Count Her In: Accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment
Join Ishar in celebrating International Women's Day(IWD) 2024. The morning will feature a hot plated breakfast, and an inspiring panel discussion hosted by Alicia Curtis of 100 Women who will be joined by Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, Peter Bennett CEO of Clough, Ashley Mcgrath of CEO's for Gender Equity and Vince Connelly CEO of RSLWA.
The focus of the event is; "accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment" and we welcome people of all genders to attend. The event will encourage attendees to challenge gender bias and inequality in their lives, both professional and personal.
All proceeds go towards investing in Ishar's youth services and women's programs, which are vital services that support vulnerable refugee and migrant women and girls who have experienced family and domestic violence and/or sexual abuse, in healing and rebuilding their lives on their own terms. Through equal opportunity and empowering these women, together we can work towards including refugee and migrant women in our efforts to create gender equity for women, through economic empowerment.
Meet our speakers:
Special Guest MC: Alicia Curtis
Alicia Curtis is an award-winning speaker, leadership facilitator and inspiring community change maker with a dynamic purpose - to ignite leaders to positively transform the world. Her impact continues to grow; Alicia founded Alyceum in 2002 developing and facilitating transformational programs impacting the personal leadership journeys of thousands of people over the last 20+ years.
In 2013, Alicia co-founded 100 Women, a collective giving circle which has granted over one million dollars and improved the lives of 36,400 women and girls in nine countries across the globe. She is also the co-author of Difference Makers: A Leader's Guide to Championing Diversity on Boards.
With a Masters in Business Leadership, Alicia has also been awarded several accolades including Business News 40under40 List (top 4), EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year, Westpac's 200 Businesses of Tomorrow and the Westpac & Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence List.
On top of this, Alicia proudly serves as Patron of Girl Guides WA, championing young women's leadership potential, and is a passionate supporter of Millennium Kids, a youth environment organisation empowering young people with a ‘skills for life’ approach to become leaders and change-agents in their communities today.
Panel Speaker: Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot MLC
Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot MLC is a Member of the Legislative Council of the 41st Parliament of Western Australia for the North Metropolitan Region.
She is Western Australia’s first MP of African descent and the first person from a South Sudanese background to occupy a seat in any Parliament in Australia.
Her key priorities include multiculturalism, women, families, and employment, and inspiring young people of colour to get involved in the community.
Panel Speaker: Peter Bennett
Peter Bennett was appointed as CEO and Managing Director of Clough on 1 February 2016.
Peter holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New South Wales and an Executive Chartered Engineer recognition from Engineers Australia. Peter has decades of experience in the energy and infrastructure contracting service sector. His experience spans contracting business process, operational and corporate leadership. Peter has been instrumental in the diversification of Clough as a respected engineering and construction business serving the energy, infrastructure and resources industry in Australia and Asia Pacific and since February 2023 as part of the Webuild Group.
Peter also serves on various Boards including Australian Contractors Association and he is Chair of the CEOs for Gender Equity and Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre.
Panel Speaker: Ashley Mcgrath
Ashley McGrath is a gender equity trailblazer on a mission to turn the dial in Western Australia. Ashley leads CEOs for Gender Equity, a for-purpose organisation which seeks to accelerate gender equity by inspiring and supporting CEOs to take action. Ashley is also working on a PhD project that will increase female inclusion and diversity in the Western Australian mining industry.
Panel Speaker: Vince Connelley
Mr Connelly received a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian Defence Force Academy and completed officer training, graduating with a Diploma of Personnel Management from the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
Vince served as a Company Grade Officer on operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. He also took part in several military exchange programs including with the United States Marine Corps, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Malaysian Armed Forces.
After leaving the Army, Vince worked with a cross-section of top-tier public and private organisations to help them manage operational and business risks. While in the corporate sector, Vince continued serving in the Army Reserve, where he was promoted to Major. His final posting was to the SAS Regiment at Campbell Barracks, WA.
Moving into politics, Vince served as a Federal member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Stirling in Western Australia from 2019 until the seat's abolition in 2022.
Vince has a wife, Peta, and three teenage children. He has been an active member of the Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club, Legacy WA, the North Beach RSL Sub-Branch, the Lions Club of North Beach and the Veterans Transition Centre.
This event is a perfect opportunity to connect with inspiring people from diverse backgrounds. Let's come together to champion gender equity and discuss ways to create a more inclusive world. Don't miss out on this incredible event!
RSVPs close 4PM on Friday 1st March.
Date: Thursday 7th March 2024
Location: Frasers Restaurant, 60 Fraser Avenue, Kings Park
Time: 7.30am-9.30am
Sponsored by: Minderoo Foundation