Chika Ikogwe is an award-winning Nigerian born Actor and Writer.

She is a series regular on the Emmy award winning television series Heartbreak High on Netflix, the lead in ABC’s Logie Award nominated television series Mikki vs the World, and recently featured in film Land of Bad alongside Russell Crowe. Most recently on stage, Chika played the role of Adaego in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Never Have I Ever.

She also played the lead role of Cleo in the highly acclaimed sold out season of seven methods of killing kylie jenner (dir. Shari Sebbens & Zindzi Okenyo), for which she won the award for Outstanding Performer at the 2024 Green Room Theatre Awards. She was also in the internationally acclaimed Fangirls (dir. Paige Rattray) for which she received the Best Newcomer award at the Sydney Theatre Awards.

As a writer, Chika has a number of original upcoming works in development, including TV series Just Chidi Things, which will be executive produced by Rose Byrne, telemovie Joy, the Musical! and TV series Ogechi’s Salon.

Chika has a deep passion for equity and representation. She strives to bring authentic Afrocentric stories to the forefront of both Australian and international stages and screens, shining a global light on African-Australians.

Ed commenced his corporate career as a customer service professional and transitioned to financial markets investment advisory over time. He quickly realised that the traditional approach to selling was ineffective in the harsh post-GFC world of finance. As such, he consciously applied a customer-centric mentality to empowering decision-makers instead of pressuring them. Ed broke down the nuances of his approach and has helped grow and scale businesses in various sectors since 2013.

He is the founder of Sales Inc., a service business that has helped companies across more than 20 industries go to market. At Sales Inc., Ed has worked with some of Australia’s most well-known brands, turning the art of selling into a repeatable, scalable science. He has launched multiple start-ups, consulted for both private and public organisations, and now works alongside Nicholas to scale this proven approach.

Bulelwa Freer is a distinguished professional with a multifaceted expertise spanning Credit Advising, Financial Coaching, Mentorship, and Authorship.

With a mission-driven approach akin to her tenure as a licensed Real Estate Agent, Bulelwa is committed to facilitating dreams by providing financial solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also pave the way for long-term wealth creation. She sees lending not just as a transaction but as a transformative journey, guiding individuals towards their aspirations in a commercially sound and sustainable manner.

Renowned for international marketing innovation, Bulelwa is a fervent advocate of best practices and ecologically driven projects. Her impactful contributions include the authorship of an English literacy report for McGraw-Hill Publishers, setting global benchmarks in literacy education through McGraw-Hill SRA English Laboratories.

In addition to her professional endeavours, Bulelwa excels in individual coaching, mentoring, and public speaking. Her debut book, "Romancing Your Money," resonates with readers seeking to foster a harmonious relationship with their finances.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Bulelwa indulges in a diverse array of interests, from voracious reading and world travel to language acquisition, currently mastering French, Spanish, Japanese, German, Italian and Latin. She prioritizes self-care through a regimen of healthy eating, regular exercise, walking and daily meditation, underscoring her holistic approach to personal and professional fulfillment.

Eti Amegor spent nearly 15 years raising institutional capital and building investment products globally, most recently as Head of Institutional at Montgomery Investment Management.

During his time in funds management, Eti raised over $1 billion in capital by building trust with sophisticated investors, structuring products around real market demand, and identifying scalable opportunities.

He is now the Co-Founder of KAVRA, which he is building with his life and business partner Nikita Sernack — founder of Australian fashion label NOOKIE.

David Muchacha transitioned from a successful career in nursing to pursue his passion for finance and real estate. With 7 years of experience in the industry, he has become a respected property investment mentor, leveraging his diverse background to offer unique insights and strategies.

David's journey from nursing to finance has equipped him with a holistic understanding of client needs and a deep commitment to helping others achieve financial success through property investment.

Alongside mentoring, David manages a diverse property portfolio of his own across all residential property types, providing firsthand insight into the intricacies of real estate investment.

His blend of expertise and empathy makes him a valuable mentor for individuals seeking to navigate the world of property investment.

With over fifteen years’ experience building and leading investment platforms across Australia and Southeast Asia, Dalton has established a strong track record across wholesale fund management, property acquisition, digital-asset strategy, and alternative investments.

As Founder & Managing Director of York St Capital, Co-Founder & CEO of the Geonet Investment Fund, and Founder of the YSC Digital Assets Fund, he has helped bridge the disciplines of finance, development, and investor relations into a cohesive investment ecosystem.

Known for aligning institutional-grade governance with entrepreneurial agility, Dalton has been instrumental in raising, managing, and deploying multi-million-dollar portfolios spanning hospitality, residential, and commercial real estate, alongside AI-driven digital-asset investment vehicles.

His integrated approach combines disciplined fund management with a deep understanding of market psychology, data analytics, and asset protection—enabling consistent performance across both traditional and alternative asset classes.

I am the CEO of the Cyber Leadership Institute, one of the fastest global communities of cyber leaders that actively collaborate and think critically to drive positive change within their environments and accelerate the creation of a resilient digital ecosystem.

The Cyber Leadership Institute has already equipped cyber leaders from more than 50 countries with practical strategy design, leadership, and executive communication skills, helping sharpen their influence on the c-suite and the board. Some of our graduates hold executive positions at the world’s iconic brands such as McKinsey, Accenture, Nike, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and USA Airforce, to mention just a few.

• Author of The Five Anchors of Cyber Resilience, named top five best cyber security books at the 2021 UK National Book Awards.
• Author of The Gift of Adversity, a poignant, hilarious, and impeccably written memoir that proves the remarkable power of education and grit to defeat poverty and despair.
• 2017 winner of ISACA International’s Best Book/Article Award, one of ISACA’s highest global honours, which recognises individuals for major contributions to cybersecurity and IT governance publications.
• 2020 Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD - New York) - 4th Industrial Revolution Category. MIPAD is a unique global list that identifies high achievers of African descent globally in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/237.

Sherry-Rose is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, changemaker, and public speaker, passionate about sustainable community development, social enterprise, diversity, women in leadership, and the social, political, and economic empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

As a dedicated youth advocate, Sherry-Rose has represented her peers as Vice-chair on the Victorian Government’s Youth Congress, a local ambassador and Youth Activist for Plan International Australia, and a Committee Member of both the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Multicultural Youth Network and the Victorian Government’s Rights Responsibilities and Consequences Advisory Group.

Internationally, she has acted as a Victorian Australian Youth Representative to the International Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP), an Australian diaspora youth representative to the African Union Consultative Conference in China, and an observer at The United Nations Consultative Status on Women Conference (CSW65).

As a consultant, Sherry-Rose works on co-design projects centered around youth advocacy, community development, and diversity in leadership. She is also the founder of the social enterprise WomanGirl, which empowers diverse young women by creating greater access to opportunities for their personal and professional development. Most recently, she founded MIYA, a lifestyle cookie brand that supports community wellbeing programs, raises awareness about mental health, and spreads joy through indulgent cookies.

In all her endeavors, Sherry-Rose seeks to challenge individuals and communities, especially young people, to recognize their power, harness their talents, and become active collaborators for systems change. Her vision is to one day lead innovative global social impact projects, collaborating with experts across diverse industries to design a more sustainable and equitable world.

On her journey, she hopes to inspire others, particularly young women of color, to aspire for more, live boldly, and strive to reach their full potential.

Associate Professor Margaret Matanda holds a PhD from Monash University, an MBA from West Virginia University, and a Postgraduate Certificate from The University of Sydney.

She currently lectures and supervises PhD students in brand management, entrepreneurship, and marketing strategy. Professor Matanda is also the co-founder of Musa Ventures, which focuses on enhancing the health and growth of SBEs and start-ups in emerging markets.

In 2024, Professor Matanda received the global Bronze Big Idea Award at the Women Changing the World Global Awards. Musa Ventures also won the Women in Tech Global Gold Entrepreneurship Award. In 2025, Musa was selected as one of the 10 inaugural AI Innovators for emerging markets by The World Bank and developed an AI-driven financing orchestration engine designed to facilitate the flow of global capital to SMEs.

In recognition of her contribution to the effective management of minority-founded businesses and entrepreneurship in the USA and Africa, Professor Matanda has received several prestigious global fellowships, including the Fulbright Program Fellowship, United States Agency for International Development Research Fellowship, Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Fellowship, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellowship.

Catherine Madziva is a social work educator, community advocate, and moderator whose experience spans academia, social policy, community development, project management and systems change. She teaches various subjects in the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University and develops course content for the degrees of Social Work and Community Services at Ikon Institute.

Alongside her professional work, Catherine serves as the Community Outreach and Social Impact Lead at The Good Gratitude and builds partnerships with schools, organisations and community groups to deliver wellbeing initiatives grounded in gratitude and wellbeing. She also sits on the Zimbabwean Association in Australia (ZIMAA) Impact leadership team and supports Zimbabwean diaspora communities through responsive workshops, events, and education initiatives.

Whether moderating panels, teaching future practitioners or designing community initiatives, Catherine is driven by the belief that people and communities flourish when they are given the opportunity to connect, contribute and belong.

Sherry-Rose is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, changemaker, and public speaker, passionate about sustainable community development, social enterprise, diversity, women in leadership, and the social, political, and economic empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

As a dedicated youth advocate, Sherry-Rose has represented her peers as Vice-chair on the Victorian Government’s Youth Congress, a local ambassador and Youth Activist for Plan International Australia, and a Committee Member of both the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Multicultural Youth Network and the Victorian Government’s Rights Responsibilities and Consequences Advisory Group.

Internationally, she has acted as a Victorian Australian Youth Representative to the International Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP), an Australian diaspora youth representative to the African Union Consultative Conference in China, and an observer at The United Nations Consultative Status on Women Conference (CSW65).

As a consultant, Sherry-Rose works on co-design projects centered around youth advocacy, community development, and diversity in leadership. She is also the founder of the social enterprise WomanGirl, which empowers diverse young women by creating greater access to opportunities for their personal and professional development. Most recently, she founded MIYA, a lifestyle cookie brand that supports community wellbeing programs, raises awareness about mental health, and spreads joy through indulgent cookies.

In all her endeavors, Sherry-Rose seeks to challenge individuals and communities, especially young people, to recognize their power, harness their talents, and become active collaborators for systems change. Her vision is to one day lead innovative global social impact projects, collaborating with experts across diverse industries to design a more sustainable and equitable world.

On her journey, she hopes to inspire others, particularly young women of color, to aspire for more, live boldly, and strive to reach their full potential.

I am the CEO of the Cyber Leadership Institute, one of the fastest global communities of cyber leaders that actively collaborate and think critically to drive positive change within their environments and accelerate the creation of a resilient digital ecosystem.

The Cyber Leadership Institute has already equipped cyber leaders from more than 50 countries with practical strategy design, leadership, and executive communication skills, helping sharpen their influence on the c-suite and the board. Some of our graduates hold executive positions at the world’s iconic brands such as McKinsey, Accenture, Nike, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and USA Airforce, to mention just a few.

• Author of The Five Anchors of Cyber Resilience, named top five best cyber security books at the 2021 UK National Book Awards.
• Author of The Gift of Adversity, a poignant, hilarious, and impeccably written memoir that proves the remarkable power of education and grit to defeat poverty and despair.
• 2017 winner of ISACA International’s Best Book/Article Award, one of ISACA’s highest global honours, which recognises individuals for major contributions to cybersecurity and IT governance publications.
• 2020 Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD - New York) - 4th Industrial Revolution Category. MIPAD is a unique global list that identifies high achievers of African descent globally in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/237.

I am the CEO of the Cyber Leadership Institute, one of the fastest global communities of cyber leaders that actively collaborate and think critically to drive positive change within their environments and accelerate the creation of a resilient digital ecosystem.

The Cyber Leadership Institute has already equipped cyber leaders from more than 50 countries with practical strategy design, leadership, and executive communication skills, helping sharpen their influence on the c-suite and the board. Some of our graduates hold executive positions at the world’s iconic brands such as McKinsey, Accenture, Nike, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and USA Airforce, to mention just a few.

• Author of The Five Anchors of Cyber Resilience, named top five best cyber security books at the 2021 UK National Book Awards.
• Author of The Gift of Adversity, a poignant, hilarious, and impeccably written memoir that proves the remarkable power of education and grit to defeat poverty and despair.
• 2017 winner of ISACA International’s Best Book/Article Award, one of ISACA’s highest global honours, which recognises individuals for major contributions to cybersecurity and IT governance publications.
• 2020 Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD - New York) - 4th Industrial Revolution Category. MIPAD is a unique global list that identifies high achievers of African descent globally in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), proclaimed by the UN General Assembly Resolution 68/237.

Taff Karimanzira is Head of Risk and Compliance at Global X ETFs Australia, where she leads the integrated risk and compliance function and legal reports into her as part of the broader governance framework. She has more than 15 years of experience across financial services, with a background spanning risk management, compliance, operations, governance uplift and business change delivery.

Taff has built and implemented risk and compliance frameworks in complex, regulated environments, with particular experience in designing practical policies, strengthening governance structures, improving incident and breach management, and embedding clearer accountability across organisations. At Global X, she has played a key role in establishing and maturing the local risk and compliance framework, transitioning compliance in-house, and implementing enterprise risk and assurance tools to support better oversight and decision-making.

She also brings strong project and transformation experience, having led or supported major implementation initiatives including risk system rollouts, framework uplift programs and broader governance change projects. Known for her calm and pragmatic style, Taff enjoys building teams, developing capability in others, and creating governance structures that work in practice as well as on paper.

Abu Odigie is an experienced sales leader and the co-founder spanning several sectors, including cybersecurity and manage expertise to the table.

At Tendertrace, his mission is clear: to empower suppliers in th insights and analysis, helping them boost their government sa record includes delivering substantial revenue growth, exceedi successful channel partnerships.

His commitment to ongoing learning and knowledge sharing r innovation and success in the market intelligence landscape.

Since arriving in Sydney from London almost 10 years ago, Chrissy’s innate talent for creating flawless colour, cuts, and styles on all textures has led her to being a sought-after stylist in Film & TV to being in demand as a global brand ambassador and educator for professional product houses, including Shea Moisture and Organic Suku.

Creative projects span shooting brand campaign imagery, research and development for new product launches, and colour trend forecasting – all on a global scale – as well as creating colour on the catwalk at Fashion Week in London, Milan, and New York.

Chrissy established Zemura in 2020, and it's her exacting eye for detail – from the salon’s authentically welcoming minimal aesthetic to the personalised service and luxurious hair looks served up within it – that sets the tone.

An innovative stylist of her generation - Chrissy appeared in titles including Elle, Instyle, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire. Her ability to look after all hair textures has landed on film productions such as Nine Perfect Strangers, Expats & Hunger Games.

Polished and personable, Chrissy’s breadth of technique and mastery of hair, especially textured hair, has made her particularly renowned for creating the most beautiful, expensive-looking styles and effortless, envy-inducing hair for her loyal and discerning clientele that includes actors, musicians, creatives, and a well-heeled crowd of fashion and beauty insiders.

Adetokunboh Adeniyi is a first-time restaurateur who launched Little Lagos Bistro & Bar with the intention of bringing West African music, food, fashion, art, and culture to Australia.

A nomad who has lived in 5 cities before settling in Sydney, Ade, as he is popularly known, was determined to see that Nigerian food became mainstream within the Australian culinary scene.

Starting with food stalls at markets in Sydney and Melbourne, then operating a food truck for several years before finally opening the first venue in Newtown, Sydney. Ade was named by Hospitality Magazine as one of Hospitality’s 50 game-changers in 2021 & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 by Business News Australia.

He is regularly featured in the media promoting the West African community in Australia and has recently opened a second venue in Brisbane.

Dr Xavier Mulenga is a Psychiatrist with subspecialty training in Addictions & Eating Disorders, currently practicing primarily in Sydney. He aims to provide comprehensive assessments, education, and treatment to patients facing mental health and addiction issues.

Xavier is a dedicated mental health advocate within the African Australian community. Born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia, he immigrated to Australia in 2004 and pursued medical training at the University of Wollongong from 2008 to 2011.

After becoming a doctor, Xavier discovered his passion for Psychiatry, a field that aligned perfectly with his curious nature and love of open, meaningful conversations.

Outside of work, he enjoys reading, traveling, and dancing to amapiano.

Angelica Ojinnaka-Psillakis is a social and health researcher, policy advocate, and community leader with over a decade of experience in youth and health policy.

She manages Future Healthy Countdown 2030, Australia’s national framework tracking children and young people’s wellbeing and driving policy action. She served as 2022 Australian Youth Representative to the UN, and is the Vice Chair of African Women Australia. She is also an Investigator on several national research initiatives.

Angelica also advises organisations like UNESCO and Sydney Women's Fund. A regular feature on ABC Weekend Breakfast, SBS News, and The Guardian, she was awarded the NSW Premier's Youth Medal in 2021.

C.J has been in the finance industry since 2006. He has a passion for helping small business owners and individuals to manage and grow their financial wellbeing with a strong accounting and tax background.

Having started his accounting career as a Jr to now being an accounting manager, C.J brings a wide range of knowledge throughout his years to be able to provide clients with expert advice, professionalism, responsiveness and peace of mind.

Lionel is a Senior Financial Planner with over 12 years’ experience working in the Financial Services and Insurance industries. His early career saw him working as a Case Manager where he managed complex injuries and from there he made a transition into financial planning within a face to face advisory role.

Initially providing simple advice to individuals - Over the years has slowly moved into providing advice to high net wealth individuals focusing on building wealth and helping his clients achieve their long term lifestyle goals.

Outside of his professional life, Lionel is a keen football follower and pursues varied interest from trying cusines from around the world to travelling. Lionel also enjoys spending time with his family which is also an important part of his identity.

Dara Roche is a finance professional, currently working as a State Manager in third party distribution at the Bank of Sydney.

She has 13+ years’ experience in finance having worked with some of the largest banks in Australia as well as with private equity groups. She has an Arts and Law degree as well as an MBA.

Dara’s role is focused on driving growth in third party distribution amongst brokers, whilst also educating individuals on how to build sustainable wealth through property.

Specialising in Residential and Commercial lending, Dara is passionate about helping banks maximise revenue through broker partnerships.

Huguette Nkashama is a Chartered Accountant and experienced finance executive, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer at a global law firm in Australia. She brings both local and international expertise across a diverse range of sectors, including professional services, property development, mining, government, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

Huguette is known for building and leading high-performing, business-focused finance teams, and for strengthening finance functions to better support strategic decision-making.

Beyond her corporate role, Huguette is the founder of CFOmum, a growing platform dedicated to empowering women particularly working mums to build wealth, navigate their careers with intention, and redefine what “enough” looks like across different life stages.

Passionate about empowering women, Huguette uses both her professional platform and community work to inspire confidence, financial independence, and leadership.

Tracy is a seasoned Credentialed Mental Health Nurse and founder of Tabvuma Mental Health, a hybrid mental health service delivering culturally responsive and inclusive mental health support and therapy.

She is a Board Director for the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses where she promotes, supports and advocates on behalf of mental health nurses nationally. Tracy has previously served as an Executive Committee member with Zimbabwe Association in Australia, NSW where she contributed significantly to the preserving, promotion and supporting of Zimbabwean culture and initiatives in Australia.

Tracy is currently pursuing her PhD at Southern Cross University focused on exploring the perspectives of mental health consumers, carers and healthcare professionals regarding the Physical Health Nurse Consultant service. She has published several original research papers and presented at conferences on topics such as physical health and therapeutic environments for people with a lived experience of mental health issues.

Tracy is recognised as an accomplished healthcare professional, speaker and community leader evidenced by multiple awards from educational and health institutes, and community organisations. With a profound commitment to transformative mental health care and systems, she has naturally transitioned into research, project, and policy realms with the intention of bridging health inequities.

Merging her clinical expertise with a dedication to person-centered care, Tracy has cultivated a rich background in culturally safe and responsive mental health care provision within her private clinical practice, policy and project management approaches. Tracy has previously worked for the Mental Health Commission of NSW where she led state-wide mental health initiatives underscored by a strong commitment to co-producing solutions with local communities.

Tracy is committed to advancing the mental wealth for Black, African, migrant and all communities. She is a Pan-African at heart and believes in self-determination as one path forward for Black self-sufficiency. Moving with audacity, Tracy has dared to dream leading to the establishment of Tabvuma Mental Health.

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Adelaide, an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business, and a postgraduate degree in Commerce from the University of Sydney.

He started his career in the mining industry before pivoting to finance, where he worked at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. He then joined a Sydney-based boutique investment firm as an Investment Analyst, providing debt and quasi-equity funding solutions to companies in the resources sector.

Daniel developed his expertise in commercial real estate debt funding at Balmain, where he arranged funding for site acquisitions, construction, and residual stock for property development projects ranging from $5 million to more than $200 million.

His experience includes structuring senior, stretched senior, mezzanine, and preferred equity facilities for real estate developers and investors across residential, office, mixed-use, industrial, and other specialised real estate sectors.

Fundi is the visionary Founder of SK00L 0F FL0W and the ingenious mind behind the 7Ps Coaching Framework. With a profound commitment to growth and empowerment, Fundi's journey encompasses leadership development, team building, and executive coaching.

Through SK00L 0F FL0W, he crafts transformative experiences that inspire individuals to reach their highest potential. Fundi's expertise is channelled through the innovative 7Ps Coaching Framework, which encapsulates his mastery in leadership and holistic development. His services go beyond conventional coaching, delving into the realms of personal and professional transformation.

As a driving force in the realm of leadership, Fundi's contributions ripple across industries, fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment. His legacy is one of empowerment, igniting the journey of countless individuals and teams towards success and fulfilment.

Peter Muzariri is a Partner at Muzariri Penny Lawyers and Head of Banking & Finance and Wealth Management practices. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from The University of Auckland and is admitted to practice in New Zealand, Victoria (Australia), and the High Court of Australia.

Peter takes a commercial, pragmatic approach to legal practice, with a diversified skillset spanning banking and finance law, corporate and commercial law, property law and development, and wealth and investment management. He has experience both as a private practice lawyer and in-house counsel, having worked at Arnold Bloch Leibler, a premium Australian law firm, and Costa Asset Management, a high net worth family office.

A relentless advocate who pursues optimal outcomes for his clients, Peter is particularly experienced in the structuring and negotiation of financing packages, especially within the property development sector.

Simba Marekera is the Global Head of Private Markets at Brightlight, where he leads global investment strategy and client engagement across private credit and alternative assets. With 18 years of experience, Simba has developed and implemented strategies for private markets, focusing on structuring private credit and debt solutions internationally and guiding institutional investors, governments, and nonprofits in responsible investing.

He previously managed a Fixed Income and Private Markets portfolio at one of Australia’s leading ethical pension funds for six years. His leadership has resulted in innovative investment solutions that have created lasting value for clients and contributed to more sustainable portfolios.

As Founder and Director of EdFin, Australia’s only lender exclusively supporting international students - Simba has enabled greater access to education finance, empowering students to pursue their academic goals. Simba also co-founded ImpactRemit, a Melbourne-based fintech and social enterprise that transforms everyday remittances into fast, affordable transfers, which also help fund education, healthcare, and sustainable development in destination communities.

Simba holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Yale University, a Master’s in Applied Finance from WSU’s Sydney Graduate School of Management, and a Master’s in Social Change Leadership from the University of Melbourne.

Ubah Gabris is a Somali-Australian banking executive, community leader, and advocate for inclusion, empowerment, and social impact. She is the President of the Somali Council of NSW, the peak umbrella body representing Somali community organisations across New South Wales.

Professionally, Ubah has over two decades of experience in banking and is a senior leader at Westpac, leading national transformation initiatives and coaching banking executives for nearly a decade. She also serves as National Deputy Chair of Westpac’s RESPECT Employee Action Group, advancing domestic and family violence prevention initiatives and supporting over 37,000 employees and customers.

Beyond her corporate role, Ubah is an Executive Board Director at the Horn of Africa Relief & Development Agency (HARDA) and was the NSW Founding Director of the Australian Professionals of Colour (APOC). She also contributes to national policy as a member of the Home Affairs Women’s Reference Group and is an active leader within Rotary, championing youth development and inclusion.

A refugee, mentor, and bridge-builder, Ubah is known for driving meaningful impact across corporate, government, and community sectors. Her contributions have been widely recognised, including the African Australian Champion Award (2024), Rotary Paul Harris Fellow recognition (twice, 2025), Volunteer of the Year (2025), Woman in the Community, the Excellence in Youth Engagement Award (2025), and recognition as a Citizen of the Year finalist (2026).

Ibrahim Hussein is Head of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) Services at Computershare, a global financial services leader operating in more than 20 countries. Founded in 1978 and listed in the ASX 50, Computershare plays a critical role in supporting capital markets and investor engagement worldwide.

Over the past two decades, Ibrahim has worked closely with ETF issuers, investors and industry participants across this fast evolving area of financial market. As an executive leader, he brings deep expertise in capital markets, investor engagement and the continued growth of the ETF sector.

Having arrived in Australia as a young immigrant, Ibrahim’s journey has given him a deeply personal appreciation for the importance of access, representation and opportunity. Throughout his career, he has been fortunate to work with many of the ETF sector’s leading stakeholders and to contribute to a period of significant change in the way everyday people access financial markets.

Ibrahim is passionate about making investing more accessible and less intimidating, particularly for underrepresented communities. He cares deeply about financial literacy, inclusion and creating pathways for more people to participate in the financial system with confidence.

He holds an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Banking and Finance.

Gillian Dunn loves connecting people for meaningful conversation and is passionate about sharing cultural richness. She is a seasoned Music Industry professional, with a demonstrated history of leadership in the music industry.

With over 20 years working with APRA AMCOS, she has experience across Music Publishing, business relationship management and deep knowledge about royalties for the various rights within music and the ties to financial literacy that music creators need to understand.

She has a strong sense of community and social justice, and gets to flex that as a committee member of the Black Music Alliance Australia. She is kept grounded by her South African roots, two beautiful daughters and love of mountain biking.

Mike Champion is an Australian Born (South African Heritage), singer/songwriter/performer whose distinct sound lives at the intersection of R&B, Nu Soul, Hip Hop and Afro-Soul. Much of his music which he labels as the "Young Boy Sound" is yet to be released publicly. With two full LPs due for worldwide release in the coming months.

His insightful lyrics reflect his “young boy, old soul” storytelling approach to songwriting, while his uniquely silky vocal tone and cross-genre sound prove that you can be innovative and accessible all while staying true to your own artistic vision.

Champion is especially recognised for his eclectic live shows. He is known for delivering a sound matched by a performance ability that is his own. He is a go too for promoters in Australia and has shared major & festival stages with many R&B/Hip Hop greats.

Mike Champion is a multi-talented, independent and fiercely creative visionary. He is one of the most intriguing cross-genre global up-and-coming artists today. He is testament to what the untapped Australian R&B/Soul scene can deliver to music fans globally.

Ruth Nyaruot Ruach is the co-founder and executive director of Next In Colour and a founding member of Way Over There (WOT) Collective. She is dedicated to empowering her community and creating sustainable practices for future African artists.

As a multidisciplinary artist, cultural curator, community arts worker, creative entrepreneur, and academic, Ruth uses her art to explore her identity, environment, and blackness, while healing and liberating herself. She honors her cultural heritage and its significance as a black woman on stolen land.