Zena Burgess FAICD FAPS
CEO, Australian Psychological Society
Zena Burgess
Zena Burgess is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), the peak professional body representing over 27,000 psychologists across Australia. Since her appointment in late 2020, she has led the organization through a significant digital and strategic transformation, focusing on increasing the profession’s influence at both state and federal government levels. With a PhD in Organisational Psychology and extensive executive experience—including an 11-year tenure as CEO of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)—Dr. Burgess prioritizes advocacy for mental health reform and the integration of technology, such as telehealth, to improve accessibility for underserved communities. Her leadership style emphasizes resilience, “learning the grey” of complex decision-making, and fostering high-performance cultures within profit-for-purpose organizations.
Juanita Pope
CEO, Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS)
Juanita Pope
Juanita Pope was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) in November 2023.
A lawyer and consultant specialising in the not-for-profit sector, Juanita has 20 years’ experience in not-for-profit governance and leadership.
She worked for almost a decade at Justice Connect as Head of Not-for-profit Law and, before joining VCOSS, held the role of General Counsel and Company Secretary at climate advocacy organisation The Sunrise Project. Juanita has also practiced in corporate law and at the Federal Court of Australia. She studied at the University of Melbourne (1998-2003) obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Australian Studies and Cultural Studies).
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.
Jasmin Diab CSC GAICD
President, Women in Nuclear Australia; Veteran
Miquela Riley
Vice President & Deputy Chair, RSL WA; Veteran and Veteran’s advocate
Ashley McCarthy-Griffiths
Engineer; Winner Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources
Mary Nenke
Director, Cambinata Yabbies; Mary’s Farm Cottages;
Jacinta Vu
2025 Local Hero for Western Australia
Nominee for Australia of the Year 2025 WA
Oral Medicine Specialist
Linda Ginger
Market Strategist
Asha Bhat OAM
CEO, Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Lisa Ward
Chief Executive Officer, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
Yasmin Khan
2017 QLD Local Hero; Churchill Fellow; State Multicultural Champion 2015
Chithrani Palipana
Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, a Plan Manager (NDIS) and a pro-bono Disability Advocate
Tanya Brown GAICD
National Director – Special Olympics Australia
Director – Hardie Finance Corp
Hon Maryka Groenewald MLC
Member of Legislative Council, Western Australia
Prasitha Chavittupara
Advocate for Healthcare Reform Founder of Aishwarya’s Foundation