200 in-person attendees and 1,000 online attendees to celebrate our shared journeys. Since 2019, we have been pivotal in showcasing the power of diverse leadership and the significant contributions of international students. This Conference provides a platform for sharing stories of success, overcoming challenges, and fostering a mindset of innovation and social change.

Agenda

9:00 am

Welcome Speech

  • Regil is a community builder, born and raised in the Philippines. With a background in operations and management, she has dedicated a decade of her career to shaping and supporting coworking spaces, creative hubs, and fostering community engagement through program design and events management. Regil holds an MBA specializing in Women in Leadership. She finds joy in work that involves supporting and helping people to thrive in what they do. Currently, Regil works as the Community Lead at The Hive, a coworking space in St Kilda, she volunteers with Future Forte, leading the Empower Volunteering Program and stepping into a co-CEO role. Regil also advocates for education and women empowerment. She actively helps young and disadvantaged women in the Philippines find financial support to fund their college education, believing in the transformative power of education to change lives and uplift communities.

  • As the Director, Future Students at the University of Melbourne, Davina leads the team responsible for recruitment and selection of students. She also has experience in the delivery of employability and experiential learning programs including learning abroad. Her research interests include international higher education with a particular focus on the intersection of international experiences and employment. Davina has experience in higher education on four continents, including work within universities in USA, Italy and Australia, and as a representative of the Australian Government in Latin America.

  • Deputy Secretary, Industry, Trade and Investment, CEO Invest Victoria & Global Victoria Danni has held leadership roles in the Victorian Government shaping its current priorities and initiatives to achieve sustained economic growth by supporting Victorian companies to export to the world and securing investment into the State from both multinationals and high growth startups. Danni has deep government experience with a focus on industry development, particularly across innovation and technology, design and defence. Danni takes pride in leading a team of high performing people committed to delivering on complex projects that shape our State and add value and colour to our lives.

9:30 am

Keynote Speech

  • 🔸Elfy is a presenter, journalist, and author.

    🔸In 2023, Elfy was an Executive Editor at Mamamia, publishing long-form journalism, columns and appearing on podcasts such as The Quicky, Mamamia Out Loud and The Spill. Previously, Elfy hosted the Spotify exclusive podcast, Left Right Out and weekly environmental news podcast, The Green Canary.

    🔸Her debut book, ’The One Thing We’ve Never Spoken About’ focuses on the experiences of people living with complex mental health conditions in Australia and was published by Pantera Press in early 2023.

    🔸Elfy started out her journalism career at BuzzFeed News as their first science reporter and her freelance journalism has featured in The Guardian, The Saturday Paper, SBS, Junkee, Pedestrian, and VICE.

    🔸Elfy also worked as the senior producer and host of the daily video news show, The Junkee Takeaway for Junkee Media, which secured over 20 million views in its first year. In 2021 she took home a 30 Under 30 award from B&T in the Producer/Journalist category for her work on this show.

    🔸She has collaborated as a presented and producer with a number of high-profile brands including Red Bull, Google, Snapchat, Greenpeace, and Bank Australia.

    🔸Elfy is a huge nerd at heart and her greatest passions include science reporting, climate action, and talking about mental health.

10:00 am

I Did It My Way: Spotlighting diverse women journeys

Each year, we spotlight a stellar panel of diverse women who have carved out their own paths in their chosen fields, created impacts for others, and achieved significant successes on their own terms. This year, we are proud to present Associate Professor Susie Ho, Director of the Monash Innovation Guarantee and a passionate sustainability leader; Debie Lee, National Womens and Girls Football Lead at the Australian Football League; Honorary Consul to the Kingdom of Thailand, Tessa Sullivan; and Bedi Othow, Head of Corporate Services at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission. Through their stories, you will find inspiration in how they overcame barriers in their ways, courage to pursue a dream of your own, and a sense of solidarity through our shared experiences. From championing equality and driving innovation in sustainability to creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, these leaders demonstrate the power of authenticity and perseverance. This panel promises to be a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and leadership. Whether you're at the start of your career, considering a bold change, or seeking to amplify your impact, you'll find valuable lessons and motivation in these remarkable stories. Let their journeys inspire you to chart your own course, embrace your unique strengths as a multicultural individual, and make your mark in the world, your way.

  • Bedi is a passionate Human Resource professional with over 10 years of experience within the financial, legal, and public sectors. She's currently the Head of Corporate Services at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Bedi is a strong advocate for inclusion within the workplace and is the proud co-founder of DivTal, a HR training and consulting firm committed to assisting organisations in building diverse and inclusive workplaces with an intersectional lens. Bedi holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Management (HR Strategic Management) from Monash University. She believes in breaking the barriers and the importance of representation in every industry. You may also find her on the runway or in a campaign as she is also a curve fashion model.

  • Associate Professor Susie Siew Yuen Ho (Monash University) is the Director of Enterprise Immersion in the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education), Contact Point to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and co-head of delegations to COPs. With a background in ecology and sustainability, and over 15 years of experience in curriculum design and scholarly research in solutions-focused and transformative education, as well as multiple education awards, Dr Ho contributes a broad relevant expertise to the UN space. She designs interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral programs and partnerships to accelerate the Action for Climate Empowerment agenda (Article 12 of the Paris Agreement). She works with over 200 industry partners to develop authentic curricula including corporations, NPOs, startups and government and UN agencies. She is part of a UN project setting global indicators for climate change education worldwide and is a member of the Victorian Skills Authority Advisory Board. Dr. Ho is passionate about empowering young leaders through Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). She trains global youth in intergovernmental climate diplomacy and has led eight global youth delegations to UN climate change conferences.

  • 🔸Tessa Sullivan is an award-winning lawyer and Officer of the Supreme Court of Victoria, a qualified mediator and arbitrator certified by the Australian Centre for Justice Innovation and a casual academic and lecturer of law at the University of New England.​

    🔸Tessa was born and raised in Thailand, educated in Singapore and finished her tertiary education in Australia, France, Italy and the United States of America. She speaks four languages and is a married mother-of-three.

    🔸Tessa worked as a journalist with the Bangkok International Film Festival, the Government of Thailand and Network Ten. She is currently studying her second Masters at Harvard University under the David Nason Scholarship by the American Australian Association. Tessa has also completed a Monash University law scholarship in Prato, Italy. Tessa also has a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Laws (Juris Doctorate) from Monash University.​

    🔸Tessa was awarded the Marjorie Glasson Award for Community Service and the Rubridge Award for Excellence with her study thesis into Japanese Noh theatre. Tessa also won the Silver medal at the Parisian 9th International Chamber of Commerce Mediation Competition, and in 2020, Tessa was awarded the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians for recognition of her work in Government and for breaking the bamboo and glass ceiling in being the first Thai national ever elected into Australian Government and in creating legislative changes to workplace protection laws.​

  • 🔸Debbie’s extensive experience in the football industry has lifted her into the top echelons of Australian Sport. Often referred to as a pioneer of Women's Football for her work both on and off the field. With more than 30 years of experience in women's football both at the elite and community level, including 18 years working professionally in the AFL industry, Debbie has had great success navigating one of the most male dominated sporting industries.

    🔸For decades she has advocated and driven change to improve the visibility, representation and participation of women and girls in the game of AFL. She was instrumental in establishing the AFLW competition and has made it accessible for half the population to now have access to the game, like we know it today.

    🔸Debbie is a true leader, a change agent, she has wonderful insights into building great cultures, is proficient building high-performance teams with female athletes and women’s sporting teams, and is passionate about gender equality, equity for women, inclusive environments and advancing women in sport. 

    🔸Debbie is currently the National Women and Girl's Action Plan Lead at the AFL. She previously held position as the General Manager of Women's Football at both the Western Bulldogs' and Melbourne Football Club.  

    🔸Debbie also has one of the most illustrious football careers in our game, starting with playing with East Brunswick Scorpions (VWFL) as a 17-year-old.  She played 302 games, represented Victoria on 16 occasions, including six as captain, is a 6 time All Australian, five-time Helen Lambert Medalist (equivalent to Brownlow), two time premiership player.

    🔸Off the field Debbie served 8 years as President of the Victorian Women's Football League, she also established the Sunshine YCW Spurs in 1993, the first women's football team in the West For recognition for her efforts and contribution to Women's Football both on and off the field Debbie was awarded AFL Life Membership and more recently was the first woman to be inducted into the AFL’s Hall of Fame.

    🔸Debbie is also a proud mum of Stevie (4) and Mack (7) and has a great unconventional family story, that only adds to her fascinating journey.

  • 🔸Belle Kwan is a dynamic communications leader with 19 years of experience in journalism, marketing, and multicultural-centric strategic communications. Her journey began at the age of 18 as a Crime Reporter in Singapore, where she honed her investigative skills and passion for storytelling. In 2007, Belle relocated to Australia, where she brought her expertise to renowned publications such as The Age and Marketing Magazine. Her tenure as Head of Content and Marketing at the Australian Jewish News spanned over a decade, during which she transformed the publication's approach to engaging with its audience.

    🔸As the proud founder of Jia Collective, a multicultural communications and competency agency, Belle empowers organisations and teams to connect meaningfully with Australia's multicultural communities. Her agency is dedicated to inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

    🔸In addition to her leadership role at Jia Collective, Belle is a sought-after trainer and lecturer. She passionately advocates for the next generation of marketing professionals, emphasising the importance of listening to and respecting Australia's diverse audience. Belle's dedication to fostering inclusive dialogue and representation is shaping the future of multicultural communications in Australia.

10:45 am

Morning Tea Break 🍵

11:15 am

Women Leading the Way in Climate Action: Sustainability / Climate Change

In a fast-changing world where the climate crisis presents both challenges and opportunities, the leadership of women has proven to be a powerful force for sustainable change. Gender equity is not just a social issue but a key to unlocking innovative and effective climate solutions. This session brings together pioneering women who are leading the change in climate action and sustainability efforts. Among them is Yasmina Dkhiss, a Climate Human and Sustainability Strategist with 12 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Laura Madrid, Founder of Environmental Professional Community of Australia and Yesha Patel, founder of After. . They will share the impact of their work on the environment, and discuss the intersection of gender equity and environmental stewardship. From grassroots initiatives to corporate sustainability transformations, let's explore how women's leadership can accelerate our progress towards a more sustainable and equitable world. This panel isn't just about listening—it's about empowering you to take action, potentially sparking your own innovative ideas for climate solutions.

  • Yasmina is a Sustainability Strategist who cares for the wellbeing of the planet and its people, feels deeply inspired by Nature and has been working in the public and private sectors on delivering innovative solutions to today’s sustainability challenges for the past 12 years. She brings a human-centred lens to the range of collaborative, trans-disciplinary, climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience R&I programs she has co-designed and implemented; balancing blue-sky strategic thinking and grounding in real-world impact. She holds a PhD in solar thin films from the University of Melbourne and is writing a book exploring what it means to be human in the context of the climate crisis and the paradoxes it brings. She is a Climate Human.

  • 🔸In recent years, Laura Madrid has worked as a Senior Program Management Office (PMO) & ESG Consultant, playing a pivotal role in various projects. Her diverse background spans multiple industries, and she has been instrumental in major road and rail projects in Victoria. Laura's key skills include establishing project delivery governance, developing procedures, and implementing tools for complex multi-year portfolios. She is known for her focus on effective delivery and her commitment to fostering strong, collaborative teams.

    🔸As the Founder of the Environmental Professional Community of Australia, Laura has established a network with representatives in six cities across the country. Committed to nurturing personal growth, she empowers individuals to shine in their unique ways. Her hands-on approach to life has enabled her to help others discover their strengths and step into leadership roles throughout their journeys.

    🔸Laura also has a background as an Environmental Engineer with experience in hydroelectric systems in South America. She transitioned into the realm of Programs and Projects with expertise in sustainable supply chains, modern slavery, and governance of multi-year portfolios.

    🔸Additionally, she is a young entrepreneur driven by a passion to empower others to create sources of income that can transform their lives and the lives of others. Whether overseeing operations, governance, or offering sustainability guidance, Laura’s commitment to teamwork, leadership, and positive change drives exceptional outcomes.

  • Driven by a passion for the circular economy for textiles and environmental sustainability, Yesha Patel founded After to disrupt the textile waste economy. With a Master in Entrepreneurship from The University of Melbourne, she has since grown After to an award-winning company which has diverted over 11 tonnes of textile waste across Australia. Yesha has won Best Pitch and People’s Choice at the University of Melbourne's Wade Institute Showcase, has been recognised in the SAARI Collective's 101 South Asian Australian Start-up Founders List, and was nominated for the 7 News Young Achiever Awards in Environmental Sustainability.

  • 🔸Javiera is an early career researcher who earned her PhD in Conservation Biology from Monash University in 2023, focusing on recovering threatened biodiversity. She is set to start a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Queensland, modelling coral reef adaptation to climate change. With a background in ecology and natural resource management, and teaching experience in sustainability, innovation, and evidence-based conservation, Javiera is dedicated to developing effective solutions to the biodiversity crisis.

    🔸She is also a strong advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), volunteering as the Program Manager at Future Forte. Her efforts in EDI and enhancing the international student experience were honoured with the 2023 Victorian International Student of the Year Award in the Research Category.

    🔸Driven by her passion for nature, sustainability, and community engagement, Javiera aims to make a meaningful impact by aligning her interests with purposeful action.

11:45 am

Designing Thinking

Unlock your creative potential with the "Design Thinking Your Way" workshop, led by the Future Minds Network's CEO, Nathaniel Diong. This interactive session is designed to equip you with the principles of design thinking, empowering you to innovate and solve problems effectively, no matter whether you're an entrepreneur, professional or artist. Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation that draws from the designer's toolkit to integrate the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success. Through this workshop, you'll learn to apply design thinking to tackle real-world challenges, fostering creativity and innovation in your personal and professional life. Engage in hands-on activities, collaborative exercises, and practical applications that will enhance your problem-solving skills and spark your creativity. Whether you are pursuing a career in business, engineering, healthcare, or the arts, design thinking will provide you with a powerful framework to drive impactful solutions and innovation.

  • 🔸At 16 years old, Nathaniel grappled with intense anxiety about his future, as he watched his family struggle through challenging jobs and injuries. But today, he’s not just reimagining his own future, but the future of the next generation.

    🔸Nathaniel is the founder & CEO of Future Minds Network, a social enterprise that is transforming the lives of low-SES and regional young Australians. It empowers them to develop essential employability skills, crucial social networks, and shape their own career pathways amidst an uncertain future. Since 2018, Future Minds has equipped 13,000 young people with innovation skills, enabling them to secure jobs or launch their own ventures. Alumni have started pioneering 3D-printing businesses, advanced software applications and charities supporting 10,000 elderly residents.

    🔸His impactful work has been featured by international media, including SBS World News, the Star, China Daily, and the Australian. He has been recognised on Forbes 30 Under 30, named a finalist for Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, as well as Young Australian of the Year. It’s even led him to work with the world’s leading companies on attracting Gen Z talent, navigating intergenerational gaps and the future of work in over 11 countries.

Networking Lunch 🍕

12:30 pm

1:30 pm

Afternoon Welcome Speech

  • Ursula Safe is the Assistant Director of Student Recruitment Australia at RMIT University, where she leads the development and execution of innovative recruitment strategies targeting both domestic and international onshore audiences. With over 25 years of experience in the tertiary education sector, Ursula has a deep understanding of student engagement and marketing. Her recent work focuses on creating meaningful connections with prospective students and their key influencers, spearheading impactful university-wide initiatives like Open Day.

1:35 pm

Fireside Chat With a Changemaker

This Change-maker is unlike anyone else. Peggy O'Neal AO (Chancellor of RMIT) has a lifetime of contributions. The first woman in AFL history to serve as a club president, Peggy was at the helm when the Richmond Football Club won three Premierships in recent times, and a successful bid for the AFL Women team. Throughout her career, Peggy is a successful lawyer and holds leadership and director positions in major global law and financial services firm. She also served on various boards and committees, advocating for women’s equality and mental health. Peggy was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her services to Australian rules football, financial services law and women in leadership roles, and in 2021 was named Melburnian of the Year. In this intimate fireside conversation, Peggy will share her wisdom on leadership, service, and championing gender equity. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most influential changemakers.

  • 🔸Peggy O’Neal AO has been Chancellor of RMIT University since January 2022.

    🔸Peggy has a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia. In December 2018, she was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Swinburne University for her work in gender equality and developing women sport leaders. Peggy has specialised in superannuation and financial services law for more than 25 years and is a consultant to Lander and Rogers.

    🔸In June 2019, Peggy was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for her services to Australian rules football, financial services law, and women in leadership roles. Peggy is the immediate past president of the Richmond Football Club where she was president from October 2013 until December 2022. Peggy served on the Club's board from 2005 and was president when the Richmond Football Club won the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premierships. She also served on the AFL's Competition Committee from 2018 until 2022.

    🔸In 2014 Peggy was appointed chair of the Victorian Minister for Sport's year-long Inquiry into 'Women and Girls in Sport and Active Recreation'.

    🔸She has been a non-executive director of several companies in the superannuation and financial services sectors. She is currently the chair of Vanguard Superannuation.

    🔸Peggy is on the board of Women's Housing Limited and on the investment advisory panel of Home for Homes (an initiative of the Big Issue).

    🔸Peggy was named Melburnian of the Year for 2021. In June 2022, she received VicSport's award for "Outstanding Contribution to Sport".

    🔸Peggy is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is also a member of Chief Executive Women and the Melbourne Forum.

  • 🔸Dr. Belle Lim is a diversity and inclusion consultant, advocate, and speaker. She is a Associate Director at MindTribes, a DEI consulting firm specialising in intersectionality, focussing on education and health sectors. Belle is a member of the Welcoming Universities Advisory Committee, Museum Victoria Inclusion Working Group, and Crime Stoppers Victoria Youth Advisory Group.

    🔸In 2018, Belle founded Future Forte, an initiative and network for international students and multicultural women, where she now serves as the Executive Director. Future Forte has welcomed more than 2,500 women from around the globe, promoting diverse women and youth leadership particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

    🔸Belle also served as the National President ‘20/21 at the Council of International Students Australia after serving two years as the National Women's Officer. In the role she represented over 550,000 international students in committees, conferences, board meetings, advisory groups and in the media.

    🔸Belle obtained a PhD degree at Monash University and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre on the topic of breast cancer genetics in 2022. She was a 2023 Fellow with the Schmidt Futures’ International Strategy Forum representing Asia Pacific. She has been recognised as the Monash Faculty Gold Medalist in 2017, Victorian International Student of the Year in 2019, Victoria Volunteering Leadership Award Finalist 2022, Asia Society's Asia Game Changer Finalist 2023, and Global Citizen Youth Leader 2024.

2:00 pm

Driving Social Impact through Entrepreneurship: Social impact

Explore a world where businesses drive positive change and transform communities through societal impact. Moderated by Wintana Kidane (Co-Founder and CEO of Bittersweet Productions), this session will illuminate the powerful intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact with three dynamic entrepreneurs. The panel features Vicki Stirling, seasoned start up executive and head of The Startup Network, committed to supporting diverse founders; Dr. Suji Sanjeevan, clinical researcher turned entrepeneur, co-founder of Light & Glo Designs; and Stacey Ong, experienced management consultant, founder and CEO of One Red Step, a consulting practice focused on social justice and inclusion. We will delve into the stories, strategies, and passions that drive these visionaries to create businesses that not only thrive but also uplift society. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring changemaker, or simply curious about the power of social impact, this panel promises to inspire, challenge, and equip you with insights to make your own mark. This panel is an invitation to reimagine the role of business in shaping a better world.

  • Vicki Stirling is a seasoned Startup Executive. Vicki's career began at Nike, where she fell in love with Product Management, she went on to run product at Redbubble through its high growth journey and into IPO (the ultimate opportunity for any startup enthusiast). Vicki now runs The Startup Network, a thriving community of founders from all walks of life. The Startup Network equips founders with the education and community they need to help their startup succeed.

  • Dr. Suji Sanjeevan, a Melbourne-based clinical researcher, transitioned into an ambience creator by co-founding Light & Glo Designs Pty Ltd with her husband Jeeva in 2015. Starting with a $237 investment, they bootstrapped their way to success by delivering emotions through scents. Their brand, BrandScent, evolved into a service focusing on scent marketing, creating signature scents for brands, and has partnered with notable companies like American Express and Four Pillars Gin. Suji, a King's College medical graduate, applied her medical knowledge to create therapeutic, premium fragrance products. She’s earned numerous awards, including Young Business Person of the Year, and serves on the Victorian Government Multicultural Business Ministerial Council.

  • 🔸Stacey Ong (One Red Step) is an economist by training, and founder and Director of One Red Step, a consulting practice focused on social justice and social inclusion. She is an experienced management consultant with over 17 years’ experience in private, public and community sectors.

    🔸Prior to founding One Red Step, she was a Director in management consulting with PricewaterhouseCoopers focusing on social policy and was their national staff lead for cultural diversity and inclusion for three years. Stacey has provided gender equality advice on gender responsive budgeting, gender impact assessments and the most recent gender equality strategy in Victoria. She has practical experience working with large corporate organisations and smaller not-for-profits on positive change towards gender equality including providing training and advice on workplace sexual harassment.

    🔸Stacey is on the Board of Melbourne City Mission and Women's Health Victoria. Stacey is a Fellow with the Women's Leadership Institute of Australia and is undertaking her Masters of Social Science at RMIT University.

  • 🔸Wintana Kidane is a podcast host, presenter, curator, and the founder of Bittersweet Productions. She is deeply passionate about creating media spaces that authentically represent people of colour, with a special focus on black women, in a relatable and genuine manner.

    🔸Bittersweet Productions was born from Wintana's desire to see black stories authentically represented in mainstream media. Since its inception in 2019 with the launch of the Bittersweet Podcast, the concept has flourished into a full-fledged production house dedicated to creating relatable and uplifting content. Through her work, Wintana continues to champion the representation of black voices and narratives in media, ensuring they are heard and celebrated.

2:30 pm

Find Your Forte

Discover your unique strengths and unlock your full potential in our "Find Your Forte" workshop, delivered by Regil Cadavos from Future Forte. This empowering session focuses on self-development, building confidence, and articulating cultural knowledge to enhance your holistic career and life wellbeing. Gain deeper insights into your strengths, passions, and values, and learn practical strategies to boost your confidence and present your best self in any situation. Explore ways to leverage your cultural background and experiences as assets in your career and personal life, and identify the unique qualities that set you apart. Join Regil Cadavos in this transformative workshop and take the first step towards a more fulfilling and successful future. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a change, "Find Your Forte" will equip you with the tools and confidence to thrive.

  • Regil is a community builder, born and raised in the Philippines. With a background in operations and management, she has dedicated a decade of her career to shaping and supporting coworking spaces, creative hubs, and fostering community engagement through program design and events management. Regil holds an MBA specializing in Women in Leadership. She finds joy in work that involves supporting and helping people to thrive in what they do. Currently, Regil works as the Community Lead at The Hive, a coworking space in St Kilda, she volunteers with Future Forte, leading the Empower Volunteering Program and stepping into a co-CEO role. Regil also advocates for education and women empowerment. She actively helps young and disadvantaged women in the Philippines find financial support to fund their college education, believing in the transformative power of education to change lives and uplift communities.

3:00 pm

Afternoon Tea Break 🍵

3:30 pm

Leading with Allyship

To be a strong and inclusive leader, it takes allyship. In this session, Div Pillay (CEO of MindTribes) speaks to three leaders who exemplify allyship for international students, women and people of intersecting identities in their personal and professional lives. Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM is the CEO and Founder of Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Named Melbournian of The Year in 2023, Kon has been supporting and advocating for asylum seekers for 23 years and counting. Cristina Abela (Director at Latin Stories Australia) creates a platform for the Latin community in Australia to share their stories in their own words, celebrating their contribution and the value they bring to their new communities. Finally, Will Alderton (Program Director Retention Equity, CQUniversity) is a passionate and invested leader who dedicate his career to enhance equity in higher education, including working closely with international students.

  • 🔸Will Alderton is the Program Director, Retention Equity at CQUniversity Australia. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the coordination, prioritisation, and evaluation of existing student retention efforts, with a focus on enhancing support for students from under-represented and equity backgrounds, including international students.

    🔸Will holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Applied Linguistics (TESOL), and a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) majoring in Computer Systems Engineering, ensuring he has the experience and understanding to support the large number of international students studying Business and STEM related courses at CQUniversity Australia.

    🔸Will is always open to discussions with industry and community leaders about how the University can respond to education, training and research opportunities. He can also facilitate discussions to organise work placement opportunities for international students.

  • 🔸Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM is the founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the current Melburnian of the Year.

    🔸Kon is a qualified Lawyer, Social Worker and Teacher and has been recognised for his community service with an Order of Australia Medal, and dozens of other awards including an Honorary Doctor of Laws and a Churchill Fellowship.

    🔸Kon is also a twice published author, his memoir ‘The Power of Hope’ by Harper Collins and his bestseller Greek cookbook ‘Philoxenia - A Seat At My Table’ co-authored with his mother, Sia Karapanagiotidis, by Hardie Grant Books. He is a keen gardener and cook, well known public speaker and advocate for a range of social causes.

    🔸Kon was the first to go to high school in his family, the son of Greek migrants and the grandson of Pontian refugees. Inspired by his own family's experiences of displacement, migration, racism and discrimination, this led to Kon being passionate about human rights and social justice. Kon has spent his life in service to the community since the age of 18, having volunteered in more than two dozen charities from Indigenous, youth, homeless, mental health, community legal centres to people living with HIV/AIDS and children’s charities.

    🔸At the age of 28 Kon founded his own charity, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in the space of 8 weeks as a class project with the TAFE students he was teaching at the time. It has since gone on to save and enhance the lives of thousands of refugees, change national laws, narratives and policies, engage with thousands of volunteers together with refugees to do this work.

    🔸Kon has also raised, with his incredible fundraising team at the ASRC, more than a quarter of a billion dollars through the support of hundreds of thousands of Australians to power the work of the ASRC, and help more than 30,000 people seeking asylum and refugees since it began, as a charity that takes no funding from the Australian Government on principle.

  • 🔸Director at Latin Stories Australia

    🔸Cristina Abela is Senior Policy Adviser at Essential Services Commission and Director at Latin Stories Australia.

    🔸She has worked for the Victorian state government for 9 years, with previous roles at the largest cement company worldwide CEMEX.

    🔸She moved to Australia 10 years ago to do a Master of Science in Environment at the University of Melbourne.

    🔸Although she is a chemical engineer, her current roles have a strong focus on customer and stakeholder engagement.

    🔸Passionate about helping migrants of Latin American background feel supported in their new lives in Australia.

    🔸She is a mum of a 3-year-old boy, She also loves sushi & tiramisu Every Sunday she is at the family business at Swallowfield Vineyards in the Yarra Valley.

  • 🔸Div Pillay is a diversity and inclusion practitioner, leader, researcher and advocate with over 20 years of experience in gender, race and cultural inclusion. Born, raised and educated in South Africa, Div carries with her, her lived experience of racial segregation. For the last 11 years, Div has researched the covert nature of negative behaviours at work, as experienced by women, migrants, refugees and asylum seeker professionals. Backed by her behavioural science and economics background, Div has worked with boards and executive teams in large private and public sector entities to realise long lasting change. Div leads award winning diversity and inclusion consultancy MindTribes, and social enterprise Culturally Diverse Women. Both businesses were recognised by Westpac in their Top 200 Businesses of Tomorrow for social impact.

    🔸Div is a Governor of Victoria at the American Chamber of Commerce, Australia; a Board Director at VicHealth; and Chair of the Workforce Committee. In 2018, Div was named one of the 100 Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review. In 2021, she was listed by the AACSB; the world’s largest business-education alliance, as one of the 25 Global Influencers in Social Impact. In 2023, Div was selected as a Top Linkedin Voice for Gender Equity in Australia. In 2024, she was listed as one of the 124 Impactful Asian Australians, by the Asian Australian Alliance. Div also co-hosts the popular podcast, ‘Business in Colour’ and is regularly invited by the media to contribute as an industry expert on equity and inclusion.

4:10 pm

FF Spotlight International Students

This TED talk-style session offers a platform to share diverse international student stories, experiences, and perspectives. Students will gain inspiration and a sense of belonging, knowing that their concerns are being acknowledged and discussed.

Alexis Murugi Ngunyi

Yijia Ji

Karina Chan

Ethan Ly

Chi Nguyen

Zhafira Ratna Aulia

Stacy Doan

Maharani Kandasamy

4:50 pm

Closing Speeches

  • As the Head of People and Culture at Museums Victoria, Andrew has over 14 years of experience driving the development and integration of innovative, people-focused work practices for Museums Victoria, while ensuring that Museums Victoria continues to foster a dynamic, supportive, and diverse work environment, enabling it to deliver exceptional experiences for the community.

  • Aiden Hao Wei Lim is an emerging artist/designer from Malaysia, arrived in Melbourne 5 years ago to pursue what she couldn’t back in her home country, which is arts and fashion. Her works focuses on exploring genders, sexuality, embodiment of concepts and storytelling through visual medium. She is fascinated by how fashion is intricately intertwined with sociocultural systems and contexts, shaping and reflecting societal norms and values.

  • 🔸 Nicholas Reece was first elected as a councillor in 2016. He was then elected Deputy Lord Mayor in November 2020.

    🔸 On 2 July 2024 Nicholas Reece was sworn in as Lord Mayor at a Special meeting of Council.

    🔸 Nick is an executive in Chancellery at the University of Melbourne and holds an academic position of principal fellow and teaches at the Melbourne School of Government.

    🔸 Nick is the former chairman of global men’s health charity Movember. Founded in Melbourne, more than 6 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have joined the Movember movement and raised almost $1.2b for prostate cancer and men’s mental health. For over 10 years, Nick was a director for the street newspaper The Big Issue, Australia’s most successful social enterprise for homeless and marginalised people.

    🔸 Nick has considerable experience in government and policymaking, having worked as a senior adviser to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Victorian premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby. He is a commentator for SKY News and a regular columnist for The Age.

    🔸 He is the Deputy Lead for Finance, Governance and Risk portfolio, City Planning portfolio, City Transport portfolio Infrastructure and Operations portfolio and Aboriginal Melbourne portfolio.

5:00 pm

The End 🩷

Benefits for Students

📚 Knowledge and Insights

Gain inspiration from role models in diverse leadership and inclusive impacts.

🚀 Career Development

Join workshops on self-branding, innovation, and career planning to enhance employability and network.

🌍 Sustainability and Equity Awareness

Engage with leaders on sustainability and global citizenship.

🎤 FF Spotlight on International Students

Celebrate our shared journeys as international students.

🤝 Networking and Connections

Connect with professionals, mentors, and peers for internships and job opportunities.

Our Sponsors

Key Presenting Partner - Study Melbourne

Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative providing support and information to this community of international students, helping them have the best possible time while studying and living in Victoria. Study Melbourne offers international students free and confidential support services, cultural experiences, social events, and employability programs that enable them to thrive during their studies.

The award-winning Study Melbourne Student Centre is the first of its kind in Australia. International students can access free support and information throughout their study journey. Study Melbourne also offers a network of offshore study hubs to support offshore international students (current, future and alumni) studying or looking to study with a Victorian education provider.

Key Education Partner - University of Melbourne

As a place of discovery and enquiry, the University of Melbourne’s purpose is to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.

Established in 1853, it is one of Australia’s oldest universities and the first in Victoria. Today, the University’s vibrant community comprises over 53,000 students, including 45 per cent international students from more than 150 countries. Our students are supported by over 10,000 academic and professional staff, who play a vital role in fulfilling the University’s mission. The diversity of experience, backgrounds and perspectives of all members of our community enriches the fabric of our University.

As a leading research-intensive university, our dual purposes of education and research are reflected in the experience we offer our students. Our educational approach encourages students to explore their passions and foster deep expertise in their chosen fields. We nurture a culture of curiosity and creativity, providing students with the opportunity to learn from academics and researchers at the forefront of their respective disciplines.

The University’s commitment to excellence has earned it its place among the world’s best universities, delivering education and research that are global in reach, ambition and impact.

Platinum Partner - City of Melbourne

Melbourne City Council is the local government body responsible for the municipality of Melbourne. The Council consists of a lord mayor, a deputy lord mayor, and nine councilors.

Elected by the community, the Council is the decision-making body that sets the strategic direction and policy of the municipality. It delivers the four-year Council Plan, which sets out what the Council will achieve during its four-year term to further the community vision; and the Annual Plan and Budget.

Venue Partner - Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum is a vibrant hub showcasing Victoria's diverse history, culture, and natural world. From the towering Forest Gallery to the fascinating Science and Life Gallery, visitors can explore everything from dinosaurs and fossils to Aboriginal cultures and the story of Melbourne. With interactive exhibits, world-class exhibitions, IMAX cinema, and family-friendly spaces, the museum offers an enriching experience for all ages.

Virtual Conference Partner - Monash University

Monash University is a leading global research-intensive institution, recognized for its excellence in education and research across the Indo-Pacific and beyond. With a strong focus on addressing global challenges like climate change and geopolitical insecurity, Monash offers comprehensive study options, including double degrees, graduate studies, and professional development. The university's global reach includes campuses in Australia, Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, and Italy, with partnerships spanning over 100 institutions worldwide. Monash is celebrated for its innovation, diversity, and international impact, consistently ranking among the top universities globally.

Gold Partner - U.S. Consulate General Melbourne

The U.S. Consulate General Melbourne's district is one of the largest in the world, covering 1,037,000 square miles, including Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.

Consul General Kathleen Lively is a career American diplomat currently serving in Melbourne. Ms. Lively was the Minister Counselor for Management Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya from 2019 – 2021. Prior to that, she served three years as the Dean of the Foreign Service Institute’s School of Applied Information Technology. Ms. Lively has also represented the United States in Romania, The United Kingdom, Japan, Poland and Afghanistan. Ms. Lively is a Washington D.C. native. She holds Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Public Policy from the University of Chicago as well as a Master of Science degree in Resourcing National Security from the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington D.C.

Alongside the Consulate’s work in Consular, Political and Economic areas, the Public Affairs Section connects with Australian communities to collaborate on issues of bilateral importance including the U.S.-Australia alliance, our economic partnership, climate change, and a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Melbourne Consulate is also home to an EducationUSA office providing services to local students, parents, and educators as well as U.S. higher education contacts through a range of programming, including general and specialized information sessions, career fairs, one-on-one meetings, and pre-departure briefings. 

The office of the United States Ambassador to Australia is currently held by Caroline Kennedy, appointed with effect from July 25, 2022.

Silver Partner - Swinburne University of Technology

At Swinburne University of Technology, we’re creating the next generation of engineers, designers, bioethicists, space lawyers, cyber experts and more — today.

As an internationally recognised university, our commitment to high-quality teaching and research is what makes us educational leaders in science, technology, innovation, business and design. Our cutting-edge facilities ensure we deliver our courses at the highest level to make a positive impact – every day.

With real industry experience offered in all courses, our students connect seamlessly with industry while studying at a university ranked in the top 250 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2024).

We believe in bringing people and technology together for a better world. Importantly, we know our differences are what make us stronger — like smaller class sizes, a caring and vibrant community, and an environment where students, teachers, researchers and industry can come together to make an impact.

Silver Partner - Victoria University

Victoria University, granted university status in 1991, has roots dating back to 1916 through its predecessor institutions. It stands out as one of Australia's select few dual-sector universities, offering both higher education and vocational education and training opportunities. With a student body exceeding 40,000, VU operates vibrant campuses where diverse learners pursue their academic and professional goals.

VU has earned impressive rankings, placing it among the top 3% of universities globally according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. In 2019 THE Young University Rankings, VU secured an impressive 45th position among universities under 50 years old.

Silver Partner - CQUniversity

Originally founded in Rockhampton in 1967, as the Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) Capricornia, CQUniversity Australia was granted full University status in 1992 and now has more than 30 000 students studying online and on-campus across Australia.

CQUniversity is proud to be recognised as Australia's most inclusive university with some of the highest ratios of students from disadvantaged, mature age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and first-in-family backgrounds.

It is this strong focus on participation and accessibility, that has seen CQUniversity firmly establish itself as one of the largest universities based in regional Australia. CQU is Queensland's only dual sector university and is also a pioneer in the delivery of distance and online education.

After more than half a century working with stakeholders in regional Australia, CQUniversity is now a renowned research institution in several key disciplines and the benchmark leader for how universities should engage and collaborate with communities and industry. It is also recognised by Social Traders as Australia's only certified social enterprise university. 

Silver Partner - RMIT University

RMIT is a leading global university renowned for its expertise in technology, design, and enterprise. With a rich history dating back to 1887, RMIT offers a wide range of programs across multiple disciplines, including art, architecture, engineering, business, and technology. The university is committed to providing students with world-class education, fostering innovation, and making a positive impact on the community through research and engagement.

Bronze Partner - Deakin University

Deakin University is a leading Australian institution renowned for its innovative approach to education. Offering world-class programs across multiple campuses and online, Deakin provides a personalized learning experience for its 60,000 students. With a strong focus on research and community engagement, the university delivers high-quality education and fosters a supportive, welcoming environment for students to thrive.

Bronze Partner - La Trobe University

La Trobe University is a world-class institution dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional education and research. With a strong focus on student success and inclusivity, the university consistently ranks among the world's best, demonstrating its commitment to providing outstanding opportunities and preparing graduates for successful careers.