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.

Anjuman is a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience across secondary and specialist education. She is currently serving as Principal at Wilson School in Auckland, where she leads with a strategic vision rooted in inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. Her career spans both mainstream and specialist settings, with a strong foundation in secondary science education and a deep commitment to supporting neurodiverse learners. Anjuman has led numerous initiatives focused on inclusive curriculum design, positive behaviour support, and staff development. Anjuman is passionate about building strong partnerships between schools and communities, and she actively mentors educators to foster reflective, growth-oriented leadership. Her mentoring philosophy is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and empowerment.

Connie is a senior professional, certified Life Coach, and mentor with over 20 years’ experience in assurance, advisory, and consulting within 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.

Dena has been working as a Business Analyst since she graduated from Auckland University in 2012. She started as a Graduate Business Analyst at Vodafone NZ, and has more recently moved on from 2degrees where she was a Lead Business Analyst, to join Metlifecare to set up a Business Analysis Practise. She is passionate about coaching and mentoring others who are interested in the Business Analyst field. She also plays a key role in connecting early career women with concepts to break down barriers to allow them to move into Technology. She was nominated as a finalist by Reseller News NZ in the NZ Women in ICT Awards 2024 for the category of 'Rising Star.’

Dr Duaa has a strong foundation in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. She brings expertise in wireless communication, intelligent systems, and applied technology research. She holds a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from AUT, a Master’s degree in Data Telecommunication Networks (Distinction) from the University of Salford, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad. Her work focuses on wireless sensing, the Internet of Things, and emerging digital‑twin technologies, with applications in healthcare and environmental monitoring. Dr Al‑Hamid is committed to supporting learners and early‑career professionals, and looks forward to mentoring participants from diverse backgrounds and interests.

Farhat brings nearly 20 years of public sector experience. She began as a Case Manager at MSD, where she advised individuals on steps toward employment or personal development opportunities. She has since expanded her experience across Legal, HR, IT, Housing, Education, and DEI, including serving as Co-Chair of a nationwide Public Sector Employee-Led Network, representing multiple government agencies. She has worked with people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, strengthening her solution-focused approach and cultural competency. A lifelong learner with an adaptable and reflective mindset, she brings strong leadership, governance, and project management skills while keeping relationships and community at the heart of her work. Farhat is dedicated to supporting others as they navigate their professional and personal journeys.

Dr Smits has held numerous leadership roles. She has previously served with the Australian foreign service. She is currently working on projects exploring multiculturalism, biculturalism and national identity in New Zealand, and comparative multiculturalism policies in New Zealand, Australia and Britain. She has published several academic articles and books.

Katie is an experienced business leader who is passionate about the empowerment and advancement of wahine and Maori. She has a global perspective gleaned from experience studying and working overseas, coupled with a passion and drive for innovating for a strong, successful and sustainable Aotearoa for all of its people.

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.)

Mia-Mae Taitimu-Stevens (Te Rarawa, Sāmoa and Tokelau) is a powerful advocate for Māori, Pacific, and Indigenous success in tertiary education, with over a decade of experience across academic, pastoral, engagement, and strategic spaces at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. She navigates and influences western-dominant institutions as a tangata whenua, tangata Pasifika, and a proud wāhine of colour. Her mahi centers on meaningful engagement, strategic transformation, and the preservation of relationships; skills and experiences she shares with those committed to uplifting Indigenous and minority communities. Mia-Mae currently serves as the Māori and Pacific Engagement Adviser within Student and Scholarly Services and is the Chair of the Women of Colour Staff Network at Waipapa Taumata Rau, where she amplifies voices often left unheard. Outside of work, she is a devoted māmā to three fur babies—Beans and Tank (rāpeti) and Mouse (kuri), volunteers with animal rescue groups, walks the ngahere (forests) of the Waitākere Ranges, and is on a journey of rediscovering in making her own rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine).

Nisrien holds a Medical Science degree from the University of Auckland and a Master’s Degree in Business Systems from Monash University in Australia. She has extensive experience across multiple sectors, including the telecommunications industry.

Nisrien left the corporate world for entrepreneurship, founding and running her own company. She created a successful natural haircare brand focused on addressing hair loss, and has established herself as both an entrepreneur and a professional business trainer. She also contributes her expertise as a mentor with Monash University and serves as a Career Coach with Dress for Success.