Receiving The 2025 TAS Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership

Justine is an internationally recognised leader in Antarctic and conservation science. Her research focuses on the interface of policy, governance and ecosystem science. She has extensive experience (25+ years) in hypothesis driven research and a proven track record of working on a diverse range of species, ecosystems and governance structures. Her work focuses on delivering novel science for real-world outcomes and has changed the shape of Antarctic biosecurity. Justine works with government, NGO’s and international advisory bodies, her research regularly receives media attention, through TV and radio interviews, print and social media.

Receiving The 2025 NT Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership

Karan is the current CEO of the Language Center and has held that position for over 30 years. She has seen the corporation come from small beginnings of fighting for every dollar to now be the recipient of millions of dollars of funding. Karan has led many committees and boards over the past 40 years, as chairperson of the Barkly Region Chamber of Commerce, Barkly Bush fire council, Patta TC Council Local Authority, Barkly Region Alcohol reference group and many more. Was appointed to the Barkly Shire Council as Alderman. Nominated for local hero Australia Day awards NT in 2018.

Leading Beyond Boundaries

In today’s changing and challenging work environments, effective leadership means thinking beyond previous boundaries to inspire transformative change. Effective leaders must embrace innovative strategies that prioritise adaptability, foster collaboration, and enhance communication to drive team success. In this session, our expert panel will share their personal journeys and lessons they have learned as flexible, adaptive and innovative leaders. Through their experiences, you’ll gain practical insights and actionable tools to navigate the complexities of modern leadership.

	Jessica Bulger (She/Her) Chief Executive Officer, Australian Indigenous Governance Institute Jess is Wiradjuri from Tumut and Brungle in country NSW. She grew up in a big proud Aboriginal family, connected to her culture, witnessing magnificent Eldership and effective community governance and leadership. Jess is currently the CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) and Co-Chair of the Board at Outward Bound Australia. She began her career as a teacher and has taught within High Schools and Universities before moving into the NFP sector where her focus has been on governance, women in leadership and nurturing emerging leaders. Jess also holds various advisory roles related to initiatives she cares about including with DFAT, Monash University, Philanthropy Australia, GHD and Optus. In her spare time, Jess is taking her young family on adventures or supporting the passions and projects of her Mum and Aunties at home in Tumut.
	Vy Pham (She/Her) Chief Information Officer, Australian National Audit Office Vy is the Chief Information Officer at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO), where she oversees the organisation’s IT strategy, digital capabilities, and operational efficiency. In her role as CIO, Vy is responsible for managing the transition to ANAO’s new IT managed services provider, a $7 million contract that aims to enhance service delivery and support ANAO’s growing digital needs. Her work in overseeing this significant transition ensures that ANAO’s IT infrastructure is robust, adaptable, and optimised to support audit functions across the agency. Prior to joining ANAO, Vy served as Director of the Digital Partnership Office at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
	Dr Gemma Killen (She/They) Director, National Women’s Equality Alliance, Working with Women Alliance Dr Gemma Killen is the Director of the National Women’s Equality Alliance, which is a portfolio of the Working with Women Alliance – one of the five federally funded National Women’s Alliances. The NWEA works brings together expertise and sector experience to provide advice to Government on economic equality and women’s leadership. Gemma is a passionate queer and feminist researcher and social policy expert. She has led teams in the not-for-profit sector and academia advocating on a broad range of topics including gender equity, justice reform, poverty and reproductive rights.
	Luli Adeyemo (She/Her) Chief Marketing Officer, TenderTrace; Executive Director, TechDiversity; Director & Founder, Best Case Scenario Marketing Luli Adeyemo is an award-winning leader and visionary in the Australian technology sector, with over 30 years of experience driving transformative change. As the Executive Director of TechDiversity, she champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), highlighting its transformative power in business strategy and innovation. Passionate about integrating the arts into STEM to embrace STEAM, Luli fosters creativity and inclusivity within the tech industry. An authentic advocate for DEI, Luli brings her lived experience as a Black, queer woman in tech leadership to the forefront. She bridges the gap between DEI advocacy and corporate strategy, providing actionable, data-driven solutions that help organisations realize the tangible benefits of diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her significant impact, Luli was honoured as the Emerging Leader in Tech at the 2023 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards. She also serves as an elected Council Member of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), contributing to shaping policies and advancing the ICT industry in Australia.

This interactive development session will explore the role of artificial intelligence in business and leadership. Through discussions, activities, and real-world examples, we will examine how AI can be used effectively and ethically, and when to proceed with caution. You will gain practical insights and decision-making strategies to navigate AI’s impact in your organisation.

Receiving The 2025 ACT Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership

Heidi Yates is a strategic legal mind and distinguished executive with two decades of frontline leadership advancing justice for marginalised communities. As the ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner, Heidi drives groundbreaking reforms which improve access to justice, including the establishment and implementation of the ACT Charter of Rights for Victims of Crime. Her visionary and collaborative approach unites key stakeholders and delivers transformative initiatives such as the ACT’s Witness Intermediary Program and the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program. Beyond her official role, Heidi chairs and advises boards and committees that champion social equality.

Receiving The 2025 WA Award for Excellence in Women’s Leadership

Janine is a proud Nyikina and Bunuba woman who was born and raised in Derby. She is currently living on Yawuru Country and is the proud mother of two young men. Janine’s professional experience includes over 30 years’ working in Aboriginal Affairs from State and Commonwealth governments, NGOs and Aboriginal organisations, from the local to national level. A deep strategic thinker and experienced strategist, Janine brings diverse experience in co-designing self-determination and cultural security strategies for Aboriginal people and communities. Since 2018, Janine has volunteered her time to lead Kimberley Aboriginal women’s leadership gatherings to discuss gender justice, systems reform and self-determination through the eyes of Aboriginal women. Janine is a founding member of the KAWC and held the position as the Inaugural Chairperson since its establishment in 2021.

Chanel Contos is the Founder and Managing Director of Teach Us Consent, a campaign that mandated consent education in Australia, and which has recently been given $3.5million by the Australian Government to continue their work. Chanel was the 2021 recipient of the Australian Human Rights Award Young People’s medal, and in 2022 she was named as one of BBC World’s 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide. Chanel was also named NSW Young Woman of the year for her persistent efforts towards eradicating rape culture. Chanel consults for a range of companies and governments, and in 2023 she was appointed by Julia Gillard to chair the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Youth Advisory Committee. She is the author of Consent Laid Bare (2023).