MBA Course Leader, Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP)

Dr. Charles Lo is the Course Leader of the MBA and Master of Professional Accounting at the Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP). He has over two decades of experience in business studies. His expertise is not just limited to the theoretical aspects of business studies; it is deeply rooted in practical experience gained from a thriving career in Accounting and Finance. Transitioning from the corporate world to academia, Charles chose to dedicate his career to education, driven by a belief in its transformative power and this journey led him to various roles in both public universities and progressive independent institutions. He has served in various capacities including as Director of Teaching and Learning, a role where he refined academic processes and pedagogies. Dedication to education is at the heart of Charles’s ethos, he always prioritised not just disseminating knowledge but also forging meaningful connections with students. Passionate about their success, he relishes the opportunity to guide students, helping them navigate their academic pursuits and achieve their goals. 

Vice-President (Administration) and University Registrar, Queensland University of Technology 

Ms Leanne Harvey became Vice-President (Administration) and University Registrar at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in December 2018. She is also Secretary to the University’s governing body, QUT Council, and the crisis leader for the university – a responsibility that has, unfortunately, been used annually since joining QUT. Prior to joining QUT, Ms Harvey’s career was in the Australian Public Service and saw her involved in social policy initiatives including leading publicly funded research evaluation and research funding to support all research excluding clinical, medical, and dental research disciplines as well as reforms into child support and taxation. Changing lives through identifying supports needed via appropriate social policy levers and opportunities is very dear to her heart, as she completed her education in a small regional town in New South Wales and was a first in generation to go to university – strongly encouraged by a high school math teacher. She graduated at the top of her school and holds a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from (the now) Charles Sturt University.

Founder & Managing Director, LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation

Ben Bjarnesen is a passionate educator and campaigner who advocates for improved services for LGBTQ victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. Ben is a Churchill Fellow and has travelled internationally to explore best practice solutions for Police Departments to enhance the way in which they respond to DV in LGBTQ communities. He has since been actively involved in advising government and non-government organisations internationally on a range of initiatives designed to improve service delivery to LGBTQ communities. Ben is an operational Police officer and volunteers as the Regional Coordinator of the Queensland Police Service LGBTI Liaison Officer Program. Ben is an awarded educator and campaigner and has previously been named as a ‘Human Rights Hero’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission and as one of Australia’s Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders by Deloitte & Google.

Human Geographer; Co-Founder, Echo Impact Group 

Ishara is a Human Geographer who focuses on systemic change through social and gender justice advocacy, and community organizing. Their work and passions range from experience design, organizational & systems change that incorporates lived experience & intersectional experiences, and co-designing more equitable community spaces. Ishara’s day-job is as co-founder of Echo Impact Group (EIG). EIG is a multidisciplinary strategy agency that focuses on providing holistic, systems-level impact measurement, strategy design, and community development services that enable long-lasting, measurable change. Conversely, Ishara volunteers in the humanitarian sector work as Chair/’National Director’ of Refugees Welcome Australia (RWA); a decentralized, grassroots, and volunteer-run organization that provides community-led housing for refugees & asylum seekers, and greater capacity & community building across multiple regions. Ishara is committed to collaborating with others to create a more sustainable & regenerative future and does so through their multifaceted understanding of how intersectional barriers develop across or within communities, and how it can impact people, environment, and systems.

Chief Technical Officer, Rio Tinto; Member, Champions of Change Coalition Founding Group

Mark is the Chief Technical Officer at Rio Tinto and leads the Development & Technology division. On the development side of his portfolio, he is responsible for exploration, studies, and major capital construction, as well as renewable energy projects. Mark is passionate about technology and innovation, also leading Rio Tinto’s Technical Centres of Excellence, and the office of the Chief Scientist, which oversee Rio Tinto’s global research and development activities. Mark is also sponsor of Rio Tinto’s efforts to raise awareness and improve support for employees affected by Domestic and Family Violence as well as Rio Tinto’s White Ribbon accreditation. He is a member of Elizabeth Broderick’s Champions of Change Coalition to address gender inequality in Australia and beyond. Mark has extensive international experience gained over 25 years with Rio Tinto in Australia, the US, the UK, and Singapore.

Disability Inclusion Specialist, Fridayology

Elisha Matthews is a disability rights activist using social media to influence change to break down the attitudinal barriers to disability inclusion. As an independent consultant and public speaker Elisha works with peak bodies such as Queenslanders with Disability Network to facilitate disability awareness training and consult with both government and private sectors to build inclusive communities.