Meet Our 2025 Speakers
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Aditi Dey
Enscope
Allyson Woodford
APA
Anastasia Suchowerska
John Holland
Caitlyn Broberg
ExxonMobil
Chantal Ivory
Wabtec Corporation
Danielle White
BHP
Demi Athanasopoulos
AGL
Dr Mehreen Faruqi
Australian Greens
Eva Cheng
University of Technology Sydney
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Fatematuz Zohora
WSP Australia | Science & Technology Australia
Gowthami Gade
Sydney Water
Greg Cain
ACCIONA
Helen Baxter-Crawford
SMEC
Ivana Popovac
Medlogical Innovations
Jennifer Fishburn
Resmed
Jess Fraser
Jemena
Joanna Groves
inGauge Energy
Joanne Soysa
Squadron Energy
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Kasia Kulbacka
Transgrid
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Kristina de Ambrosis
ACCIONA
Leena Silberer
Transurban
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Lidija Dumbaloska
Transport for NSW
Lina Kim
Cochlear
Madhu Bhaskaran
RMIT University | Women in STEMM Australia
Natasha Roy
John Holland
Nina Lee
BG&E
Olivia Mirza
Western Sydney University
Sheila Wujanto-Hawe
Jemena
Siobhan Barrett-Lennard
QantasLink
Sonia Holzheimer
Sequal Consulting Group
Susanne Rauer
Gaia Coaching
Wendy Lee
UNSW
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Yemi Penn
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
YP Ventures
Olivia Mirza
Professor in Structural EngineeringWestern Sydney University
Professor Olivia Mirza is a leading academic at Western Sydney University and engineer committed to advancing sustainable engineering and gender equity in STEM. As Global Challenge Lead – Leading Future Industries at Western Sydney University, she leads interdisciplinary research that supports national and global priorities, including the transition to net zero. Her work focuses on innovative, low-carbon infrastructure solutions, such as pioneering the use of Macro Synthetic Fibre Reinforced Concrete in the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1—the nation’s longest green track. A former industry engineer, her portfolio includes major projects like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tower 5 of the New York World Trade Centre. Professor Mirza also serves as former President of Engineers Australia Sydney Division and plays a national role in shaping engineering policy. She founded Women of Wisdom to improve gender equity in engineering, doubling female student participation. Her leadership demonstrates how inclusive innovation is critical to achieving a sustainable, net zero future.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the chair
Dr Mehreen Faruqi
Deputy Leader & Senator for NSWAustralian Greens
Speaking at
09:00
From engineer to Senator: Lessons in leadership and change
Joanna Groves
Chief Executive OfficerinGauge Energy
Speaking at
09:30
Engineering your future
Eva Cheng
Head of School, Professional Practice & LeadershipUniversity of Technology Sydney
With a background in telecommunications engineering, A/Prof. Eva Cheng has over 10 years experience at the intersection of engineering and social impact. She actively collaborates with a diverse range of organisations in humanitarian engineering, cross-cultural, inclusive teaching practices, and intersectional inclusion in STEM education. Prior to her current role as Head of School, School of Professional Practice and Leadership, Eva was Director of Transnational Education, and Director of Women in Engineering and IT in the Faculty of Engineering and IT at UTS.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can we engineer our own paths and achieve success in a male dominated industry?
Gowthami Gade
SAP Functional SpecialistSydney Water
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can we engineer our own paths and achieve success in a male dominated industry?
Allyson Woodford
General Manager Engineering & PlanningAPA
Allyson Woodford is the General Manager of Engineering & Technical Solutions at APA Group, overseeing technical authority and strategic engineering across Operations. She leads a team of professionals to deliver process safety, emissions reduction, and operational excellence for APA’s $22bn worth of gas and electricity assets. Previously GM of Engineering and Planning, Allyson has held senior roles at BP and Caltex, including Operations Manager at BP’s Kwinana Refinery. A chemical engineering graduate from the University of Queensland, she’s been active with UQ and IChemE for over 25 years. Allyson champions diversity through initiatives like Ignite Talent and was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Engineering Award.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can we engineer our own paths and achieve success in a male dominated industry?
Joanne Soysa
General Manager Engineering & OptimisationSquadron Energy
Joanne Soysa is the General Manager, Engineering and Optimisation at Squadron Energy, where she leads strategic initiatives in the renewables energy sector. With a focus on building high-performing engineering teams and developing robust asset management strategies, Joanne brings over 19 years of experience in general management, operations, and engineering. Her background spans the utilities, mining and oil and gas sectors, with expertise as both an asset owner and in consulting/EPCM roles. Joanne began her career as an Electrical Engineer at an upstream oil and gas services business. Her ability to connect authentically and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including at board level, ensures outstanding business and customer outcomes.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can we engineer our own paths and achieve success in a male dominated industry?
Helen Baxter-Crawford
Technical Principal Engineering GeologistSMEC
Helen specialises in geological/geotechnical 3D model development and site investigation management spanning tunnels, mining and dams, as well as geological inputs to design and construction phases. Helen has either run or been a team lead in the site investigation, data collation, 3D modelling and construction phases for some of eastern Australia’s largest tunnelling projects including Borumba PHES (Owners Engineer Geology Lead), West Connex M8 (Design & Construction), Sydney Gateway (site investigation) and Brisbane Airport Link (Design), and some of Australia and SE Asia’s biggest mining operations including the structurally complex sedimentary BIF deposits at Mt Whaleback, Mining Area C, Marandoo; and metamorphic and intrusive copper gold deposits of Batu Hijau, Prominent Hill, and the Hu’u Onto deposit. Since joining SMEC she has expanded her project scope to detailed dam foundation models and site investigation and linking all areas of expertise in the Pumped Hydro sector. Helen is a Chartered Professional MAusIMM CP (Geo). She awarded the Australian Geomechanics Award for 2022 for her paper titled “Lithological character and Structural Geology of the Cooks River area with focus on the M8 Tunnels” and was awarded the Australian Tunnelling Societys Woman in Tunnelling Award for 2023.
Speaking at
11:10
Owning your journey: how to advocate for yourself at every career stage
Ivana Popovac
Program ManagerMedlogical Innovations
Speaking at
12:00
From concept to commercialisation: maximising your impact as an engineer
Caitlyn Broberg
Commercial AdvisorExxonMobil
Caitlyn Broberg is a skilled chemical engineer with 15 years of experience in the energy industry. A graduate of the University of Melbourne, she has built a career tackling complex technical challenges, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities, and leading diverse, multidisciplinary teams. Passionate about fostering inclusion and diversity, she is a proud alumna of Science and Technology Australia's Superstars of STEM program and an active member of the Women in Energy Network (WEN). As a chartered engineer, Caitlyn combines technical expertise with leadership to drive innovation and collaboration within the industry. Her dedication to advancing STEM and supporting diverse voices in engineering underscores her commitment to meaningful change in the field.
Speaking at
12:30
Communicating complex technical concepts with clarity and authenticity across disciplines
Roundtable 4: Navigating challenging conversations and uncomfortable situations
Leena Silberer
Senior Manager, Operational Readiness & ChangeTransurban
Speaking at
14:00
Mastering 5 critical non-technical skills that every engineer needs
Jennifer Fishburn
Director, Materials EngineeringResmed
Jennifer Fishburn is Director of Materials Engineering at ResMed, where she has led global teams in advancing medical device innovation, materials science, and cross-functional project delivery. With over 20 years of industry experience, Jennifer has built a career that bridges the foundational pillars of engineering—technical excellence, people leadership, and program execution. She is passionate about developing high-trust, high-performance cultures and believes engineering careers thrive when they evolve in alignment with both values and ambition. Drawing from a dynamic path that has spanned R&D, operations, and strategic leadership, Jennifer empowers engineers to embrace change, influence with purpose, and grow across diverse career tracks. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of technical leaders and fostering inclusive, values-driven environments where innovation flourishes.
Speaking at
14:30
The three foundational pillars of engineering success: technical expertise, people leadership, and project delivery
Lidija Dumbaloska
Director, Energy Network & SystemsTransport for NSW
Speaking at
15:00
From technical expertise to executive influence: establishing authority and driving change
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Chantal Ivory
Customer Service Leader – WAWabtec Corporation
Chantal started her career at Royal Perth Hospital in asset management, transitioned to electricity utility in asset management and then onto contract management for 9 years and now has been working in rail industry in service and operations for the last four years.
Speaking at
Roundtable 1: Using your engineering background & skills to branch out into new professional opportunities
Anastasia Suchowerska
Principal Engineer – GeotechnicalJohn Holland
Speaking at
Roundtable 2: Overcoming gender bias and ensuring your voice is recognised and valued
Nina Lee
Senior Associate – StructuresBG&E
Nina Lee is an Associate in the Structures team in Sydney at BG&E. She is a pro-active and well-regarded technical professional with extensive design and project management experience on a wide range of projects. Nina has been responsible for the structural design and documentation delivery of numerous building projects including mid to high rise commercial and mixed-use towers, large scale residential developments, industrial and carpark facilities, existing building refurbishment, and major retail centres in Australia and overseas.
Nina has also devoted time outside her technical role to drive improvement in gender diversity and culture within BG&E where she has worked for since 2005.
Nina contributed to creation of a company Inclusion and Diversity Working Group (IDWG) in 2020, for which she occupies the role of Chair. Nina has since become a member of the BG&E’s Board-appointed Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Committee where she had a heavy hand in many of the major initiatives implemented to date. Nina continues to represent and implement change on behalf of those with a continued interest in the topic, ensuring their feedback and ideas are heard at the highest levels.
Excelling throughout 17 year’s of engineering design, including when she returned from maternity leave in 2014 to manage one of the firm’s largest building projects at the time – the $350 million Dubai Mall Zabeel Expansion, Nina’s career trajectory and flexible work legacy contributed to paving the way for enhanced gender diversity for the upcoming generation in the industry.
Speaking at
Roundtable 3: The motherhood penalty – the perennial dilemma: making it work for you
Fatematuz Zohora
Acoustic Engineer | Superstar of STEMWSP Australia | Science & Technology Australia
Fatematuz Zohora is an Acoustic Engineer at WSP specialising in environmental noise and vibration assessments, noise modelling, and data analysis. She plays a key role in supporting major infrastructure and energy projects across Australia, delivering data-driven acoustic solutions that enhance environmental outcomes and community well-being.
She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, with research focused on detecting pipe leakage through acoustic emissions—a cutting-edge approach to infrastructure monitoring. Prior to joining WSP, Fatematuz was a Research Engineer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she contributed to advanced studies in infrastructure condition assessment.
She combines deep technical expertise with a passion for communication, mentorship, and equity in STEM. She was recently accepted into Superstars of STEM; a two-year program supports 60 brilliant minds to become highly visible and public role models. She is recognised as a strong advocate for making science and engineering accessible, visible, and inspiring—especially for young women and underrepresented groups.
Through her involvement with Engineers Australia—serving on both the Women in Engineering and Mechanical Engineering committees in the Newcastle Division—she supports the professional growth of students and early-career engineers. Her outreach initiatives are focused on building confidence, technical capability, and a sense of belonging among underrepresented voices in engineering.
Speaking at
Roundtable 5: Mentorship and how to reach out to gain a mentor relevant to your career path
Sheila Wujanto-Hawe
Process Safety EngineerJemena
Sheila is a passionate Process Safety Engineer with over 20 years of experience across the oil and gas, energy, refinery, and chemical sectors. At Jemena, she has been instrumental in shaping the company’s process safety journey, leading the implementation of its Process Safety Framework and fostering a strong safety culture across operations.
Her career began with a solid foundation in process design, which, combined with extensive operational experience, has given her a deep understanding of complex industrial environments. Sheila is committed to promoting excellence in process safety and guiding teams to embed it into their everyday work.
Beyond her role at Jemena, Sheila represents the company on the IChemE Safety Centre Advisory Board and actively contributes to the Safer Together Process Safety Working Group, sharing insights and best practices to elevate safety standards across the industry.
Speaking at
Roundtable 6: Safety in action: implementing effective on-site protocols to drive safety & results
Yemi Penn
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
YP Ventures
Yemi Penn is a globally recognised keynote speaker, researcher, and entrepreneur committed to driving transformative change in leadership, culture, and innovation. An engineer by profession and business leader by experience, she has successfully built multiple ventures while challenging conventional thinking on resilience, adaptability, and success in uncertain times.
Having recently completed her PhD, Yemi’s research explores new approaches to leadership and cultural evolution, using documentary filmmaking and storytelling as powerful tools for change. She champions the concept of rebellious curiosity, a mindset that encourages leaders and organisations to question assumptions, break free from outdated models, and embrace bold, innovative solutions.
Through her keynotes, Yemi equips organisations with the mindset and strategies needed to foster innovation, navigate complexity, and create thriving cultures. Her work sparks courageous conversations that lead to meaningful, sustainable impact across industries and communities.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the chair
09:00
Rebelliously curious engineering – designing bold futures through creative intelligence
Madhu Bhaskaran
Professor & Research Leader | Co-ChairRMIT University | Women in STEMM Australia
Professor Madhu Bhaskaran is a multi-award winning electronics engineer and innovator. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
She co-leads the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT University which she established in 2010. She is Deputy Director – Research for the ARC Research Hub for Connected Sensors for Health. She is also a Chief Investigator and Node Leader for the ARC Centre of Excellence in Transformative Meta-Optical Systems.
Her work on electronic skin and wearable sensors has been patented and her group now works collaboratively with multiple industry and design partners to commercialise the technology for healthcare and aged care.
She is a passionate advocate for equity and diversity and she proudly co-leads Women in STEMM Australia.
Speaking at
09:30
Shaping women's careers in male dominated workplaces: tried and tested solutions
10:00
Panel discussion: How can men and women work together to drive diversity, equity & inclusion?
Greg Cain
Head of Major Projects & OriginationACCIONA
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can men and women work together to drive diversity, equity & inclusion?
Demi Athanasopoulos
Head of Engineering & ProjectsAGL
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can men and women work together to drive diversity, equity & inclusion?
Danielle White
Manager Maintenance Performance & Data AnalyticsBHP
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can men and women work together to drive diversity, equity & inclusion?
Jess Fraser
Strategy & Market Development ManagerJemena
Jess is a data driven engineer who brings over 15 years of industry experience in global and local energy markets. She began her career with ExxonMobil as a Process Engineer in offshore Bass Strait before working a series of technical and commercial roles across the upstream and downstream oil and gas value chain in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. More recently Jess joined Jemena – an energy infrastructure company – as the Strategy & Market Development manager where she has helped shape the long-term energy transition strategy for key gas transmission pipelines across the east coast of Australia. Jess is a passionate advocate for women and girls in STEM and holds a keen interest in understanding and preventing the “leaky career pipeline.
Speaking at
10:00
Panel discussion: How can men and women work together to drive diversity, equity & inclusion?
Siobhan Barrett-Lennard
Senior Manager Regional CAMO Systems & ServicesQantasLink
Speaking at
11:20
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Lina Kim
Senior Software EngineerCochlear
I'm a senior software engineer at a medical device company, where I combine my background in biomedical engineering and computer science to create technology that improves healthcare and helps people live better lives. With a strong interest in the intersection of tech and medicine, I focus on exploring and applying software and AI solutions in biomedical and humanitarian contexts. I'm passionate about supporting women in STEM and enjoy being a part of this community and various initiatives that encourage diversity in the field.
Speaking at
12:10
AI, automation & the next generation of technology in engineering
Aditi Dey
Senior Project EngineerEnscope
Aditi brings more than 12 years of project management experience in the energy industry. She began her career with Santos as a Development Engineer in the onshore gas development team and later as a Senior Project Engineer in the offshore development team.
Currently as a Project Lead at Enscope, she oversees detailed design, procurement, and execution of projects for major energy clients, driving sustainable outcomes across complex projects. Her expertise spans the full project lifecycle from concept to execution with a strong focus on risk management, value creation and strategic planning.
Aditi holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland. She is Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and in 2024 was a Women in Industry Awards Finalist. Aditi currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Southcare, a not-for-profit aged care and community services provider in Western Australia.
Speaking at
13:40
A spotlight on sustainability and decarbonisation: engineers leading the charge
Natasha Roy
General Manager, InfrastructureJohn Holland
Natasha Roy is one of John Holland’s leading Senior Managers with almost 30 years of experience delivering major infrastructure projects across Queensland. As the General Manager of Infrastructure, she not only oversees large-scale projects, but also uses her platform to advocate for gender equity and equality.
Natasha is actively involved in mentoring and coaching others in the construction industry and is a key speaker at events and conferences, sharing her insights and experiences to inspire others and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Natasha is involved in the Minerva Network and co-chairs the Celebrate Women Network at John Holland, both of which aim to support and empower women in the industry.
She has implemented industry-first initiatives that offer immersive training and support for junior female staff, and her efforts have resulted in continual growth in retention and improved statistics of women in John Holland.
Natasha also focuses on women's health in the workplace and elevates open conversations around topics like menopause, endometriosis, and breastfeeding facilities.
She is dedicated to making a lasting impact and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in construction.
Natasha knew early on that she had a passion for all things STEM, so with the guidance of one of her earliest mentors she followed the path to an engineering cadetship.
From cadet engineer to site engineer, to project engineer – and eventually project manager, Natasha quickly climbed the ranks of the construction industry, breaking down barriers and forging great relationships along the way.
Speaking at
14:30
Women in Action Case Study: Harnessing teamwork and collaboration for ongoing project success
15:00
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in engineering
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Kristina de Ambrosis
Head of Business Systems AssuranceACCIONA
Kristina de Ambrosis is the Head of Business Systems Assurance for ACCIONA Australia and New Zealand’s infrastructure business. Kristina is responsible for leading an elevated focus on ACCIONA’s management system that governs the way ACCIONA captures, communicates and continually assesses compliance across the organisation’s ways of working.
Kristina has almost 30 years of diverse experience across the Civil Construction industry playing critical roles including Site Engineer, Project Engineer, Quality Engineer and Quality and Completion Manager in the delivery of bridges, roads, and buildings but predominantly in tunnel construction.
Kristina joined ACCIONA in 2022 as the Health, Safety, Environment, Quality and Completions (HSEQC) Director for the Sydney Metro West Central Tunnelling Project. Kristina’s exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills was a key contributor to the successful delivery of this project. Prior to this Kristina worked on projects such as Lane Cove Tunnel, Epping to Chatswood Rail line and Sydney Opera House Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety Project
Over her career, Kristina has been recognised for her capability including as a finalist for the ATS Women in Tunnelling Achievement Award in November 2023. Kristina is an active supporter of women in the industry openly sharing her personal experiences and mentoring others as they navigate their careers.
Speaking at
15:00
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in engineering
Kasia Kulbacka
General Manager Network PlanningTransgrid
Kasia Kulbacka is a General Manager of Network Planning at Transgrid based in Sydney, New South Wales. Kasia joined Transgrid in July 2021 after a career as a leader in the US power utility industry, where she focused on modernising assets and enabling the transition to a renewable and clean energy future. Within her 15-year tenure at National Grid, Boston she held senior leadership and executive roles within transmission network planning, asset management, transmission systems engineering, commercial services, and aviation. BEng, MSc.
Speaking at
15:00
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in engineering
Sonia Holzheimer
Principal Building Services EngineerSequal Consulting Group
Sonia is a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Cairns-based firm SEQUAL, with over 20 years of experience in building services and a passion for growing the next generation of engineers. A Fellow of Engineers Australia and Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland, Sonia actively volunteers across the profession—chairing the Queensland Mechanical College Committee and the Women of AIRAH, and serving on local and national committees. She regularly speaks at local schools and RTOs about careers in engineering and construction, and recently participated as an industry expert in the STEM Changemakers program, encouraging young women to explore the possibilities of STEM.
Speaking at
15:00
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in engineering
Wendy Lee
Lecturer, Electrical EngineeringUNSW
Dr Wendy Lee is an electrical engineer, Lecturer, and Nexus Fellow at UNSW Sydney. She teaches first-year design and electrical engineering, sparking student engagement through hands-on, cross-disciplinary projects. Her research focuses on terahertz technologies for imaging and communications. A 2025 Superstar of STEM, Wendy is charged up about empowering women in engineering and lighting the path for the next generation of STEM leaders.
Speaking at
15:00
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in engineering
Susanne Rauer
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Master Coach and TrainerGaia Coaching
Susanne is one of the rare people who is inspired to go above and beyond. She is a conscious and multiple award-winning natural leader in her field.
Her 30+ years of experience range from providing management consulting, training, mentorship, coaching and leadership to individuals and senior management teams (C-level) of medium-sized to large corporations, with a focus on Finance, IT, Engineering, Law, and the Public Sector.
As an experienced and passionate public speaker, Susanne has developed and delivered numerous training courses and presented at various conferences, including the ‘Gartner CIO Summit’. She uses her passion to inspire people to think and work differently. She advocates the combination of operational, short-term and strategic, long-term benefits.
As a certified Master Coach & Coach Trainer, she provides highly personalised executive and career coaching services for conscious, results-driven professionals.
Her purpose is to cultivate conscious leadership through professional (internal and external) self-awareness, enabling leaders to embody higher levels of authenticity, integrity, and excellence in their work. She respects and caters for the specific circumstances of each of her valued clients.
Susanne is passionate about people and has the gift to create a safe environment where her clients can be themselves and explore unconventional ways forward to exceed expectations and see the results they want to see in their life faster.
For more information, please visit
Website: https://gaiacoaching.com.au/meet-the-coaches/susanne-rauer/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-rauer-executive-coaching-sydney/
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass A: Strategic career planning for women in engineering
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