Abeer has over 15 years of experience across local, mid-sized, and large multinational telecommunications companies in New Zealand, Australia, and global markets. She holds an MBA in Digital Transformation and has led initiatives in service management, operational excellence, governance, and technology‑enabled change. Her experience spans complex, highly regulated environments where service reliability, customer outcomes, and continuous improvement are critical. She brings a practical, delivery‑focused approach, combining strategic insight with hands‑on operational leadership. Abeer is passionate about sharing her experience, offering grounded guidance, and supporting professionals navigating complexity and driving sustainable performance in telecommunications organisations.

Prof. Gail Pacheco is a leading economist, she has previously been the Director of the NZ Policy Research Institute at AUT and a Commissioner at the NZ Productivity Commission. She has an extensive track record of social policy-focused research, often leading large-scale collaborations between academia, community organisations, and the public sector. Gail has been the recipient of numerous awards. These include: the 2018 NZIER Economics Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of economics and its applications in NZ; the AUT Medal in 2019 in recognition of her use of integrated data to inform social policy and wellbeing; and most recently, in 2025, she was awarded Life Membership of the New Zealand Association of Economists, an honour reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to both the association and the economics profession in NZ.

Dr. Anmar Taufeek is the Asset Planning Manager at Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC), where she leads strategic planning and delivery of infrastructure assets to support resilient, sustainable communities. With over 18 years of leadership experience in local government and community development, Anmar brings deep expertise in health, safety, project management, and vested assets. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments and long-term outcomes that serve both people and place. Anmar is the founder of the Muslim Staff Network at Auckland Council, a board member of NZ Ethnic Social Services, and co-founder of the Good Deed Group—a grassroots volunteering initiative that empowers women to give back to their communities. A sought-after speaker, Anmar has delivered keynote addresses at international conferences, inspiring women to embrace leadership with confidence and purpose. Anmar is deeply committed to mentoring women of colour, helping them embrace their strengths and lead authentically in every space they occupy.

Ayat is the founder of EONZ Limited, an Auckland-based events company dedicated to creating inclusive, community-driven experiences. With years of experience in both the construction and events industries, Ayat has combined her skills in project management, creativity, and relationship building to successfully deliver diverse events — from bustling halal markets and cultural festivals, to women’s networking nights and youth-focused career programs. Her passion lies in empowering small businesses, fostering community connections, and opening doors for underrepresented voices. Through her platforms, she has provided hundreds of vendors, entrepreneurs, and creatives the opportunity to grow their visibility and confidence. Ayat is deeply committed to supporting young people and women to step into their own leadership journeys, encouraging them to advocate for themselves, build meaningful connections, and pursue their business ideas fearlessly.

Connie is a senior professional, certified Life Coach, and mentor with over 20 years experience in the financial services sector. She is currently working in an advisory role at PwC New Zealand, having previously held senior leadership positions in assurance, including as an Assurance Director. Connie has led the audit of large and complex organisations and brings extensive experience in leading diverse teams and supporting people through periods of growth, transition, and high-pressure environments. Her work spans assurance and consulting, with a strong focus on leadership, judgement, and professional development. Having lived and worked in Argentina, Cuba, and New Zealand, Connie brings a global perspective and a deep understanding of adaptability, cultural change, and leadership across different contexts. As a mum of two, she is passionate about supporting others to build confidence, resilience, and clarity while navigating leadership, career progression, and life transitions.

With over 30 years of experience in marketing and business development across various sectors and countries, Farhana has built a rich and dynamic career. Beginning in advertising and brand management, she expanded her expertise into sales and business development before finding her true passion in the field of education. In her current role, Farhana leads the University's strategic efforts in international student recruitment. She also oversees the International Recruitment and International Mobility teams, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to student engagement. Throughout a decade of leading sales teams and mentoring staff in career development, Farhana has been instrumental in helping individuals unlock their potential, successfully navigate career transitions, and achieve their professional goals. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, motivation, and change management, Farhana is dedicated to empowering diverse voices to thrive and succeed in their careers. She is a respected community leader, mentor, and coach, committed to fostering growth and success in others.

Jade is a Designer, Facilitator, Innovator, Collaborator, Advisor, and Educator, deeply passionate about Co‑Designing Better Futures. As part of her portfolio career, Jade wears several hats: Co‑Founder & Director of simpact AI, Innovation Advisor & Facilitator at academyEX and Tech Futures Lab, Co‑Founder & Director of Design Futures Aotearoa, and Fractional Director at ThinkPlace NZ. Alongside these roles, she is also an Edmund Hillary Fellow and an active member of SASS (Systems Change Advocacy, Support and Solidarity). Most importantly, she is a proud working mum of one.

Dr. Lisa is a career academic in a business school. She has had the privilege of three careers at the same employer (as a teacher, as a research-active academic, as a leader). She is keen to talk about shaping careers in education, training and development, and the public sector. Also, the rewards and challenges of juggling family commitments (children, aging parents) and career ones (upskilling, retraining etc.)

Lynette is both a registered nurse (currently non practicing) and registered psychologist.  Lynette joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 2001 and has served in a number of psychology roles both in NZ and overseas.  Lynette is currently the Director of Navy People and Culture, a role which is responsible for the Bicultural strategy, Pacific Peoples strategy, gender strategy,  the RNZN mentoring programme as well as other organisational behavioural change programmes.  In her spare time Lynette can be found on the hockey field or the dance studio. She is currently challenging her mind and body by learning Hawaiian hula. Lynette is a member of Auckland Government Women's  Network (AGWN) committee, a member of the Accreditation Committee for the New Zealand Psychologist Board and volunteers her time to the Premmie Knitting Club by knitting garments and sewing blankets.

Naz is a dedicated public servant with nearly 30 years of experience across Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland. She has held a range of leadership and operational roles within government, including Service Manager, Community Services Card Centre and Production Manager, and roles on the Benefit Review Committee. She currently works in Auckland as a Service Delivery Senior Client Manager. Naz is deeply committed to community service, supporting vulnerable communities including the homeless, victims of domestic violence, the elderly, and those in poor health, and she has been actively involved with local mosques and in supporting victims of the 15 March Christchurch tragedy. Naz served as Board Chair of Zayed College for Girls, Auckland representative for the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ) and has volunteered with Youth-line and Careers Services. She has also contributed to ethnic women’s initiatives and brings strong cross-cultural communication skills and knowledge of Te Reo Māori. She is a Justice of the Peace and received the Women Who Inspire Award in 2017 (ELAN).

Dr. Nimeesha Odedra is an entrepreneur and academic who co-founded Sobhna’s, an Indian curry paste and spice blend company born from her mother’s home kitchen. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while completing her PhD on women’s career experiences, Nimeesha helped transform her mother Sobhna’s hobby into a nationally stocked food brand celebrated for its authenticity and community focus. Navigating systemic barriers faced by migrant women in business, she combined cultural insight, resilience, and innovation to grow the brand beyond farmers’ markets into supermarkets and educational cooking experiences. Through Sobhna’s, Nimeesha champions migrant resilience, family collaboration, and greater visibility for ethnic women entrepreneurs.

Nina holds a variety of professional roles centred around the peaceful and effective resolution of disputes. She is a leading mediator in Aotearoa New Zealand (specialising in helping resolve civil and commercial disputes such as construction, insurance, energy/infrastructure, public/private partnership, contract, tort and trust disputes). She has recently completed an appointment with New Zealand Treasury Te Tai Ōhanga supervising the implementation and delivery of a $300M proactive settlement process for several thousand Canterbury homeowners arising from the 2010/2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence. Nina is also an Academic Fellow at the University of Auckland Faculty of Law, where she teaches and researches in mediation theory and practice. She holds law degrees from the University of Auckland and New York University and a degree in philosophy from the University of Auckland.

Sana is a senior Lecturer and an active researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence. She teaches across IT programmes and supervises Master’s students, particularly those working in data science, machine learning, and emerging technologies. Sana has a strong passion for helping students develop practical skills that support innovation and industry readiness. Her research interests focus on applying AI techniques to real-world challenges and improving intelligent systems for better decision-making. With academic and professional experience in both software development and data-driven technologies, she strives to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and industry expectations. Sana is committed to continuously enhancing teaching quality and contributing to the advancement of AI education and research in New Zealand.

Siobhan is an independent management consultant with over 15 years’ experience in business leadership, governance, and policy development across both the corporate and non-profit sectors. She co-founded and grew a successful civil construction company and has since applied her expertise to supporting small businesses and community organisations. Passionate about women’s leadership, inclusivity, and safeguarding, Siobhan also serves on the executive of Business & Professional Women New Zealand (BPW NZ), a global network dedicated to advancing women in business and leadership. She is committed to helping others start and grow their ventures, while building meaningful connections that last. Siobhan champions opportunities for women to expand their networks, develop professionally, and create positive change locally and internationally.