SONIA SADIQ GANDHI
CEO, Gandhi Creations | Founder of FOMA
Sonia is the Founder and CEO of Gandhi Creations Pty Ltd, a multi-award-winning events enterprise with over a decade of success. Renowned for designing and delivering sustainable projects, Gandhi Creations strengthens economic, diplomatic, and cultural connections for its clients.
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With vast experience in strategic event management for both public and private sectors across the Asia-Pacific region, Gandhi Creations’ core strength is its robust network across government and industry.
Sonia also serves on the board of Multicultural NSW and is an Australia Day Ambassador. Through her work, she actively promotes a more inclusive Australia by engaging with multicultural communities. Having led over 600 events, Sonia has created platforms for international idea exchange, cultural diplomacy, and strengthened foreign investment and trade.​​
foma AWARDS JURY
Anjilla seddeqi
Founder of Anjilla Seddeqi
Anjilla Seddeqi is an Australian designer of Afghan heritage. She arrived in Sydney, Australia in 1989 with her family seeking refuge from war torn Afghanistan.
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Anjilla has interned with UNHCR and practiced refugee law for a number of years before turning her focus to fashion and design. She is inspired by her heritage as well as the classic and feminine silhouettes of the 1950s, where dressing was an art form in itself. Her debut collection was launched at Dubai Modest Fashion Week in December 2017.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Anjilla Seddeqi.
colleen tighe johnson
Founder of Buluuy Mirrii
As a Gomeroi fashion designer, Colleen uses her talents to harness the spirit of her Gomeroi ancestors and revive Gomeroi Dreaming Stories through each design. Her label, Buluuy Mirrii (Black Star in her Gamilaraay language) has been featured on international runways in Melbourne, New Zealand, Canada, and New York Fashion Week in Spring and Fall 2017.
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The label Buluuy Mirrii celebrates a range of Aboriginal talents. Commissioned Gomeroi artworks are transformed into fabric patterns by a Gomeroi graphic designer, printed on luxury fabrics and sewn into one-off garments. Her label, Buluuy Mirrii promotes and revives important aspects of Gomeroi culture in each runway show, allowing the international fashion audience to learn some of Gomeroi cultural richness through specially recorded Gomeroi soundtracks and voice overs which tell the stories behind each garment.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Colleen Tighe Johnson
charlotte smith
Fashion Anthropologist
As a ‘Globe Trotting Fashion Anthropologist’, Charlotte is a social and cultural commentator through the lens of fashion. She is also an author, speaker and curator.
In 2004, Charlotte inherited a vast collection of vintage and historic garments and accessories from her American Quaker godmother, Doris Darnell. The bequest included Doris’ notes documenting the stories of the women who wore the clothing making the inheritance more than a fashion collection, but a recording of international social history told through fashion.
As a Fashion ‘Anthropologist’, Charlotte travels the world seeking out fashion’s history, its social impact, inspirations and innovations, as well as the powerful influence of multiculturalism that celebrates identity, culture and heritage in dress.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Charlotte Smith.
Crispin conroy AM
State Director | Department of Foreign Affairs
Before his current role, Mr. Conroy was the ICC Representative Director and Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, where he led ICC’s engagement with the UN and the WTO, as well as its global business and human rights strategy. He was also a UN Gender Champion and served on the TASC Advisory Board.
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Previously, Mr. Conroy held various diplomatic posts with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including Ambassador to Chile (accredited to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru), Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, and Ambassador to Nepal. He also worked with Austrade in senior roles across Italy, Colombia, and Latin America.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Crispin Conroy AM
Dean Boone
Director | Founder of Olsen Palmer
With a broad range of professional experiences, industry connections and collaborations across a diverse range of creative sectors including the design, architectural, media, arts and hospitality industries; Dean is first and foremost concerned with experience creation and the impact of creating memory.
The Founder of ØLSEN PALMER, a brand experience agency, he works with a range of talented individuals, emerging and established brands and a host of ongoing clients over the past 30 + years. Dean has a personal fascination with culture, place and heritage, the weaving of historic stories into our contemporary world and delivering place making to help celebrate, communicate and share our collective past, with the present, to help shape our future.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Dean Boone
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Emma isaacs
Global CEO | Founder of Business Chicks
A business owner by the age of 18, property investor by 19, and self-made millionaire by 23, Emma Isaacs has entrepreneurship and achievement in her DNA. As founder of Business Chicks—a thriving global community that operates on two continents in eleven cities – her team produces more than 100 events annually, with past speakers including Sir Richard Branson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Hudson, and Arianna Huffington, among others. She’s also the author of Winging It and a mother to six kids aged 11 and under.
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Emma doesn’t believe in work/life balance, preferring to advocate for a full life where people are in constant evaluation of what they truly want from it. A fearless leader with seemingly never-ending courage to spare, Emma inspires thousands with her boundless energy and ability to see possibility wherever she goes.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Emma Isaacs
Francis Wong
Organising Chairman | Australia ASEAN Business Forum
Francis Wong OAM FAICD moved to Adelaide from Brunei in 1988 and founded Encounter Australia, which he built into one of Australia’s leading inbound tourism companies. He is a prominent business and community figure in South Australia, sitting on several boards including Tourism Australia, Football Federation SA, the Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation SA and the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation. He is also national president of the Australia Brunei Darussalam Business Council and patron of charity Sight for All.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Francis Wong.
Helen Waldron
Member Relations and Head-NSW | Australian Industry Group
Helen Waldron joined Ai Group in 2002 as NSW Membership Manager and has since expanded her role to manage relationships with members across various sectors nationally, while overseeing teams across the country. She continues to serve as Head of Member Relations for Ai Group, and is actively involved in mentoring programs and business advisory panels. Originally from Ireland, Helen has also lived in the US and Hong Kong before settling in Australia.
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Helen has played a key role in representing member interests during the pandemic, ensuring their voices are heard by government and other stakeholders. She remains committed to enhancing and expanding the member services provided in NSW and across the nation.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Helen Waldron.
Ireena kilic
CFO | Pro IT Pty Ltd
As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PRO IT, Ireena Kilic is responsible for overseeing the company’s finance operations, as well as managing its growth and operational risks. She has been an integral part of the company’s journey, watching it evolve from its early stages into an industry-recognized leader and game changer.
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In addition to her professional role, Ireena is committed to giving back to the community. She has actively contributed to local schools and charities, and has served as a Justice of the Peace (JP) since 2002, offering her time and support to those in need. Through both her work and philanthropy, she continues to make a meaningful impact on both her industry and her community.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Ireena Kilic.
Joseph LA Posta
CEO | Multicultural NSW
As the CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph is driven to improve access and services for our newest Australians. He is also passionate about supporting established communities to preserve and nourish their cultures and language.
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Since joining as CEO in January 2019, Joseph has overseen the delivery of Multicultural NSW’s strategic plan for 2021 to 2025 and the implementation of a new award for the language services business. In addition, our Multicultural NSW team has grown to 90 full-time staff and more than 1,300 interpreters and translators.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Joseph La Posta.
Lisa Havilah
CEO | Powerhouse Museum
Lisa Havilah is the Chief Executive of the Powerhouse Museum, a role in which she will oversee the development and construction of a new Museum in Parramatta. The position is well deserved and was no surprise in the art world, as it builds on Havilah's impressive track record of developing innovative and progressive programming and invigorating large arts institutions.
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Lisa Havilah actively contributes to the development of both State and Federal Government Arts Policy including contributing to the authoring of NSW's first arts and cultural policy - Create In NSW. She is a member of the City of Sydney Public Art Advisory Panel, is a member of the Lend Lease Public Art Advisory Panel and advises Barangaroo Development Authority on their arts and cultural programs. She is an Advisory Committee Member of Firstdraft, Australia's longest-running artist-run initiative and was awarded FBi's prestigious SMAC of the Year.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Lisa Havilah.
Natalie Xenita
Vice President & Managing Director | IMG Fashion Events & Properties Asia Pacific
Natalie oversees the commercial strategy, sponsorship sales, partnerships and endorsements, marketing, and event production across the region. She is the custodian of APAC’s biggest fashion industry event, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (formerly Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia), as well as the region’s most prestigious industry awards, the Australian Fashion Laureate.
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Reporting to the President of IMG Fashion Events & Properties in New York City, Natalie is the Australian spokesperson for IMG Fashion and is regularly interviewed and quoted in trade and mainstream press including Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Business of Fashion and Vogue Australia, etc. Natalie is an experienced public speaker and fashion commentator, hosting the annual Australian Fashion Laureate awards as well as Australian Fashion Week media launches, industry roundtables and special events.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Natalie Xenita
Natalie O'Brien
Investigative Reporter| The Sun-Herald
Natalie O'Brien is a veteran journalist, editor, and media consultant with extensive experience across digital, print, and social media platforms. Currently a reporter with News Corp Australia, she has worked as an investigative reporter with Nine (Fairfax Media), contributing to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun-Herald. Natalie also held senior editorial roles at The Australian Newspaper, earning multiple awards for reporting on human rights, the environment, immigration, and the exploitation of women and children.
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With a background in international media relations, Natalie O'Brien has advised the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, and the UN Development Program. A regular speaker and panelist, she has participated in events such as the FBI Leadership in Counterterrorism and the Safeguarding Australia Conference. Natalie is also a Board Member of the Kennedy Awards Foundation.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Natalie O'Brien.
Prof. tim harcourt
new Industry Professor and Chief Economist
Tim Harcourt is the new Industry Professor and Chief Economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Prof. Harcourt specialises in Australia’s economic engagement with the Global Economy particularly Asia, Latin America and Emerging Markets and has worked in both public policy and research roles in International Trade, Labour Markets, Climate Innovation and the Economics of Sport.
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Prof. Harcourt is passionate about making economics and international trade accessible to the whole community. Prof. Harcourt is also well known for his TV show The Airport Economist about his travels to over 60 countries to see what makes their economies tick and the potential trade opportunities with Australia.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Prof. Tim Harcourt.
Rebecca McPhee
Deputy Secretary | Investment NSW
Natalie O'Brien is a veteran journalist, editor, and media consultant with extensive experience across digital, print, and social media platforms. Currently a reporter with News Corp Australia, she has worked as an investigative reporter with Nine (Fairfax Media), contributing to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun-Herald. Natalie also held senior editorial roles at The Australian Newspaper, earning multiple awards for reporting on human rights, the environment, immigration, and the exploitation of women and children.
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With a background in international media relations, Natalie O'Brien has advised the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia, and the UN Development Program. A regular speaker and panelist, she has participated in events such as the FBI Leadership in Counterterrorism and the Safeguarding Australia Conference. Natalie is also a Board Member of the Kennedy Awards Foundation.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Natalie O'Brien.
Prof. tim harcourt
new Industry Professor and Chief Economist
Tim Harcourt is the new Industry Professor and Chief Economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Prof. Harcourt specialises in Australia’s economic engagement with the Global Economy particularly Asia, Latin America and Emerging Markets and has worked in both public policy and research roles in International Trade, Labour Markets, Climate Innovation and the Economics of Sport.
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Prof. Harcourt is passionate about making economics and international trade accessible to the whole community. Prof. Harcourt is also well known for his TV show The Airport Economist about his travels to over 60 countries to see what makes their economies tick and the potential trade opportunities with Australia.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Prof. Tim Harcourt.
Yvonne Weldon AM
Councillor | City of Sydney
Yvonne is an independent councillor and the first Aboriginal Councillor in the City of Sydney's 180-year history. She was born and raised in inner Sydney but maintains strong ties to her Wiradjuri homelands of Cowra and the Riverina areas of New South Wales.
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Yvonne was awarded the 2019 NSW Volunteer of the Year for the South Sydney Region and in 2022 was recognised as the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her service to the Aboriginal community. She also recently published her debut novel, Sixty-Seven Days. The previously unpublished manuscript was shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards David Unaipon Award.
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CLICK HERE to read more about Yvone Weldon AM