Laura Navarro
Manager Employability Operations and Engagement
Australian National University
Laura is an experienced program manager passionate about fostering innovation and strengthening diversity and inclusion within Australia’s STEM ecosystem. She is currently the STEM Careers Strategy Manager at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), where she leads the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS) and other programs supporting PhD students and early- and mid-career researchers.
Laura has delivered a wide range of national and international activities, drawing on expertise in strategic planning, policy, governance, project management, advocacy, diplomacy, and data analysis. Since transitioning to the non-profit sector in 2017, she has focused on creating inclusive and impactful initiatives that support emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Originally from Mexico, Laura moved to Australia in 2012 and is an Australia Endeavour Award alumna. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Guadalajara and a Master’s degree in International and Development Economics from the Australian National University.
SESSIONS
Day 1
2:20
Connection Labs
Emerging leaders
Build confidence, strengthen your voice, and apply practical strategies to increase visibility, gain recognition, and position yourself for meaningful sponsorship opportunities.
Laura Navarro, Manager Employability Operations and Engagement, Australian National University
Mid-level leaders
Be seen as the leader you already are
Drawing on years of executive experience and insights from thousands of coaching sessions, Christine Khor guides leaders at all levels to build confidence and executive presence, navigate organisational dynamics, grow strategic influence, and activate the sponsorship needed to step into higher-impact leadership roles.
Christine Khor, Chief Executive Officer, Peeplcoach
Senior leaders
Translating technical expertise into commercial muscle
Drawing on decades of corporate advisory and M&A experience, Natasha Mandie helps senior leaders navigate complex organisational environments. Learn robust frameworks to build executive presence, manage competing stakeholder interests, secure internal capital, and develop the high-level economic fluency needed to command absolute authority at the table.
Natasha Mandie, Managing Director and CEO, EM Advisory