Agenda
Day One | Wednesday | 17 June 2026
8:05
Registration & Networking Coffee
8:35
Welcome to Country
8:45
Women Leaders Institute Welcome Address
8:50
Chairperson’s Opening Address
Representative, Science & Technology Australia
THE FUTURE OF STEMM LEADERSHIP
9:00
Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of STEMM
Exploring unconventional career journeys across space, aviation, and STEMM, and what it takes to pursue ambitious, first-of-their-kind paths
Leading and supporting teams in high-stakes, high-complexity environments shaped by rapid technological change
The role of visibility, representation, and role models in strengthening Australia’s STEMM and space workforce pipeline
Championing the next generation through mentorship, advocacy, and creating cultures where diverse talent can thrive
Anntonette Dailey, Chief Executive Officer, Aviation/Aerospace Australia, Non-Executive Director, Space Industry Association of Australia, Co-Founder, Australian Space Diversity Alliance
9:40
C-Suite leadership panel: Transforming pathways for equity in STEMM
Building and retaining diverse talent across the STEMM ecosystem
Reframing equity and inclusion as critical to workforce and leadership strategies
Creating visibility and sponsorship pathways for women in STEMM
Investing in skills, mentoring, and early-career opportunities
Cheryl Maley, Chief Executive Officer, Starpharma
Brooke Mills, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Astraea Technologies
Katherine Boiciuc, Chief Technology Officer Oceania, EY
Associate Professor Michael Ben-Meir, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria
10:20
Leading with impact: Growth, influence, and purpose
Christine Khor, Chief Executive Officer, Peeplcoach
10:40
Let’s connect!
Connect on LinkedIn using your personal QR codes and strike up meaningful conversations.
10:45
Morning Tea
NEW PATHWAYS, NEW POSSIBILITIES
11:10
Mini workshop: Leadership skills for advancing into senior STEMM roles
Build practical leadership capability for technical, strategic, and executive roles through hands-on activities grounded in real STEMM scenarios.
Develop strategic decision-making and problem-solving skills using real STEMM leadership challenges
Learn frameworks for communicating with influence including media engagement, executive communication, and persuasive storytelling
Identify how STEMM expertise translates into governance, board-level thinking, and economic leadership
Explore the role of AI-enabled insights in strengthening leadership capability, visibility, and impact
Jane MacMaster, Global Engineering Integrity Director, Babcock International Group, Founder and Director, Ponder
11:50
Superstars of STEM Live
Showcasing new and underrepresented voices, what the program does, how to get involved.
Dr Hema Wadhwa, Associate Data & Analytics, Asset Management and Performance (Superstar of STEM - STA), Aurecon
Dr Sara Webb, Astrophysicist & Course Director (Superstar of STEM - STA), Swinburne University of Technology, Forbes 30 Under 30
Jasmin Diab, Partner/Managing Director (Superstar of STEM- STA), Global Nuclear Security Partners
12:20
Live Q&A session
The Superstars of STEM answer all your burning questions.
12:35
Networking Lunch
INCLUSION, REPRESENTATION & BELONGING
1:35
Panel: Championing Indigenous leadership and innovation in STEMM
Breaking barriers and addressing systemic challenges for underrepresented groups
Showcasing Indigenous leadership and innovation in research and science
Strategies to strengthen retention, visibility, and participation of diverse talent
Cross-sector collaboration to create equitable opportunities for all STEMM learners
Kim Dyball, Executive Manager, Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, CSIRO
Representative, Deadly Science
Eva Hopewell, Board Member, Deadly Coders, Senior Analyst, Accenture
LEADING THROUGH CHANGE
2:15
Introduction to Connection Labs
2:25
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, STEM Careers Strategy Manager, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering
Mid-level leaders
Navigate organisational dynamics, expand strategic influence, and activate the sponsorship needed to accelerate progression into higher-impact leadership roles.
Christine Khor, Chief Executive Officer, Peeplcoach
Senior leaders
Apply actionable frameworks to role-model inclusive leadership, break systemic barriers, and drive sustainable cultural change across your organisation.
Liza Noonan, Chief Executive Officer, Cicada Innovations
3:00
Expand your network
Connect with leaders at different career stages who share your leaflet colour to spark meaningful, cross-level conversations.
3:15
Afternoon Tea
3:45
Women, leadership, and the future of STEMM
How leaders can shape the systems, standards, and culture that determine who succeeds and who is seen in STEMM
Building confidence, resilience, and influence as you move from technical expertise into strategic decision-making roles
Ensuring that women and diverse talent are not only entering STEMM careers but progressing into positions of authority and visibility
The leadership opportunity: using technology, national infrastructure, and innovation agendas to unlock greater participation and impact
Chelsea Brand, Chief Relationship & Experience Officer, Indigital
4:25
Chairperson’s Closing Remarks
4:35
End of Day One & Networking Drinks