Meet the speakers
From procurement leaders to social enterprise founders, government decision-makers to impact practitioners, Convene 2026 brings together the voices driving real change across Australia's social value ecosystem.
Tara Anderson
Social Traders Chief Executive OfficerTara Anderson is a social performance CEO and Director whose global career spans Australia, the UK and Europe. A pragmatic idealist, she blends commercial strategy with deep social impact expertise to help make business for good standard practice. With nearly 20 years’ leadership across charities, social enterprises and industry bodies, she partners with business, government and philanthropy. As CEO of Social Traders, she leads a national team embedding social value in business practice. Tara is also Co‑Founder of The Dragonfly Collective and has contributed to sector strategy through board roles. She holds an MBA and a Masters in Social Innovation.
Dr Lorraine Finlay
Australian Human Rights Commission Human Rights CommissionerDr Lorraine Finlay is the Human Rights Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission, leading work on modern slavery, asylum seekers and refugees, business and human rights, and technology and human rights. She is a lawyer and academic specialising in human rights and public law, holding a PhD in Law from the University of Queensland and a dual Master of Laws from New York University and the National University of Singapore as a Singapura Scholar. Her previous roles include Senior Human Trafficking Specialist with the Australian Mission to ASEAN, academic at Murdoch University, and State Prosecutor with the WA DPP.
Craig Foster AM
Craig Foster AM is a former Socceroo, Crystal Palace Captain and long‑time SBS broadcaster, known for his leadership on and off the field. A prominent human rights advocate, he led the global campaign to free Bahraini refugee Hakeem al‑Araibi, featured in Fighting for Hakeem and the award‑winning documentary The Defenders. Craig helped evacuate Afghan women and girls fleeing the Taliban and co‑led Amnesty’s Game Over campaign. A former Chair of the players’ association, he championed gender equality in football. Craig is an author, filmmaker and anti‑racism advocate, holding a Master of Sport, Bachelor of Laws and an Honorary Doctorate.
The Honourable David Janetzki MP
Treasurer of Queensland, Minister for Energy, and Minister for Home OwnershipDavid is Queensland Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership. Elected as the Member for Toowoomba South in 2016, he brings broad experience to Parliament. Raised near Acland, he holds economics and law (honours) degrees from the University of Queensland. David worked with Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Brisbane and the Manpower Group in London before returning to Toowoomba, where he spent a decade in senior roles at Heritage Bank, including General Counsel. A founding director of Vanguard Laundry a large scale social enterprise, he has served on several boards and committees. A father of three, he enjoys piano and cricket.
Professor Peter Singer
Emeritus Professor of Bioethics, Princeton University; V.K. Rajah Visiting Professor in Medical Ethics, National University of Singapore; Founder, The Life You Can Save; Co-Founder, Profit for Good AllianceProfessor Peter Singer is one of the world's most influential philosophers, renowned for transforming debates on animal welfare, effective altruism, and bioethics. His landmark book Animal Liberation helped inspire the modern animal rights movement, while The Life You Can Save advanced a global movement for effective giving. Awarded the 2021 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture, Singer donated the US$1 million prize to organisations alleviating extreme poverty and reducing animal suffering. Author of more than 50 books translated into 30+ languages, he continues to shape global thinking on ethics, philanthropy, and creating positive impact through business and society
Photo credit © Rei Nakama.
Erin Hatton
Brisbane 2032 Head of ImpactErin Hatton serves as Head of Impact for Brisbane 2032, guiding the Social Impact portfolio for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. With more than 25 years’ experience throughout Australia, the Pacific and Africa, she has built a career at the intersection of sport, community development and diplomacy. Erin is known for her strategic leadership, collaboration, and commitment to inclusion and celebrating diversity. Her work is fueled by a belief in the power of sport to create meaningful, lasting impact in people’s lives.
Casey Lyons
Livin Founder & CEOCasey Lyons is the CEO and Co-Founder of LIVIN, a leading Australian mental health charity dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide prevention. Since co-founding the organisation in 2013, Casey has helped grow LIVIN into a nationally recognised movement that delivers mental health education, advocacy and awareness programs across schools, workplaces and communities. Driven by LIVIN's vision of creating a future where suicide is no longer the leading killer of young Australians, Casey is passionate about empowering people to seek support, build resilience and embrace the message that"It Ain't Weak to Speak.
Naima Wilson
Patagonia Marketing and Impact Director, Patagonia Australia & AotearoaNaima Wilson is a brand, marketing, and communications leader with over 20 years’ experience. She is currently the Marketing & Impact Director for Patagonia in Australia, a company recognised for its mission-led approach, responsible business and environmental activism. In her role, she leads a multidisciplinary team spanning brand storytelling, marketing activation, environmental advocacy, and community building advancing Patagonia’s purpose: We’re in business to save our home planet.
Agustin Dellagiovanna
Amazon Global Procurement Organization Sr. Manager, Global Procurement Community Impact & Sustainability,Agustín Dellagiovanna is a sustainability and community impact leader with experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. A Political Science graduate, he has completed postgraduate studies in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in Argentina, Spain, and at the University of Cambridge. He began his career with the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, creating the first dedicated Social Responsibility function in public administration in the Americas. He later served as Argentina’s National Director for Social Responsibility and Sustainability and as Global Head of Sustainable Development at Scholas Occurrentes. Since joining Amazon in 2021, he has led Supplier for Good, advancing responsible procurement and measurable community impact.
Anthony Ireland-Jones
Queensland Rugby League General Manager Commercial & Consumer EngagementA sports marketing professional spanning roles in both Agencies and Rights Holders across Australia. Currently General Manager Commercial & Consumer Engagement, overseeing the broader commercial operations for Queensland Rugby League who govern the game of Rugby League at a Community level in Queensland, manage the pathways & competitions that ladder up to NRL and NRLW, and oversee one of the country's most well recognised sporting brands, the Queensland Maroons, at the elite level of the game in State of Origin.
Kevin Chan
Unwanted FC FounderKevin Chan is Co-founder of Unwanted FC, an Australian upcycling studio rethinking how sportswear is designed, used and valued. Founded in 2018, Unwanted FC began with a simple mission: giving unwanted sportswear a second life. Since then, it has evolved into an upcycling-as-a-service business working across football, rugby, AFL, cricket and beyond. Kevin partners with sporting organisations, brands and communities to transform obsolete and damaged garments into new products, creating practical pathways for circularity. Through major collaborations, Unwanted FC has upcycled thousands of garments nationwide. At Convene 2026, Kevin joins Queensland Rugby League to explore collaboration, reuse and changing perceptions of sportswear waste.
Aaron Reid
Ventia GM Social ValueAaron Reid leads procurement‑driven social value, turning policy intent into measurable outcomes without compromising commercial performance. As GM Social Value at Ventia, he helps translate the company’s purpose—making infrastructure work for communities—into practical actions that deliver positive impact. With over 30 years’ experience across the UK and Australia in sustainable procurement, social value measurement, and inclusive workforce and supply‑chain reform, he co‑founded and co‑chairs the Australian Social Value Taskforce, which created the Global TOM System for Australia. He also helped relaunch the Supply Chain Sustainability School. Aaron focuses on moving social value from intent to impact through clear requirements and evidence‑based reporting.
Shannen Cooper
TradeMutt National Sales ManagerShannen Cooper is the National Sales Manager for TradeMutt, a Brisbane‑based social enterprise workwear brand known for its bold designs and quirky humour. TradeMutt donates 50% of profits to TIACS, funding free call and text counselling for tradies, truckies, rural workers, and their families. After a decade in the domestic beer industry, Shannen brings commercial acumen, sales strategy, and scrappy improvisation to the social enterprise sector, championing a “hunt as a pack” mindset. He is a proud father of two boys, two elderly dogs, and a guinea pig named Scratchy—all of whom, naturally, wear TradeMutt.
Andrew Mellody
Humble Brag CEO & Co-FounderAndrew is the CEO and Co‑founder of Humble Brag, Australia’s new social enterprise shaking up the coffee industry. Humble Brag supplies premium ethical coffee to workplaces, homes, and cafés nationwide, donating 50% of profits to support Indigenous young people and international aid. Andrew is also Managing Director of Co‑Ground, an Australian charity delivering community‑led development in Vanuatu, the Philippines, and Australia for over a decade. With more than 20 years in community development and a decade in social entrepreneurship, he stays grounded through humour, parenting Atlas and Leo, and embracing his love of puns.
Kat Dekker
Give Industries Founder & DirectorKat Dekker is the co-founder of Give Industries, a social enterprise transforming the way we think about business and giving. With a background in theatre and community engagement, working everywhere from prisons to marginalised communities, Kat never expected to be running a trades company. Today, she leads an organisation that operates like a high-quality electrical contractor but exists solely to raise funds for charity. Under her leadership, Give Industries directs 100% of its profit toward the world’s most effective charities, proving that profit-for-good isn't just a concept, but a powerful, scalable reality.
Louise Tran
OzHarvest Ventures Head of OzHarvest VenturesLouise Tran is a changemaker in food systems and sustainability, leading OzHarvest Ventures to develop innovative circular business models that create positive impact. A member of OzHarvest’s leadership team for more than 15 years, she has helped shape social enterprises and purpose-driven ventures. In 2022, Louise co-founded VietHarvest, inspired by the OzHarvest model, which has already delivered more than 200,000 meals across three cities in Vietnam while diverting thousands of kilos of food from landfill. As Founding Chair of the Multicultural Leadership Initiative, she advocates for culturally diverse leadership, believing business can successfully unite profit, purpose, people and planet.
Shannon Ruska
Tribal Experiences Aboriginal Cultural SpecialistShannon Ruska has shared Aboriginal culture since childhood, guided by his father Eddie Ruska and Elders who instilled a deep connection to story and performance. He began touring with one of Brisbane’s first Indigenous drama groups, discovering his passion for the stage. Shannon later co‑founded the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers, growing the group from local shows to major international events including the G20 Summit and global sporting ceremonies. A visionary storyteller, he created the award‑winning Riverlife Mirrabooka experience and Spirits of the Red Sand. Named Ipswich Australian of the Year in 2003, he continues to teach, inspire and lead as a cultural consultant.
Matt Pfahlert
ACRE Co-Founder and CEOMatt is a globally recognised leader in social entrepreneurship and ecosystem building. He launched his first social enterprise in 1993, working with youth‑at‑risk, and since being named Young Australian of the Year in 1996 has focused on youth entrepreneurship, rural communities and sector development. He co‑founded ACRE in 2012 to drive rural renewal and led the 2016 community buyback of the Old Beechworth Gaol, now a national demonstration site for social enterprise. ACRE has since convened international rural social enterprise initiatives, including the Rural Manifesto. Matt also co‑founded Social Enterprise Australia and established Community Owned Australia in 2026.
Melanie Greblo
Humans of Purpose Founder & CEOMel is driven by a commitment to catalyse positive impact. She is the Founder and CEO of Humans of Purpose and its Academy, an impact venture working to achieve full social and economic participation for women facing complex employment barriers. A champion of diversity, inclusion and systemic change, she also hosts the Humans of Purpose podcast, featuring global purpose‑driven leaders. Since 2015, Mel has helped convene the Asia‑Pacific impact investing ecosystem through Impact Asia Pacific and The Coterie. She previously founded The Coterie for Renewal and has led social‑purpose organisations as Chief Executive, specialising in systems change, innovation and partnership building
Anna McChesney-Gordon
Social Value Portal Chief Commercial OfficerAnna leads Social Value Portal’s commercial function spanning Sales, Marketing, Consulting, Partnerships and Global Expansion, helping organisations worldwide embed social value into their operations. As Co-Chair of the Australian Social Value Taskforce, she contributed to developing the TOM System for Australia, a framework used across sectors to measure and report social value. She also oversees SVP’s partnership with Social Traders. Based in the UK, Anna brings nine years of experience at SVP and a background in the social justice sector, having worked with charities and social enterprises. Her work strengthens the integration of social value into business practice.
Coralie Nichols
Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation Chief Executive OfficerCoralie is a Graduate of the AICD and has completed Harvard Business studies. A 2017 Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Awards finalist, she also holds degrees from Wollongong University, Sydney University and a Master’s in Management from UTS. Coralie has spent more than 20 years in local government across NSW and Queensland, holding senior executive and general manager roles, and has also served as a Chief Executive in the not‑for‑profit sector in the Northern Territory and NSW. Having lived in major cities as well as rural and remote communities, she now resides with her family near the Hunter Valley vineyards.
Kristina Ward
ACCIONA Group Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead,Kristina Ward is the Group Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at ACCIONA ANZ, leading initiatives that advance inclusion, workforce participation and social performance across the organisation. She is passionate about creating opportunities through employment, procurement, and community engagement, with a strong focus on embedding social procurement into business operations. Drawing on experience in adult education, workforce development, and organisational change, Kristina brings a practical approach to creating social value alongside commercial outcomes. A committed advocate for underrepresented groups, she works across ACCIONA to strengthen diversity, support sustainable employment pathways and enhance the company’s positive impact on communities.
Stella Heesom
TechForGood CEO & Head of ImpactStella Heesom is CEO and Head of Impact at TechForGood Australia, a certified Social Enterprise, B Corp and Carbon Neutral technology supplier. She leads initiatives that help organisations create measurable social and environmental outcomes through technology procurement. Under her leadership, TechForGood has developed a hybrid impact model combining workforce enablement, digital inclusion, circular economy principles and enterprise procurement to deliver impact at scale. Stella believes organisations can create meaningful change through everyday purchasing decisions, not just dedicated ESG programs. A passionate advocate for social procurement, she works with businesses to generate commercial value, inclusive employment opportunities and lasting benefits for communities and the broader economy.
Shaheen Hajira
Ta’leem Consulting FounderShaheen is an inclusive learning designer, facilitator and co-design practitioner who helps organisations create systems where more people can participate, contribute and thrive. Working across government, health, education and community sectors, she designs learning, engagement and participatory processes that centre lived experience, reduce barriers and strengthen equity. Drawing on learning sciences, human-centred design and participatory practice, she supports capability building, leadership development and community engagement initiatives. As founder of Ta'leem Consulting, Shaheen helps organisations recognise hidden assumptions, redesign exclusionary systems and translate inclusive intentions into practical action that expands participation, belonging and equitable outcomes.
Mark Daniels
White Box Enterprises Chief Operating OfficerMark is the Chief Operating Officer of White Box Enterprises, a leading social enterprise intermediary. A respected leader in Australia’s social enterprise sector, he brings more than 20 years of experience as a buyer from social enterprises, a social enterprise operator, advocate, and service provider. Mark co-founded Social Traders and, as Executive Director for 13 years, led the development of its social enterprise marketplace. He now oversees innovative programs and trials at White Box that support jobs-focused social enterprises, including the Payment by Outcomes Trial, the Social Enterprise Loan Fund (SELF), and the Evolve capacity-building program across Australia today nationwide.
Tom Allen
Impact Boom Founder & CEOTom Allen is the Founder and CEO of Impact Boom and the Business for Good Network (BFGN). As a renowned sector leader, he specialises in co-designing high-impact programs and events, building leadership capability and fostering collaborative ecosystems. Having worked intensively with foundations, governments and 400+ impact-driven enterprises, Tom bridges the gap between strategy and execution. He is a sought-after facilitator, mentor, entrepreneur-in-residence and advisor known for his work on the AMP Foundation Tomorrow Makers Programs, Taronga: Hatch Accelerator Program, leading Australia’s successful bid for the Social Enterprise World Forum 2022 and catalysing growth of the movement.
Zara Lasater
Frankston Social Enterprise And Innovation Hub Executive OfficerDr Zara Lasater is Executive Officer of the Frankston Social Enterprise & Innovation Hub, a not-for-profit organisation supporting individuals and organisations to launch, grow and scale social enterprises while advancing social innovation across Melbourne’s south east. With experience as a consultant, researcher and not-for-profit manager, she has worked across sectors and countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Zara has lectured at the University of Melbourne, RMIT and Swinburne University of Technology on social enterprise, leadership, philanthropy, innovation, entrepreneurship, design, evaluation and public policy. She is deeply committed to place-based approaches and community impact and social change.
Sara van der Schatte Olivier
Westpac Executive Manager, Sustainability Strategy & PartnershipsSara is passionate about helping organisations deliver lasting value for people, communities and the environment. With extensive experience in sustainability, responsible sourcing and stakeholder engagement, Sara works across supplier inclusion and diversity, human rights, climate action and nature stewardship. Sara is motivated by the power of collaboration to tackle complex challenges, drive meaningful outcomes and create more inclusive, sustainable and resilient futures for all.
Scott Taylor
Benefolk AI Technology Delivery LeadScott is an enterprise technology leader with more than 25 years’ experience delivering large-scale digital systems across telecommunications, enterprise platforms and emerging technologies. He has held senior delivery and product leadership roles with organisations including PwC, BHP and Telstra, where he spent 15 years leading emerging technology portfolios and commercialising digital capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. Scott specialises in translating technologies such as generative AI and automation into practical operational solutions. His focus is building AI-enabled tools, workflows and data infrastructure that integrate seamlessly with existing platforms, delivering measurable efficiency, improved decision-making and stronger organisational performance at scale.
Robert Pekin
Food Connect Foundation Executive DirectorRobert’s model demonstrates how investment can drive lasting regional impact by funding place-based food system infrastructure that strengthens local economies and community wellbeing. Through shared facilities that support farmers, producers, and food businesses, capital remains within the region, creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and enhancing resilience. By enabling community ownership of assets such as the Food Connect Shed, Robert and his team democratise investment and align financial returns with local prosperity. This approach broadens access to investment opportunities, builds social capital, fosters civic participation, and creates stronger community connections. Ultimately, it turns investment into a catalyst for long-term regional regeneration.
Darren Taylor
Benefolk Director, Special Projects and Brand, Transformation and Growth Lead,Darren is a strategist who partners with charities, not-for-profits and social enterprises to strengthen strategy, brand and organisational effectiveness. He works closely with boards and executive teams navigating complex challenges and opportunities, helping them focus on the decisions that matter most. At Benefolk, he co-leads the Project Office and AI division and serves as Client Lead on major engagements. Over more than two decades, he has supported hundreds of organisations through strategic repositioning, brand development and organisational change. Darren founded Taylor & Grace in 2006, serves as a Board Director of Musica Viva Australia, and is a GAICD member today.
Marie-Helene Belisle
Primacy Underwriting Management Pty Limited Chief Executive OfficeMarie-Hélène Bélisle is a legally trained executive, Chief Executive Officer, and Non-Executive Director with expertise across strategy, governance, legal, finance, risk, and human resources. Guided by courage, kindness, and accountability, she leads Primacy Underwriting Management, supporting Australia’s agricultural sector through evolving risks. She has deep expertise in rural industries, with interests in climate change, sustainability, cyber risk, and resilience. Recognised for navigating complex legal, regulatory, and operational environments, she has led organisations through change, crisis management, reform, and technology transformation. She also serves as Non-Executive Director of the Crop Insurance Services Association. Marie-Hélène holds law degrees from Ottawa and Bond.
Kirra Johnson
Good Cycles Chief Executive OfficerKirra is an executive leader and systems-level thinker with over 20 years’ experience across operations, organisational development and governance in the non-profit and purpose-led sectors. As CEO of Good Cycles, one of Australia’s most established social enterprises, she combines commercial expertise with social purpose to deliver lasting impact. Passionate about addressing complex social challenges, Kirra champions inclusive economic opportunities and empowers people from marginalised backgrounds. A 2023 Westpac Social Change Fellow, she also serves as an Adjunct Industry Fellow at CSI Swinburne and an Advisory Board member for the Centre for Social Purpose, contributing expertise in social enterprise education and leadership.
Kylie Adeniyi
Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority Senior Manager, Strategy and ImpactKylie is an eternal optimist, passionate about building diversity into sustainable purchasing and recruitment practices. She has partnered with trusted peak bodies, government agencies and industry leaders to deliver thought leadership on how everyday decisions can shape communities. In her current role at the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority, she has helped direct more than $1.5 billion toward vulnerable and marginalised Victorians by engaging diverse workforces and supply chains. She also fosters a growing ecosystem of changemakers motivated by impact as well as delivery. Her focus is ensuring investment creates measurable and lasting outcomes for the people it is intended to support.
James Gauci
Cadent CEO & FounderSince 2021, Cadent has helped organisations in high-stakes and sensitive environments including health care, government and NFPs adopt AI safely, beneficially, and confidently. They specialise in AI engineering and governance, with a focus on digital sovereignty, data sovereignty and impact measurement. As CEO and Founder, James is responsible for strategy, governance, and architecture consulting. He also contributes his time to other purpose-led engagements with Samford Community Bank and UniSC.
Michael Stuart
Social Traders Head of Impact, Data & DigitalMichael Stuart is the Head of Impact, Data, and Digital at Social Traders, where he has been a key leader for four years. He oversees all data functions, focusing on impact measurement aligned with the organisation’s theory of change. His work enables Social Traders to track and demonstrate social value, supporting strategic decisions and continuous improvement. With extensive experience in data analysis and governance across Australia and the U.K., Michael excels at managing complex data systems and generating meaningful insights. Known for translating data into actionable strategies, he is committed to leveraging data for social good and advancing Social Traders’ mission.
Benjamin Blythe
Programmed Procurement ESG & Analytics LeadBenjamin Blythe is Programmed's Procurement ESG & Analytics Lead, responsible for driving procurement governance, ESG integration, supplier diversity, and analytics. With more than 16 years of procurement experience spanning government, consulting, and industry, he is passionate about using procurement to create sustainable business and community outcomes.
Hanna Ebeling
Sefa Chief Executive OfficerHanna Ebeling is CEO of Sefa, a specialist provider of flexible finance and tailored advisory support that helps impact-led organisations grow, strengthen resilience and deliver sustainable change. With experience spanning traditional banking at HSBC and venture philanthropy in the Philippines, she brings a broad global perspective to her leadership. Hanna is passionate about blended finance, community-led enterprises and innovative housing solutions. She serves on the boards of Vanguard Laundry Services and Future Generation Global (ASX: FGG), and on the investment committee of Minderoo Foundation’s Strategic Impact Fund. She also contributes to government and sector reference groups that advance collaboration across.
Sharyn County
APA General Manager Procurement, Property and Project OfficeSharyn is a respected senior executive, author, and Non-Executive Director with extensive leadership experience across the energy, procurement, property, and project sectors. As General Manager Procurement, Property and Project Office at APA, she is known for leading with authenticity, transparency, and empathy. Passionate about developing others, Sharyn is a dedicated mentor and coach who uses her broad experience to nurture talent and inspire future leaders. In recognition of her impact, she was named one of the Most Inspiring Women in Commerce and Contracting in 2021. Through her advocacy, writing, and leadership, Sharyn champions open conversations, inclusion, and creating workplaces where people can thrive both professionally and personally.
Amy Crookes
EY APAC ESG Services LeaderAmy Crookes is an Associate Director at EY and the Asia-Pacific Leader for ESG Services, where she leads the firm’s supplier diversity and social procurement agenda across the region. She partners with businesses, governments and communities to build more inclusive supply chains that create commercial value while delivering positive social, economic and environmental outcomes. Passionate about using procurement as a driver of economic participation, innovation and sustainable growth, Amy champions approaches that go beyond compliance to achieve measurable impact. In 2026, she was appointed to the Social Traders Certified Business Advisory Group, contributing her expertise to advance Australia’s social procurement movement.
Geoff McGinley
Adapt Homes Pty. Ltd CEO and FounderAfter a distinguished 30-year career as a Navy Commander, Geoff McGinley set out to create a different future for himself and others seeking an alternative path to home ownership. What began as a plan to design and build his own forever home soon evolved into a broader mission: making secure, adaptable, and affordable housing more accessible. Driven by a desire to challenge traditional housing models, Geoff spent years researching innovative solutions before creating what became Adapt Homes. Founded to help Australians achieve home ownership without the burden of a long-term mortgage, Adapt Homes was rebranded in 2024 and continues to grow, providing flexible, sustainable housing solutions for modern living.
Sharon Morris
World Commerce and Contracting Group Regional Head, APACSharon is a passionate advocate for creating shared value and driving positive change. As Group Regional Head of APAC at WorldCC, she leads the organisation’s activities across the Asia-Pacific region while championing sustainable and inclusive contracting practices through the WorldCC Foundation. With more than 20 years of executive experience in Australia and internationally, Sharon has held key leadership roles that have advanced procurement, supply chain, and commercial capabilities across the region. Her work consistently promotes diversity, inclusion, and professional excellence. Driven by the belief that better contracts create better outcomes, Sharon is committed to building a more sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future for all.
Cody Johns
Better Merch Operations & Client Support CoordinatorCody Johns is an Operations and Client Support Coordinator at Better Merch, a certified social enterprise that creates branded merchandise with purpose. Before joining Better Merch, Cody struggled to secure his first job, facing the common challenge of needing experience to gain an opportunity and an opportunity to gain experience. Since joining the team, he has developed skills across order processing, supplier communication, client support and operations. He has gained confidence to share ideas, advocate for clients, negotiate with suppliers and take ownership. Cody’s journey shows the impact of giving people a chance to prove their potential and capabilities today.
Rebecca Green
Social Traders Head of Transformation and AdvocacyFor nearly two decades, Rebecca has helped organisations create meaningful social and community impact. Her work spans supporting social enterprises to balance purpose and profitability, advising major infrastructure projects, and helping businesses embed social procurement and social performance into their operations. A recognised expert in social impact, stakeholder engagement, and behaviour change, Rebecca is passionate about challenging traditional business models to drive better outcomes for people and communities. More recently, she has led efforts to bring Social Traders into the social performance industry body, translating global frameworks on social impact into practical, relevant approaches that help Australian businesses understand and improve their impact on people.
Mrinalini Venkatachalam
WEConnect International Regional DirectorMrinalini is a seasoned social impact leader with over a decade of experience bridging the gap between unmet social needs and service providers. Currently serving as the Regional Director for South East Asia, North Asia, and Oceania at WEConnect International, she empowers women business owners by driving resources into their hands, enabling them to compete globally. Her work spans multiple sectors, including government, corporate, and community organizations, with a focus on creating measurable social impact.
Kate Fordham
Australian Government Department of Finance Executive OfficerKate Fordham is an Executive Level 2 Officer in the Procurement Capability team at the Australian Government Department of Finance. She leads the design and delivery of procurement and contract management capability initiatives across the Australian Public Service, helping officials build the skills and knowledge needed to achieve effective procurement outcomes. With extensive experience spanning both the public and private sectors, Kate brings expertise in capability development, learning and training design, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement. Her work focuses on strengthening procurement capability, fostering best practice, and supporting government agencies to deliver value through effective and responsible procurement and contract management. (100 words)
Greg Rafferty
DT Infrastructure Social Impact ManagerSince joining the construction industry in 2017, Greg has been a driving force behind industry-leading social procurement and inclusion initiatives, delivering impactful outcomes across the Metro Tunnel Rail Network Alliance (RNA) and Mernda Rail Extension projects. He has established strong national and local partnerships with social enterprises, Aboriginal businesses, community organisations, and not-for-profit groups to create meaningful opportunities for diverse communities. Passionate about leaving a lasting positive legacy, Greg develops and implements social procurement and inclusion strategies that generate both immediate and long-term benefits, with a strong focus on supporting local communities and creating pathways for priority jobseekers to secure sustainable employment.
Jessica Mendoza-Roth
Social Impact Hub Founder & CEOJessica Roth is the Founder and CEO of Social Impact Hub, a leading organisation that works with social purpose organisations to advise, educate, and mobilise capital for impact. She is also the Co-Founder of Wait Mate, a for-purpose initiative supporting parents to delay smartphone ownership for children. An experienced impact investment specialist, Jessica has advised philanthropic foundations and impact investment firms, and previously established the Sydney office of Impact Investment Group. Beginning her career as a solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons, she combines legal expertise with impact leadership. Jessica holds degrees from UNSW and Harvard Law School, where she studied social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and impact investing.
Master of ceremonies
Tom Dawkins
LendForGood Cofounder & Chief Impact OfficerTom Dawkins is a serial social entrepreneur passionate about using technology and entrepreneurship to build a better world. He co‑founded StartSomeGood in 2011 in San Francisco and served as CEO until its acquisition by General Good in 2024. Tom now works as Entrepreneur‑in‑Residence, hosting accelerators and coaching founders. He is also Co‑Founder and Chief Impact Officer of LendForGood, a platform democratising impact investment for emerging social enterprises. Tom previously founded Vibewire, opened Australia’s first coworking space, worked in a Silicon Valley innovation lab, launched the Australian Changemakers Festival, and produced electronic music events in Sydney.
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