About Us

About Us

NAWO is a community of like minded leaders, individuals and organisations advocating for gender balance, and we are inclusive of all identities and diversities.

Learn more about us

Our Purpose

Our Vision

To see gender balance (40:40:20) valued and achieved at every level in operations.

Within historically male-oriented sectors we advocate for a target minimum of 40% female representation at every level, (40% women, 40% men and 20% of any gender); with a shared understanding that better gender balance is a desirable outcome that positively impacts business metrics.

Our Mission

NAWO supports people to lead more inclusively, provides a safe space to ask questions and have conversations that help achieve greater gender balance. 

We support all women in achieving their career goals: providing meaningful connections, inspiring role models and offering development opportunities to activate their full potential. 

We connect businesses through membership: facilitating dialogue, sharing ideas and progressing actions to achieve greater inclusion and gender balance in operations.

Our Intersectional Approach

We are respectful and inclusive of all diversity and intersectionality at NAWO. We acknowledge that different parts of a person’s identity or circumstances – such as age, race, culture, family responsibilities, physical and neurological diversity, chronic illness, gender, location or religion – intersect and combine to shape life experience and associated challenges, including that of discrimination.

The language we use at NAWO is inclusive of intersecting identities, lived-experiences and opinions. We respect and celebrate all people who identify as women, including the voices of those who are gender diverse.

We commit to taking responsibility to continue to educate ourselves and to examine our words and actions to foster positive change.

How we work

At the heart of what NAWO does is our Nine Levers for Gender Balance – focus areas that we know work to turn the dial on the attraction, retention, and progression of women in operations. Our work is also underpinned by our Five Key Learning Priorities, which outline the focus of our events and professional development programs.

People

NAWO is resourced by an agile executive team and an active volunteer network. We are proud that our board and various committees are full of passionate operations professionals actively aligned to NAWO’s vision.

Our volunteers are integral to our impact. They are change makers who take meaningful action within their own workplaces, and extend their influence across the NAWO network to activate change.

National Board

The National Board is responsible for overall governance, verifying strategic direction and supporting the CEO and their team of paid and volunteer staff to effectively manage the organisation.  

NAWO is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profit Commission (ACNC).

  • Deborah Spring (She/Her)

    Board Chair

    Non-Executive Director, Transport Asset Holding Entity of NSW (TAHE)

    As a Director and NAWO Board Chair, Deb supports the direction set out in NAWO’s Strategy and would like to see NAWO be a crucial voice for women in operations and a key player in discussions around gender diversity in operations at the Federal and State government levels as well as in corporate Boardrooms.

  • Andrea Sutton (She/Her)

    Board Member

    Non-Executive Director

    Andrea has over 25 years in leadership and strategy roles in the resources industry, living and working in regional and remote locations around Australia. Andrea was recognised as the ‘Exceptional Woman in Resources’ in the 2016 Northern Territory Women in Resources Awards.

  • Kerry Pronk NAWO Board Secretary

    Kerry Pronk (She/Her)

    Board Secretary

    COO E-Commerce, Maggie Beer Holdings

     

    Kerry has extensive experience leading and transforming operations across a range of industries. She is passionate about helping people be their best selves and about equipping organisations to effectively support their people. Kerry is an active coach and mentor, with a particular focus on upcoming female leaders.

  • Marcus Hooke (He/Him)

    Board Member and Deputy Chair

    Leader and Manufacturing expert

    With more than 20 years in operational leadership, Marcus has a wealth of knowledge on driving cultural change and delivering sustained improved operational outcomes. He believes we need to hold ourselves and others accountable to ensure we provide opportunities free from bias.

  • Tania Montesin (She/Her)

    Board Member

    ANZ Lead, FMCG Ag Food and Bev, dss+

    Tania has developed an in-depth understanding of Manufacturing and Supply Chain management and the important role they play in business efficiency and profitability. She is proud to support the next generation to bring new ideas, diverse thinking and embrace strength-based leadership for better balance.

  • Kartini Oei (She/Her)

    Board Member

    Aviation Business Development Lead – Asia Pacific, Air BP

    As Aviation Business Development Lead, Kartini is responsible for strategy and project development and implementation against a changing internal and external environment. Kartini is a keen mentor, and passionate about supporting people to achieve their professional goals.

  • Mick Cronin (He/Him)

    Board Member

    Chief Executive Officer, Linfox Armaguard Group

    As both CEO of Armaguard, and co-chair of Armaguard’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Mick brings three decades of experience in supply chain management, logistics, change management and strategic operations. He places customers at the heart of everything and is passionate about the safety of the people he leads, and the development of a strong culture based on respect for all.

  • Ryan Baker (He/Him)

    Board Member

    Chief Operating Officer, Bunnings

    A senior retail executive, Ryan has more than two decades in leadership roles across the Bunnings business in Australia and New Zealand, with deep functional expertise across store operations, merchandising, supply chain, marketing, digital & data and customer experience.

    Central to Ryan’s leadership approach is developing inclusive, collaborative and high-performance teams, focused on long-term strategic growth.

State Committees

NAWO State Committees are made up of committed industry volunteers, each with a strong track record as professionals and leaders in operations, who work together to develop each state’s calendar of events.

  • Jenny Gillam

    Victoria State Committee Chair

    Director, Jenny Gillam Consulting

    Jenny is a Human Resource professional passionate about gender diversity and inclusion. She has worked in public, private and not for profit sectors and now runs her own Search consultancy in addition to chairing a Board.  Jenny is focused on influencing and working towards a more inclusive society and workplace.

  • Abby Phillips

    NSW State Committee Co-Chair

    Director of Continuous Improvement – International Markets, Owens and Minor

    With 25 years of experience in operations and supply chain management, Abby has a proven track record of leading complex business transformations, driving operational excellence, and fostering continuous improvement through lean methodologies.

    Passionate about people development and team empowerment, Abby believes that an organisation’s strength lies in the diverse strengths and experiences of its members. She excels at building high-performing teams and cultivating a culture of collaboration and innovation, all while focusing on delivering sustainable growth.

    An active volunteer with NAWO for over ten years, Abby has proudly served as the NSW Co-Chair for the past four years. A dedicated advocate for equal opportunities, her commitment to NAWO is fueled by a desire to accelerate change in workplace and societal gender balance for future generations.

  • Kylie Jones 

    NSW State Committee Co-Chair

    Senior Manager – Lidcombe Processing – Tassal  Group

    Kylie is a manufacturing professional with over 20 years’ experience in large international organisations within the consumer goods industries. She has deep experience in operations and was a finalist in the 2020 Women in Industry Awards for ‘Mentor of the Year’ and was selected for the “Superstars of STEM 2019/20” Science & Technology Australia program.

  • Josephine Rahman (She/Her)

    Queensland State Committee Co-Chair & Newcastle Regional Committee Co-Chair

    Optimisation Coordinator – CIPA Supply Chain, BlueScope Steel

    Josephine has built diverse range of experience across Logistics, Processing, Customer Service, Technical and Optimisation roles with BlueScope since 2013. She is passionate about enabling teams to challenge the status quo and go after continuous improvement. Josephine has been a QLD committee member since 2015. After relocating to Newcastle with her family for most of 2023, Josephine dedicated herself to establishing NAWO in the region. Now back in Queensland, Josephine remains committed to supporting Newcastle in 2024.

  • Jessica Taylor

    Queensland State Committee Co-Chair & Regional Committee Chair

    State Sales Manager – Distribution, BlueScope Steel

    Jessica has held many roles in the manufacturing industry both in Europe and Australia. Most recently as QLD Sales Manager for Australia’s largest manufacturer, BlueScope. Jessica has been working with NAWO since 2015 and now co-chairs the QLD committee and has established our Gladstone committee. She is passionate about equal career opportunities.

  • Lesley Marchioro

    South Australia State Committee Chair 

    Group Executive – People & Culture, SAGE Group 

    Lesley has a diverse background in senior and executive people and culture, customer, and digital roles. Lesley is passionate about leading cultural transformation and vertical leadership development to empower people and organisations to thrive.

  • Annabel Robertson-Hopa

    Western Australia State Committee Co-Chair

    National HR Manager, Infrabuild
  • Jocelyn Volkner

    Jocelyn Volkner

    Western Australia Regional Sub Committee Co-Lead

    Senior Advisor, Communities and Social Performance (CSP) Studies, Traditional Owner Partnerships, Rio Tinto 

    Jocelyn has over 12 years’ experience in the resources industry, facilitating many improvement opportunities for minority represented groups in workplaces. Recognised for her passion for leading people more inclusively while driving workplace diversity in all aspects, Jocelyn is proud to support action for positive change for future generations through her millennial lens.

  • Chelsea Hilton

    Western Australia Regional Sub Committee Co-Lead

    Specialist Contractor Management, Rio Tinto

    Chelsea is a passionate equity, inclusion and diversity advocate and has over 10 years experience in the mining and resources industry. Having lived and worked in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of WA for many years, Chelsea recognises the importance of cultural sensitivities and the privilege of living and working on Country. Chelsea is an inaugural member of the WA Regional NAWO Committee and enjoys being part of a like-minded community of industry professionals who share the same vision and can influence the now to benefit future generations.

  • Lynn Johnson

    Newcastle Regional Committee Co-Chair

    DEI Lead APAC & IMETA, CHEP Australia

    Lynn brings a wealth of experience from diverse engineering roles across various industry sectors, including Supply Chain, FMCG, Pharmaceuticals, and Nutraceuticals. Her career took an exciting turn as she shifted her focus to championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). Currently, Lynnleads DE&I initiatives across the APAC & IMETA regions for an industry leader in sustainable Supply Chain. Her passion lies in integrating DEI principles into the very fabric of business culture, fostering an inclusive environment along the way.

  • Victoria

    State Committee

  • South Australia

    State Committee

  • New South Wales

    State Committee

  • Queensland

    State Committee

  • Western Australia

    State Committee

  • Western Australia

    Regional Sub Committee

  • New South Wales

    Newcastle Committee

  • Queensland

    Regional Committee

Intersectionality Advisory Committee

The Intersectionality Advisory Committee is made up of a diverse group of stakeholders brought together to provide valuable input and feedback to inform NAWO’s decision-making and strategy. The role of this group is to give considered advice and recommendations regarding the intersectionality of the NAWO strategy, operational plan and related activities.

  • Selena Bunt

    Operations Director, Competitive Capabilities International (CCi)

    Selena is a change management professional with 20 years experience leading business improvement initiatives in heavy industry, FMCG and corporate environments.  As the Australasian Operations Director for CCi she facilitates organisational transformation.   Selena is a chemical engineer, with post-graduate Psychology qualifications. As a mother Selena is passionate about female empowerment.

  • Brenda Denbesten

    STEM Empowerment Coach & Founder of Brenda Denbesten Coaching

    Brenda is a chemical engineer with extensive experience in mining, manufacturing and construction in global organisations. Brenda is dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces and empowering women in STEM to enjoy and excel in their careers. She is passionate about women’s roles in shaping our world and being a visible change agent.

  • Emma Dellar

    Principal Geophysicist Operations, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd

    Emma is a passionate wife and mother, with over 15 years experience as a geoscientist across the mining industry.  She is a strong advocate for fully celebrating each person’s unique identity and understands the positive outcomes that can be achieved when this is accomplished.

  • Karyn Ervin

    Chief People Officer,
    Aboriginal Hostels Limited

    Karyn is an experienced, passionate and multi-disciplined public service leader and strategic thinker, who enjoys sharing her wealth of knowledge on how to achieve dynamic federal, state and territory government outcomes. Karyn’s agile and innovative solutions approach is grounded in kindness, collaboration, empowerment, inclusion, respect, accountability and continued learning.

  • Divya Pasupuleti

    Executive Manager – Business Strategy, Transformation and Enablement
    NBN Co.

    Divya has extensive experience in telecommunications and her passion is working with dynamic teams in telco operations, leading complex business transformations. Divya sits on two boards supporting the arts and multiculturalism. Her focus is building diverse and inclusive workplaces for women, inspired by collective leadership to create social impact.

  • Anita Tan

    Psychologist, Communications and Board Advisor

    Dr Anita Tan (PhD, M App Psych (Clinical), MAICD) is an accomplished clinical and management executive with more than 20 years of operational and leadership experience in culturally and geographically diverse environments across the health, legal and forensic sectors. She is intimately familiar with the constructs of intersectionality, restorative dialogue on structural dynamics, and cultural safety as stepping stones to the creation of inclusive and accountable governance systems.

  • Kelly Squibb

    Digital Experience Project Manager, Bunnings

    Squibby is currently a project manager with over 20 years experience in Big Box DIY retail in the UK and Australia . Squibby has extensive expertise in project management, buying, visual merchandising and administration, practised in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, negotiation, sales analysis, agile ways of working and leading diverse teams. As a new Australian emigrating in 2012 Squibby is passionate about living an authentic life and supporting others to do the same. As a carer and someone who identifies as queer and non binary Squibby brings a different lens to the group.

  • Jacinta Reynolds

    Data Scientist, idoba

    Jacinta is an autistic woman and passionate advocate for neurodiversity and inclusion with a background in astrophysics. She currently works within the mining tech industry and part of the diversity and inclusion space to educate and support teams and leaders on the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Executive Team

NAWO HQ is based in Melbourne and we are proud that our team works completely flexibly and remotely. The NAWO executive team supports and works in collaboration with our committed volunteer community to deliver NAWO events, programs and resources for members.

  • Louise Weine

    CEO

    Louise is a leader, change maker and facilitator with more than 25 years’ HR management and leadership experience in large global organisations, in her own consulting practice and in the not-for-profit sector. Her passion for women’s equality is linked to her desire to see workplaces thrive, with inspired, innovative and engaged people.

  • Fiona Evans

    Partnerships and Funding Director

    Fiona is a communications professional with a background in fundraising and marketing in the corporate and NFP sectors, both in Australia and abroad. With lived experience of diversity, Fiona is committed to achieving inclusive workplaces and tackling unconscious bias.

  • Sharon Grosvenor

    Member Operations Manager

    Sharon is a member support specialist with a background in corporate finance in Australia, London and New York. Based in Melbourne with her family she is actively supporting change in workplace culture.

  • Alisha Taylor-Jones

    Mentoring Program Manager

    Alisha Taylor-Jones has extensive experiencing in facilitating mentoring and leadership development programs for women and LGBTIQA+ people across the tertiary education and corporate sectors. She is passionate about facilitating opportunities for women to thrive in workplace settings and loves bringing her diversity and inclusion expertise to learning, training, and implementing programs that empower people to move to their next career steps.

  • Madeline Cooper

    Event and Program Delivery Manager

    Madeline has many years of experience managing projects, programs and events across the non-profit, mental health and education sectors. She’s passionate about creating change that drives inclusive, equitable environments for everyone.

  • Renee Burkinshaw

    Member Relations Consultant

  • Ciara Kirby (She/Her)

    Content Researcher

    Ciara is a dedicated gender equality researcher with a Master of Development Studies (Gender Specialisation) from the University of Melbourne. Having recently started her career in the not-for-profit sector, Ciara is committed to developing a deep understanding of how to translate gender theory into impactful action, working on initiatives that advance workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion.
    Ciara is passionate about projects that highlight women’s success stories in traditionally male-dominated fields, uncovering pathways to greater gender parity, and creating meaningful change. Her background is enriched by internships at organisations like Chalk Circle, Pro Bono Australia, Meals With Impact, and the Victorian Women’s Trust, where she has honed her skills in advocacy, research, and community engagement.”

  • Evie English

    Social Media Support

  • Analisa Malone

    Delivery Administrator

Honorary NAWO Members

NAWO honorary members are people who have contributed significantly to NAWO in a strategic volunteer capacity and who continue to be ambassadors for change in line with our vision.

  • Sophie Ray (She/Her)

    Non-Executive Director

  • Phillip Austin

    President, CHEP Asia Pacific, Brambles

  • Matthew Brierley

    Director, Matthew Brierley Consulting Pty Ltd; Leadership Coach, Newcrest Mining

  • Simon Bromell

    President - Beverage, Orora Limited

  • Annette Carey

    Non-Executive Director

  • Loretta Croker

    General Manager, Australia and New Zealand Commercial Operations, CSL Behring (Australia)

  • Anna Dartnell

    Group Executive Bulk, Aurizon

  • Melissa Donald

    Director of People, Governance and Operations, Respect Victoria

  • Kathryn Fagg AO

    Chair & Non-Executive Director

  • Adrian Fahey

    Managing Director, SAGE Group

  • James Fazzino

    Chair & Non Executive Director

  • Catherine Fitzsimons

    Director & Head of Operations, Ward Air

  • Neil Fleming

    Self-Employed

  • Kylie Fraser

    Area Managing Director Oceania, A.P. Moller - Maersk

  • Tim Hart

    Chair, National Stock Exchange of Australia

  • Kathy Hirschfeld AM

    CEO | CFO | Board Director | Advisor | Coach

  • Kathy Karabatsas

    Chief Financial Officer, David Jones

  • May Lee

    General Manager Quality, Fonterra

  • Lis Mannes

    Non-Executive Director

  • Ros McCarthy

    Self-Employed

  • Megan McCracken

    Owner, Pleiades Consulting; Chair, Freight & Logistics Council, WA, Non-Executive Director, Pacific Energy

  • Rebecca McGrath FAICD

    Chair & Non-Executive Director

  • Rebecca Roberts

    GM People, Australian Steel Products, BlueScope

  • Michael Schneider

    Managing Director, Bunnings Group Ltd

  • Carolyn Schroten

    National Optimisation Manager,
    Primary Connect

  • Angela Tatlis

    Independant Advisor,
    Invoke Performance PL

  • Chantelle Thom

    Global Manager Equity, Inclusion & Diversity, Rio Tinto

  • Tim Wall

    Senior Advisor ANZ, dss+

Affiliates

Partners

We are fortunate to have the support of some great industry associations, collaborating on events, industry research and insights. Our partners share our commitment to gender diversity, bringing our members engagement opportunities, value and expertise relevant to their industries.

  •

    Australian Gender Equality Council

    NAWO is a proud member of the Australian Gender Equality Council (AGEC). AGEC’s mission is simple: to achieve gender equality in Australia. Through high profile national awareness campaigns, advocacy and research, AGEC aims to drive a cultural shift in Australia, so that women have the same pay, same superannuation, same rights, same everything.
    AGEC is currently developing a number of projects which in time will assist in the development of policy, raise awareness for gender equality and establish AGEC further as the authoritative and independent voice for gender equality in Australia.  The work that AGEC does is vital to taking women, and Australia, forward from a cultural and economic perspective.

  •

    Family Friendly Workplaces

    Family Friendly Workplaces is a recognition framework shaping the future of workplace inclusion. Family Friendly Workplaces strive to reduce the tension that exists between work and family by embedding and promoting policies and practices that genuinely support employees to thrive at work and at home.

  •

    IWIMRA

    Founded as a social network in 2017, IWIMRA has evolved into a membership based organisation with the aim to build an online community to lead the conversation primarily with Indigenous women across the mining and resources industry, with the core aim to identify gaps for career progression and opportunities to improve for the Indigenous workforce. IWIMRA encourages initiatives to promote culturally safe professional development tools, access to a community concept of mentoring, quality opportunities and brokering greater relations with key industry stakeholders.

  •

    Path4Graduates

    NAWO partners with PATH4 on Project i – a project based, paid internship program for female university students. This initiative aims to attract talented women to operational careers, and participants are hosted by our members. Each NAWO Employer can identify a suitable project within their organisation that a specially selected intern will work on for a defined duration. The project will be unique with clearly defined outcomes and objectives and will provide flexibility for the intern to complete their studies in conjunction with the project.
    PATH4 Graduates work with leading organisations to provide great Internship and Graduate job opportunities. As experienced Graduate Specialists within the Global Logistics, Business and Engineering Sectors, Path4 aligns new emerging talent from universities with real and exciting jobs.

  •

    Emberin

    Emberin is a global leading organisation in diversity and inclusion training that supports organisations to get results and make an impact.

Endorsed Providers

We are proud to endorse relevant subject matter experts who also support gender balance in operations. In agreement with these providers, we offer members discounts and specifically tailored programs. We recommend the following providers if you are seeking specialist support for your diversity and inclusion strategy, and exceptional development opportunities for your talent.

  •

    Anneli Blundell

    As a professional People Whisperer, Author and Speaker, (and one of YMag’s Top 10 Women to Watch in 2019) Anneli supports women to increase their visibility, confidence and personal power for greater professional impact (especially in male-dominated industries).  

    Anneli has inspired women across Australia to step in, speak up and stand out. Through a focus on building presence, improving visibility and strategically managing the right professional impact, women have gained the tools and strategies to take control of their careers, on their own terms. 

  •

    Culturise

    Culturise deliver innovative, highly practical tools that create great places to work.  Founder and Chief Culturiser Jo Marshall has led in senior and executive operational roles, often in complex and challenging industries and teams.  Be it keynote, workshop or change program, Culturise lead in practical tools for implementing people and culture initiatives.  Clients regularly report success in achieving sustainable change in developing Cultures of Adaptability, Change, Resilience, Safety and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.  

  •

    Rebecca Hopkins

    Rebecca Hopkins is a Senior Consultant, Leadership Coach (PCC) and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator with over 20 years of corporate experience. 

    She works with leaders and organisations to create an inclusive workplace culture and a healthy human work experience.

    Rebecca gets her results by combining her engaging stories, unrelenting curiosity and down to earth style with her deep communication, emotional intelligence, coaching and project delivery skills. 

     

  •

    Dr Karen Morley

    Karen Morley is a highly sought after Executive Coach, helping women to increase their personal success, and leaders in general to be more inclusive. She is a thought leader on strategies and tactics to achieve gender-balanced leadership and create inclusive cultures. She has particular expertise in bias, and how to overcome it through better decision-making practices. 

    Karen’s D&I consulting insights and practical training programs have helped senior leaders in organisations including Bunnings, CSL, Department of Education, Downer, Fulton Hogan Australia, HASSELL, Melbourne Water, QBE, Officeworks, SBS and the University of Melbourne. 

  •

    Future Fit Co

    Founded by Andrea Clarke, Future Fit has a team of expert facilitators to master skills to realise our reputation capital in the market, present with impact, be hyper-adaptable, accelerate trust with remote teams, take a new approach to networking and find ways to manage our energy. 

    A new type of business environment requires a new breed of leader: an individual who is a catalyst for transformation, someone who can adapt swiftly to change and keep teams engaged and delivering in a complex and demanding environment.  

  •

    Grace Papers

     This platform is a driving force for gender equality, championing a future for workplaces where women and men can confidently balance career and care – equally. 

    We partner with some of the world’s smartest companies to promote workplace inclusion and flexibility and we are dedicated to empowering women and men with evidence-based support strategies through pregnancy, parental leave, returning to work and flexibility. 

    In addition to the delivery of key data and insights that help businesses set and measure gender equality strategies and metrics, Grace Papers offers 1:1 coaching, consulting, workshops, a self-led professional development platform and real-time support for both employees and managers. 

  •

    Meno Collective

    Meno Collective partners with workplaces to provide menopause education and resources so they can enjoy the cultural and commercial rewards of being a truly inclusive workplace.

    Meno Collective offers an 8-week Program to support female leaders reduce menopause symptoms so they can thrive in their career and their personal life.

  •

    Talkforce

    Providing in-room and virtual tailored and development solutions, taskforce focuses on advancing Communication and Leadership skills in the workplace.

    Our role, in partnership with your organisation, it to unlock human potential by providing specific and relevant training and coaching solutions aligned with your strategies and goals.

    Using innovative and progressive learning methodologies such as: Leadership Development, Negotiation Skills, Presentation Skills, Influencing Skills, Building Resilience, Understanding Self and Others and Coaching for Performance.

     

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    Razilio

    Razilio is a boutique cybersecurity consultancy located in Sydney, Australia and serving the world. Razilio was started from the idea of simplifying cyber and making access to expertise more accessible to all organisations. As a group we are passionate about helping organisations manage this critical risk and take great pride in having honed a pragmatic attitude after spending decades working for organisations all around the world.