Diversity Council Australia (DCA) has revealed an impressive lineup of culturally and racially marginalised (CARM) women leaders to guide its groundbreaking RISE project (Realise. Inspire. Support. Energise).
Launched by DCA along with partners Settlement Services International (SSI) and Chief Executive Women (CEW) in March 2023, the RISE project aims to break down systematic barriers and provide pathways to leadership positions for CARM women. This four-year project will work with 375 CARM women across 25 participating organisations to identify and address systemic barriers for CARM women and implement lasting change interventions.
The RISE project is funded by the Commonwealth Government Office for Women.
As part of DCA’s emphasis on centring lived experiences in all its programs and research, the Expert Panel of 11 CARM women leaders will provide advice and guidance as the RISE project progresses.
The lineup features a diverse range of leaders from academia, businesses and NFPs, including:
- Dr. Derya Iner, Associate Professor and Research coordinator, Centre for Islamic Studies, Charles Sturt University & Deputy Chair and Research Head, Islamophobia Register
- Professor Nareen Young, Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement), UTS Business School and Professor for Indigenous Policy, UTS Jumbunna Institute
- Dr Dimitria Groutsis, Associate Professor, University of Sydney Business School
- Dr Morley Muse, Co-founder, iSTEM Co. and DEIR; Board Director, Women in STEMM Australia.
- Anyier Yuol, Founder and CEO, Lead Beyond Education and Anyier Model Management
- Padmi Pathinather, Founder and Principal HR Director, Enrichment Consulting
- Gloria Yuen, Inclusion Advisor and WOB, Cultural Diversity Committee
- Türkan Aksoy, NSW Coordinator, Welcoming Cities
- Kathrina Lo, NSW Public Service Commissioner & Member of Chief Executive Women
- Farhana Laffernis, Senior Officer, Diversity & Inclusion, UNSW Equity Diversity & Inclusion
- Mmaskepe Sejoe, Human Rights Consultant
The RISE project is currently in the pilot phase, the first of three phases, with three participating organisations which will be joined by a further 11 organisations later this year and 11 more in 2024.