Danielle Wood

Chair, Productivity Commission; CEO, Grattan Institute (2020 -2023); National Chair and Co-founder, Women in Economics Network(2016 – 2019); Principal Economist, ACCC (2011 – 2014)

Zena Burgess FAICD FAPS

CEO, Australian Psychological Society; Non Executive Director, Mental Health Professionals’ Network; Director, Diabetes Australia; CEO, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) (2008 – 2019), Non Execuive Director, Victorian Farmers Federation (2019 – 2022)

Stacey Daniel

Committee Member, Regional Development Australia Melbourne; Board Member, Engineers Without Borders Australia; Founder, Board Presence

Leann Jones

Chief Executive Officer, Nimo Industries; Non Executive Director, Omni-Financial

Lauren Cassimatis

Principal Lawyer and Director Gallant Law; Adjunct Lecturer, The College of Law Australia;Founder and Chair, Connecting Lawyer Mums

Nicky Long

CEO, Guide Dogs; Board Member, International Guide Dog Federation; Board Member Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation

More Speakers Coming Soon …..

VIC International Women’s Day 2027: Leaders’ Breakfast

#LeadTheChange

About the event:

Join us for a moving and inspiring morning as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2027 with a special breakfast honouring the remarkable women who have shaped Victoria — not only through leadership and advocacy, but also through the often-unrecognised roles of motherhood, caregiving, and community building.

Guided by this year’s theme, Lead the Change, we recognise that leadership is not confined to a single path or profession. Too often, leadership conversations occur within industry silos — yet the skills, insights, and experiences that define impactful leadership extend across sectors. This event brings together voices from across business, government, academia, and community, creating a space to learn from one another and lead beyond boundaries.

Set against the backdrop of Victoria’s vibrant and diverse communities, this event will shine a light on the women who have driven progress, championed inclusion, and shaped the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the state.

Together, we will reflect on their legacy and look ahead with purpose — empowering each of us to lead the change toward a more inclusive, connected, and equitable future.

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

Governor of Queensland

Professor Lyn Beazley AO

Neuroscientist; 2015 West Australian of the Year; WA’s Chief Scientist(2006 – 2013)

Sallyanne Atkinson AO

First female Lord Mayor of Brisbane; Former Senior Trade Commissioner to Paris; Former Special Representative for Queensland in South East Asia

Dr Hilda Turnbull

Former Member for Collie(1989 -2001); First woman elected to the WA Legislative Assembly representing the National Party

Jean McRuvie

Chair, Council on the Ageing Queensland

Professor Samar Aoun AM

Researcher and advocate for end-of-life care, bereavement and grief support; 2023 WA AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR; Head of Palliative Care Research, Perron Institute

Emily Edgar

Lawyer, Person with Lived experience, Disability Advocate

Dr Emilia Dauway MD

FACS, FRACS, Director of Surgery and Critical Care Services at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Health Service.

Andrea Musulin

Founder, WA Child Protection Society and The Child Focused Safety Service WA ; Director Safeguarding Program, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and Safeguarding Lead Police and Community Youth Centres.