What to expect?

This is not your typical student conference.

Future Forte Conference 2025 brings together international students, alumni, creators, educators, and changemakers for a powerful day of real stories, big ideas, and bold connections.

Whether you're figuring out your place in Australia, exploring your identity, or dreaming of what’s next - this is a space where you’ll feel seen, heard, and inspired. Expect inspiring speakers, creative sessions, and practical takeaways for your life, study, and career.

You’ll walk away with new confidence, fresh perspectives, and a community that gets it.

Agenda

8:30 AM

9:00 AM

9:20 AM

10:00 AM

9:50 AM

(and 10:45 AM)

11:00 AM

12:00 PM

Settle In

Start your day with a Future Forte goodie bag. Enjoy refreshments, music, and the chance to meet other international students and community members before the program begins.

Welcome

Receive a warm welcome from leaders who champion international students. This session sets the tone for the day - recognising your presence, your journey, and the role you play in shaping a more inclusive future.

  • Peggy O’Neal AO, Chancellor of RMIT University since 2022, is a respected leader in law, sport, and public life. A lawyer and consultant at Lander & Rogers, she specialises in superannuation and financial services law and chairs Vanguard Super.

    A strong advocate for women’s equality, she has led initiatives such as the Change Our Game Champions program and served on boards including Women’s Housing Ltd, VicHealth, and Dementia Australia.

    As Richmond Football Club President (2013–2022), she oversaw three AFL premierships and contributed to national work on athlete wellbeing. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019 and named Melburnian of the Year in 2021.

  • Alice Pung is an award-winning Australian author and legal researcher, known for her novels, non-fiction, and children’s books. Her works, including Unpolished Gem, Her Father’s Daughter, and Laurinda, have received numerous literary awards and international recognition. Alice is also the editor of Growing Up Asian in Australia and My First Lesson, and has contributed to publications such as The Monthly and The Age. In 2022, she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her services to literature. She lives in Melbourne with her family and serves as Artist in Residence at Janet Clarke Hall, University of Melbourne.t goes here

  • Fiona Letos is a seasoned public sector executive and people-focused leader with deep expertise in government administration, international education, global strategy, and operations. She is recognised for her skill in building high-performing, inclusive, cross-border teams and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. With a career spanning senior leadership roles, Fiona has driven initiatives that connect policy, education, and international collaboration, delivering impact across sectors and geographies.

  • Dr Belle Lim is a diversity and inclusion consultant and Associate Director at MindTribes, specialising in intersectionality across race, culture, and gender. She chairs Future Forte, the network she founded for international students and multicultural women, which has engaged over 3,500 participants globally.

    A former National President of the Council of International Students Australia, Belle has represented over 550,000 students in national and international forums. She holds a PhD in breast cancer genetics from Monash University and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and has served on multiple advisory bodies including the Victorian Gender Equality Strategy Reference Group.

    Belle’s leadership has been recognised with honours including Global Citizen Youth Leader 2024, IEAA Tony Adams Rising Star Award 2024, and induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2024.

Keynote + Fireside Chat

Alice brings to the stage a deeply personal reflection on navigating identity, culture, and ambition as someone who grew up between worlds. Through wit, wisdom, and lived experience, she shows how embracing your story, in all its complexity, can become a powerful force for creativity, leadership, and change.

Following the keynote, Alice sits down with Alexis in a unscripted and honest dialogue, exploring the intersections of culture, courage, and storytelling. Expect heartfelt laughter, candid truths, and reflections that will make you feel seen.

Whether you’re still figuring out who you are or learning to be proud of it, this keynote will stay with you long after the day ends.

Panel - Skills That Travel

Moderated by Prof. Sherman Young, Pro Vice-Chancellor, RMIT University
How do international students go from classroom to boardroom, lab, studio, or start-up? This panel showcases real stories of alumni who’ve transformed their studies into impactful careers in tech, STEM, business, and the arts - all while staying true to their identity and culture.

Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about your next step, this session offers insight, encouragement, and a clear message: you don’t have to compromise who you are to succeed.

  • Sherman Young is a university leader, academic, and former digital entrepreneur with a unique blend of experience in academic leadership, research, teaching, and commercial innovation. As a Professor of New Media, he publishes widely on the impact of emerging technologies on media industries and user behaviour. His leadership focuses on innovative curriculum design, new pedagogies, and building connections between academia, industry, and community. Before academia, Sherman founded and sold two pioneering digital businesses in design and multimedia, giving him a deep understanding of higher education’s evolving role in a rapidly changing world.

  • Originally from Colombia, Alejandra arrived in Melbourne as an international student with a passion for environment, communities, and global change. Through her studies at the University of Melbourne and her deep connection to purpose, she transformed her academic journey into a thriving career in climate policy. Now working with Agriculture Victoria, Alejandra plays a key role in shaping sustainable futures for the agriculture sector in the state. Reflecting on her journey, she shares: “Building a life and career in a new country has tested every part of me—but it’s also shown me the power of having a clear purpose to pursue. Serving the Victorian regional communities through my current job is more than a job; it’s a way to give back to the place that helped me grow.” Her story is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and impact international students bring—not just to their fields, but to the broader Australian community.

  • Alexis is a Kenyan-born speaker, brand strategist, and women’s empowerment advocate. She is the founder of Her Queendom, a growing international community that champions women’s liberation, economic empowerment, and authentic leadership. With an MBA in Marketing and a background in international relations, Alexis brings a global perspective to branding, storytelling, and communication. Known for her warmth and confidence as a speaker and moderator, she inspires women to reclaim their power and lead transformative change across business and society.

  • Anna May is a Malaysian-born digital creator and digital designer based in Melbourne for the last 8+ years.

    Through creative storytelling and playful visuals, she explores identity, culture, and the beauty of living between worlds. Her content draws from her experience living abroad and traveling as a Malaysian Chinese, celebrating her roots while navigating life in Australia.

    With an audience of over 50,000 across platforms, Anna has collaborated with global brands and tourism boards to create beautiful, impactful campaigns. She’s passionate and is looking forward to inspiring you to find courage and embracing your unique story to take up space!

  • Ethan or Yi Tong (he/him) is a Malaysian born Chinese who came to Australia as an international student back in 2015. Now he works as a lived experience worker and a counsellor in his own online practice called Comfy Counselling. In his personal life, Ethan spends his time working on his interests of cooking, baking, hitting the gym, bouldering and playing way too many video games. 

  • Raised in Sri Lanka, Davin moved to Melbourne to study Computer Science at Swinburne University, experiencing first‑hand the isolation many international students face. In 2023, his passion for using technology to drive global social impact led him to co-found Huddled, a collaboration platform designed to give higher education students a sense of belonging. Since then, Huddled has grown to provide a campus-like experience for tens of thousands of online higher-ed students across the Asia–Pacific region. Davin believes the skills, perspectives, and resilience gained through crossing borders extend far beyond the classroom, and can be a powerful force for positive change in the world.

Energiser Activity

Facilitated by our dynamic peer facilitators, join us in a light, interactive activity to help you meet others in the room. No awkward icebreakers - just something playful and low-pressure to build community and shake off nerves. You never know who you’ll sit next to for the rest of the day.

Honing Our Sound

Facilitated by Asami Koike, Founder of Shapes and Sounds

This guided workshop is a safe and empowering space to reconnect with your identity, culture, and inner voice. Through creative reflection, grounding exercises, and gentle facilitation, you’ll explore the parts of yourself that often go unspoken in lecture halls and job interviews.

Perfect for those feeling lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed - this session is designed to leave you feeling grounded, proud, and more confident in the journey you're on.

  • Asami (she/her) is a first-generation immigrant from Japan. She's the founder and director of Shapes and Sounds and is a registered music therapist with over 18 years experience working in the youth mental health, trauma and community sectors.


Closing Reflections

We end the day with a moment of heart and clarity. First, you’ll hear directly from Dr. Sonja Hood AM, CEO of the Scanlon Foundation, as she offers closing reflections on leadership, inclusion, and the impact international students have on the social fabric of Australia.

Following that, Harika Potnuru, an international student, a peer in the room, sharing a powerful story of resilience, identity, and what it means to find belonging in a place far from home.

This final session is more than just a wrap-up - it’s a reminder that your presence here matters, your story is powerful, and your future is already unfolding.

  • Dr Sonja Hood AM is the CEO of the Scanlon Foundation, a leading advocate for  Australia’s social cohesion. She has more than thirty years’ experience in public policy  and community development, with extensive leadership roles in government, sport, not  for profits, and philanthropy. 

    Sonja is President of the North Melbourne Football Club, a Director of the Scanlon  Foundation, and Board Chair of the Foundation’s three satellite organisations:  Welcoming Australia, Community Hubs Australia, and the Scanlon Foundation  Research Institute. She is also a member of the Community Directors Council.


  • Professor Madhu Bhaskaran is an electronics engineer and innovator and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. She migrated to Australia in 2004 to pursue her Masters degree and has since then built her career here.

    She co-leads the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT University which she established in 2010. She is the Research Director of the Discovery to Device Medtech Prototyping Facility at RMIT University.

    Her work on wearable sensors has been patented and her group now works collaboratively with multiple industry and design partners to commercialise the technology for healthcare.

    She is a passionate advocate for equity and diversity and she proudly co-leads Women in STEMM Australia.

  • Harika is currently pursuing her Master of Human Resource Management at RMIT University and holds an MBA from India. She has experience as an HR Associate Intern and as an Insurance Advisor at SBI Life Insurance. A published author with a love for stories and people, Harika is the HR Officer and the incoming CEO at Future Forte, passionate about driving positive changes in HR and building a meaningful career in the field.

  • Lara believes in growing with the planet. She does this by coaching people to thrive in a green job at Green Economy Ready, facilitating climate change education sessions, and creating content on sustainable living. She has a decade of experience in education for sustainable development in formal and non-formal settings, working with the Philippine Department of Education, Asian Development Bank, and The Asia Foundation among others to mainstream meaningful youth engagement for climate action and democracy. Recently, she completed a Master of Environment and Sustainability specialising in Leadership for Sustainable Development with Distinction at Monash University with an Australia Awards Scholarship. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education major in Social Sciences cum laude at the Philippine Normal University. She is a Climate Reality Leader, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Exchange Alumni, and the State of Victoria’s International Student of the Year. She is a fan of inner work, BTS, and Ru Paul's Drag Race.

  • Riya Gupta is a marketing strategist passionate about community-building, storytelling, and elevating international student voices. As the Events and Program Lead at Future Forte Australia, she drives digital campaigns and event communications that have reached thousands across Victoria. Originally from India, with a Master’s in Marketing from La Trobe University, she brings a multicultural lens from her work with global coworking networks and her facilitation on branding, belonging, and public speaking.

  • Aiden Lim is a fashion professional and communicator passionate about the power of fashion as a medium for self-expression and cultural storytelling. As Communications and Marketing Manager at Future Forte, Aiden leads press, strategy, and project management for the non-profit dedicated to empowering international women and gender-diverse individuals. With nearly two years at Future Forte, Aiden has thrived in its globally diverse community, finding inspiration in connecting and empowering people across cultures.

  • Shaz Sivanesan is a scientist turned science communicator and strategist, passionate about using STEM to build a brighter, more inclusive future. Moving from the lab bench to the forefront of Digital Health Education, she specialises in translating evidence-based research and initiatives into real-world impact.

    As a facilitator and MC, Shaz co-creates and tailors content to maximise audience engagement and drive meaningful change. Her work reflects a deep commitment to shaping a scientific landscape that is both impactful and inclusive.

What you’ll get

  • ✺

    Find your people
    Meet other international students & alumni who know what it’s like to start over in a new country. You’ll walk away with new friends, familiar faces, and a sense of community.

  • ✺

    Hear stories that reflect your own
    You’ll hear from inspiring and accomplished speakers who’ve walked in your shoes - and found their way through it. Their stories might just help you feel more sure of your own.

  • ✺

    Figure out what’s next
    Feeling a bit lost after your study? That’s normal. This space gives you the clarity, tools, and confidence to take your next step - whether that’s applying for a job or create something of your own.

  • ✺

    Learn how things really work here
    Get honest insight into careers, opportunities, and how to make the most of your time in Australia - from people who’ve done it as international students themselves.

  • ✺

    Open new doors
    You’ll find out how to get involved in Future Forte’s leadership, mentoring, and creative programs - chances to grow your confidence, gain experience, and be part of something bigger.

  • ✺

    A day made for you
    This conference was designed by international students, for international students. It is both professional and personal. There’ll be food, goodies, great people, and good energy. You’ll feel seen and leave feeling stronger.

Want More? Limited Enrolment to Youth Climate Workshop |

Want More? Limited Enrolment to Youth Climate Workshop |

About the Program 🌱

The Green Pathways Project 2025 is designed to equip international students with the knowledge, skills, and networks to thrive in the green careers. Green careers are roles in any industry that protect the environment, promote sustainability, and help build a climate-resilient future. They span diverse sectors, from renewable energy and circular economy, to climate resilience, sustainable design, and environmental policy, and combine professional skills with the mission of protecting our planet.

Through two workshops [one and one in-person Green Careers Fair & Networking Session, participants will explore how climate change is shaping industries, learn to build a professional profile for climate-aligned work, and connect directly with employers and peers committed to sustainability.

PS: Participation is free - thanks to the City of Melbourne & Bloomberg Philanthropy grant!