Meet our 2026 Speakers
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Alex Stonehouse
Cochlear
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Alison Every
Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE)
Amireh Amirmazaheri
PMO Solutions
Beatriz Toribio López
Lightsource bp
Bronwyn Williams
Demi Athanasopoulos
AGL
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Elika Karbassi
Infrabuild
Emily Louie
Northrop Consulting Engineers
Emily She
Atlas Engineering Group
Emma Doherty
KBR
Felicity Galluzzo
WSP
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Heidi Sick
AECOM
Helen Baxter-Carter
SMEC
Hilda Lee
AtkinsRéalis
Ingrid Fuentes
Energy Queensland
Jade Loyzaga
Canva
Janica Lukas
Western Power
Jennifer Fishburne
Resmed
John Georgaklis
Stantec
Karen Whelan
University of Technology (UTS)
Kate Leone
UGL
Lorraine Welsh
BlueScope
Louise Beer
Sydney Water
Madeeha Arsalan
Elecnor Australia
Maliha Alam
Electranet
Manju Puthanveetil
Transgrid
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Meg Fanning
ConnellGrifin
Melissa Taylor
TasNetworks
Michael Marix-Evans
John Holland
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Michaela Kemp
City of Sydney
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Monique Alfris
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Niluksha Herath
Pacific Blue Australia
Nina Lee
BG&E
Olga Mikhaylova
CPB Contractors
Olivia Miraz
Western Sydney University
Praema Ranga
Boeing Defence Australia
Rick Kreeck
BG&E
Stacy Curtis
ADG Engineers
Stephanie Hart
Resmed
Sylvia Iskander
Downer
Tim Mackney
Tweed Shire Council
Upuli Indigahamaditta
Transport for NSW
Vaishali Haria
Aurecon
Yatong Nie
Gamuda Australia
Bronwyn Williams
Keynote Speaker, Mentor, PhD ResearcherBron Williams is a powerful woman dedicated to helping other women reconnect with their own power. Despite her achievements - including an honours degree, serving as a school principal, being an ordained minister, and having experience working with asylum seekers - Bron once struggled to tap into her full potential because of the expectations of family and society.
By guiding women to understand their own drivers, needs and values Bron helps women reconnect with their own power, so they can confidently negotiate their salaries and pursue leadership positions, unapologetically celebrating their achievements along the way.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass A: Mentoring and sponsorship in the workplace: How to build the relationships that advance careers
Amireh Amirmazaheri
Chief Executive Officer & FounderPMO Solutions
Amireh Amirmazaheri is a visionary and strategic leader in project, program, and portfolio management, with over 25 years of international experience across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, with a specific focus on Australia . As the CEO of PMO Solutions, she leads a boutique consultancy that empowers organisations to navigate complex transformations with precision, agility, and purpose-driven strategy. Her client portfolio includes industry leaders such as Leighton Holdings, Downer EDI, Sydney Water, and the NSW Government, where she has consistently delivered measurable impact.
Amireh serves as the APAC Hub Lead and Advisory Board Member of the PMO Global Alliance, actively shaping global PMO best practices. She was also a key contributor to the PMI PMO Practice Guide and chaired the Global Project Management Forum (GPMF) 2025. Her approach integrates human-centered design, digital innovation, and systems thinking to bridge strategy and execution.
Holding a Master’s in IT and multiple project management certifications, Amireh combines deep technical expertise with creative leadership. A sought-after speaker and advisor, she is widely recognized for her work in AI governance, digital transformation, and aligning business strategy with delivery, helping organisations future-proof their PMOs for long-term success.
Speaking at
09:00
Masterclass B: Smart project management for engineers: mastering efficiency, influence and outcomes
Jennifer Fishburne
Director – Materials EngineeringResmed
Jennifer Fishburn is Director of Materials Engineering and Labelling at ResMed, where she leads talented teams spanning Biocompatibility, Materials Compliance & Technology, Reprocessing, Product Sustainability, Medical Device Labelling, and liaison with enterprise systems teams on behalf of Product Development. Her career began with a PhD in Laser Physics, grounding her leadership in technical depth, curiosity, collaboration and rigorous problem-solving. Across roles in research, technical leadership, program delivery and people management, Jennifer has been motivated by helping teams navigate complexity, make confident decisions and deliver outcomes that matter. Based in Sydney, she is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future engineering leaders and creating practical pathways for engineers to grow across technical, people leadership and project delivery domains. She is a strong advocate for inclusive leadership, cross-functional collaboration and helping engineers build confidence, influence and impact. Jennifer brings a people-centred leadership style and a strong belief in the power of diverse engineering voices to shape better outcomes for industry and society.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the chair
13:50
Panel Discussion: Visibility by design: getting seen for the right work at the right time
Janica Lukas
Acting Head of Grid TransformationWestern Power
Janica Lukas is the Acting Head of Grid Transformation at Western Power, where she leads a large multi-disciplinary team shaping the future of WA’s largest energy network to support decarbonisation, economic growth, and evolving customer needs.
With over 20 years of experience across engineering, planning, design, program management and strategy, Janica brings a deep understanding of how complex energy systems operate, and how they need to evolve. With a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, Janica is also a Fellow of Engineers Australia, combining strong technical expertise with strategic and commercial insight and industry leadership.
Janica plays a pivotal role in aligning technical, regulatory, and stakeholder perspectives to deliver coordinated, long-term network outcomes for the community. Her ability to connect people and ideas means she brings clarity to complexity and successfully foster high-performing, collaborative teams.
She is passionate about developing others, building inclusive cultures, and supporting the next generation of leaders in the energy sector.
Outside of the office, Janica is a proud wife and mum of two, an experience that has shaped her perspective on leadership, resilience, and the importance of creating environments where people can thrive both personally and professionally.
Speaking at
09:00
How to build a career where your leadership potential is never wasted
Madeeha Arsalan
Senior Structural EngineerElecnor Australia
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: The mid-career moment: where engineering careers stall and what changes the outcome
Demi Athanasopoulos
Head of Engineering and Projects (Gas & Renewables)AGL
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: The mid-career moment: where engineering careers stall and what changes the outcome
Nina Lee
Senior Associate - StructuresBG&E
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: The mid-career moment: where engineering careers stall and what changes the outcome
Emily She
Lead Processing EngineerAtlas Engineering Group
Emily She is a Chartered Engineer with over 12 years of experience delivering engineering solutions and complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand. She has led multidisciplinary teams across planning, design, commissioning and project delivery, working closely with utilities, councils, contractors and engineering consultants. Emily is passionate about practical problem solving, collaborative leadership and creating tailored engineering solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes for communities. She currently works across the asset lifecycle within the water sector and is an advocate for supporting and empowering women in engineering.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: The mid-career moment: where engineering careers stall and what changes the outcome
Maliha Alam
Senior Telecommunications EngineerElectranet
Maliha Alam is a Senior Telecommunications Engineer at ElectraNet with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering critical communications infrastructure across Australia's energy and utilities sector. She specialises in fibre, microwave, and SCADA/telecommunication integration — the backbone technologies that keep the power grid stable and responsive.
Maliha is currently leading the telecommunications delivery for the South Australian Interconnector Trip Remedial Action Scheme (SAIT RAS) under Project Energy Connect — the world's first Remedial Action Scheme of its kind. Her work directly enables the real-time protection signalling that prevents cascading power outages across South Australia, placing her at the forefront of global power system innovation.
Her journey of 20 years into engineering was shaped by curiosity and hands-on exploration, growing up in an environment where opportunities for women in electrical engineering were limited. Being one of only a few women in her field , she learned early to challenge norms and push boundaries. Today, she leads complex, high-impact infrastructure programs, grounded in resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges that power and connect communities.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel Discussion: The mid-career moment: where engineering careers stall and what changes the outcome
Stephanie Hart
Senior Mechanical EngineerResmed
Stephanie Hart is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at ResMed, specialising in early-stage R&D in medtech, with a focus on fluid mechanics and acoustics design. She holds degrees in Engineering and Science (Chemistry) from UNSW and has spent nearly a decade contributing to the development of innovative medical technologies. Alongside her technical work, she is passionate about improving the retention and progression of women in engineering, leading initiatives such as a company-wide survey to better understand and address gender representation in senior technical roles.
Speaking at
11:00
Highlighting what organisations are doing to support gender equity when the obvious policies are already in place
Upuli Indigahamaditta
Senior Manager Governance and ControlTransport for NSW
Upuli is an accomplished engineering and program leader with 19 years of experience delivering complex brownfield infrastructure projects across Sydney's rail and public transport networks. She currently serves as Senior Manager, Asset Strategies – Power and Energy at Transport for NSW, that shapes the long-term strategy for critical power and energy assets underpinning the state's transport network. She holds a Master of Engineering (Energy Systems) from UNSW and has progressed from project engineer to senior program manager, with expertise spanning strategic asset management, engineering leadership, risk management, and innovative project delivery - recognised through the Australian Institute of Project Management's "Best Construction/Engineering Project in NSW" award in 2019. A passionate advocate for women in engineering, Upuli is committed to helping technical women build and sustain deep engineering careers, championing pathways that keep talented women anchored in technical leadership rather than drifting away from the discipline.
Speaking at
11:30
Panel Discussion: How women are finding ways to remain in technical roles rather than drifting into support functions
Sylvia Iskander
Electrical Engineering Discipline ManagerDowner
Sylvia Iskander is the Electrical Engineering Discipline Manager at Downer, bringing extensive experience across asset management, through-life support contracts, and major infrastructure projects. She has successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in reliability, design, overhauls, integration, and lifecycle cost modelling.
Previously, Sylvia served as Engineering Manager for Downer’s NSW train fleets, overseeing the Waratah, SGT, and Millennium fleets — ensuring safety, performance, and engineering excellence across complex operational environments.
Beyond her technical expertise, Sylvia is passionate about building inclusive and resilient workplaces, particularly in male-dominated industries. She serves on the Inclusion & Belonging as well as EmpowerHER governance committee, driving initiatives that promote women’s professional growth, mentorship, and representation across Downer.
A dedicated mentor and community volunteer, Sylvia also supports youth development through ministry and outreach programs. Known for her practical leadership and collaborative approach, she continues to champion authentic inclusion and sustainable engineering excellence across the industry.
Speaking at
11:30
Panel Discussion: How women are finding ways to remain in technical roles rather than drifting into support functions
Elika Karbassi
Senior Environmental EngineerInfrabuild
Speaking at
11:30
Panel Discussion: How women are finding ways to remain in technical roles rather than drifting into support functions
Vaishali Haria
Overhead Line Equipment EngineerAurecon
I am a Mechanical Engineer (honours), currently working as an overhead line engineer on major infrastructure projects in Victoria and NSW. My interest lies in the growing digital engineering industry. I am also passionate about diversity and inclusion, specifically Gender diversity.
Speaking at
11:30
Panel Discussion: How women are finding ways to remain in technical roles rather than drifting into support functions
Melissa Taylor
Lead - Asset Management System and StandardsTasNetworks
Mel Taylor is an accomplished asset management and operations leader with almost two decades of experience across the energy, rail, mining and heavy industrial sectors. Currently serving as Leader of Asset Management Systems and Standards at TasNetworks, she leads strategic initiatives focused on asset management frameworks, technical standards, systems integration, data governance and operational excellence across Tasmania’s transmission and distribution network.
Throughout her career, Mel has built a reputation for delivering large-scale operational transformation, improving asset reliability and driving efficiency through strong leadership, strategic thinking and continuous improvement methodologies. Her expertise spans asset strategy, supply chain optimisation, maintenance and reliability engineering, capital project delivery, operational leadership and enterprise systems implementation.
Prior to joining TasNetworks, Mel held senior leadership positions with Pacific National, where she managed nationally dispersed supply chain operations, led locomotive fleet strategy and oversaw maintenance and operational performance for fleets across New South Wales and Victoria. Earlier in her career, she worked with Anglo American delivering major capital and shutdown projects within the mining sector to increase production capacity.
Mel is recognised for her ability to lead complex teams through organisational change, modernise operational systems and align technical strategy with business outcomes. She brings extensive experience in Lean methodologies, reliability engineering, performance management and infrastructure asset optimisation, combined with a strong passion for developing high-performing teams and delivering sustainable long-term value for customers and communities.
Speaking at
11:30
Panel Discussion: How women are finding ways to remain in technical roles rather than drifting into support functions
Monique Alfris
Manager – Net Zero Plan 2035 TaskforceNSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Monique Alfris is Head of Market Transformation at NABERS. Monique is tasked with managing how the program responds to challenges as diverse as the decarbonisation of the electricity grid, refrigerants, and the shift to a circular economy.
Monique has worked internationally in sustainability, renewable energy and poverty alleviation for over 20 years. Career highlights include consulting to Green Building Councils in Australia and Africa, working on the new Net Zero Plan for NSW and founding Pollinate Energy. Pollinate Energy is a social enterprise which has now provided renewable energy to over 950,000 people living in poverty. The organisation has won multiple international awards and was featured on an episode of the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent.
Speaking at
13:20
Building a career on instinct, courage and calculated risk
Jennifer Fishburne
Director – Materials EngineeringResmed
Jennifer Fishburn is Director of Materials Engineering and Labelling at ResMed, where she leads talented teams spanning Biocompatibility, Materials Compliance & Technology, Reprocessing, Product Sustainability, Medical Device Labelling, and liaison with enterprise systems teams on behalf of Product Development. Her career began with a PhD in Laser Physics, grounding her leadership in technical depth, curiosity, collaboration and rigorous problem-solving. Across roles in research, technical leadership, program delivery and people management, Jennifer has been motivated by helping teams navigate complexity, make confident decisions and deliver outcomes that matter. Based in Sydney, she is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future engineering leaders and creating practical pathways for engineers to grow across technical, people leadership and project delivery domains. She is a strong advocate for inclusive leadership, cross-functional collaboration and helping engineers build confidence, influence and impact. Jennifer brings a people-centred leadership style and a strong belief in the power of diverse engineering voices to shape better outcomes for industry and society.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the chair
13:50
Panel Discussion: Visibility by design: getting seen for the right work at the right time
Emma Doherty
Senior Director (Transport)KBR
Speaking at
13:50
Panel Discussion: Visibility by design: getting seen for the right work at the right time
Jade Loyzaga
Senior Engineering DirectorCanva
Jade Loyzaga is Senior Engineering Director at Canva, where she leads engineering across the Content & Discovery supergroup — responsible for the product experiences that help hundreds of millions of users find, start and create with Canva.
With a career spanning software engineering, team leadership and large-scale product delivery, Jade has built and scaled high-performing engineering organisations at some of the world's most recognised technology companies, including Twitter (now X) and Canva. She joined Canva five years ago when the company was a third of its current size, growing her remit from leading the core Design editor to now shaping Canva's home page and content discovery experiences.
Beyond her engineering leadership, Jade serves as Global Co-Chair of Canva's Women's Collective, driving inclusion and equity initiatives across the company worldwide.
In 2026, Jade was recognised with the Glass Ceiling Award at the Women Leading Tech Awards — an acknowledgement of her commitment to breaking barriers for women in engineering and her belief that visibility, not just performance, is what drives career progression.
Jade speaks regularly on leadership, inclusion and engineering culture, and is passionate about helping women in tech get seen for the right work at the right time.
Speaking at
13:50
Panel Discussion: Visibility by design: getting seen for the right work at the right time
Beatriz Toribio López
Head of Asset Management – APACLightsource bp
I am a motivated engineer with extensive experience of all aspects of renewable energy asset management. I have a comprehensive knowledge of energy systems design, product application, data collection and monitoring, diagnosis of issues and plant optimization, and am highly competent at contractual matters and management of stakeholders. I have an analytical and engineering based skill set, and a passion for renewable energy that translates into an excellent background for the deployment of Asset Management services.
Speaking at
13:50
Panel Discussion: Visibility by design: getting seen for the right work at the right time
Kate Leone
Procurement Lead and Project EngineerUGL
Speaking at
13:50
Panel Discussion: Visibility by design: getting seen for the right work at the right time
Olga Mikhaylova
Engineering Director – VIC & TASCPB Contractors
Olga Mikhaylova is an experienced engineering leader who has spent more than two decades delivering major infrastructure projects across Australia and internationally.
She has built a reputation for leading complex infrastructure delivery, combining deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to drive performance across major projects and multidisciplinary teams.
Olga is recognised for her open, authentic leadership style and her ability to bring people together to deliver complex outcomes. Passionate about building a more inclusive construction industry, she has actively supported programs that create opportunities for women in construction and is a strong advocate for career development, innovation and diverse leadership.
Speaking at
15:00
Building authority without becoming someone you're not
Helen Baxter-Carter
Technical Principal - Engineering GeologistSMEC
Speaking at
15:30
Finding your way into the networks that matter: when 30 years of shared projects isn't your starting point
Hilda Lee
Senior Project ManagerAtkinsRéalis
Chartered civil engineer (ACGI, MICE, MHKIE), accredited project manager (NECReg) and green building professional (BEAM Pro) with more than 16 years of experience in client, contracting and consulting business of the construction industry in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and United Kingdom. Focus on holistic project governance, transparency and dynamic project control to drive project performance and profit margin; also completed a MBA degree at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Speaking at
16:00
Live One-on-One: What I'd do differently: an honest, unscripted conversation about the decisions, detours and moments of clarity that shaped the careers in this room
Michaela Kemp
Chief EngineerCity of Sydney
Michaela Kemp is a Civil Engineer with over 16 years’ experience in traffic and transport engineering and public works. As an experienced senior leader in local government, Michaela combines her technical expertise with her passion for building high-trust, collaborative teams to deliver community-focused solutions. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from Sydney University and Master of Business Administration from University of Technology, Sydney.
Speaking at
16:00
Live One-on-One: What I'd do differently: an honest, unscripted conversation about the decisions, detours and moments of clarity that shaped the careers in this room
Meg Fanning
AdvisorConnellGrifin
Speaking at
16:00
Live One-on-One: What I'd do differently: an honest, unscripted conversation about the decisions, detours and moments of clarity that shaped the careers in this room
Emily Louie
Senior Structural EngineerNorthrop Consulting Engineers
Speaking at
16:00
Live One-on-One: What I'd do differently: an honest, unscripted conversation about the decisions, detours and moments of clarity that shaped the careers in this room
Praema Ranga
ACEA Product Services ManagerBoeing Defence Australia
Praema Ranga is a seasoned engineering leader with over 20 years of experience, currently leading teams for the Air Combat and Electronic Attack program at Boeing Defence Australia. His career spans manufacturing, control room operations, major projects, asset management, design management, operations, and sustainment across the energy and defence industries in Australia.
Based in Brisbane, Praema has a proven track record in strategic capability development and leading high-performing teams to deliver complex, high-risk programs with precision and excellence. She excels in fostering collaboration, uniting diverse stakeholders, and aligning competing priorities to achieve strategic organisational objectives. With expertise in capital works and departmental budget management, she is adept at balancing operational efficiency with long-term growth.
Beyond his professional role, Praema is deeply committed to industry and community leadership. She actively contributes to not-for-profit organisations as a board and committee member, mentors emerging professionals, and leads networking initiatives. A regular speaker at industry events, she champions inclusive and safer workplaces, advocating for a more diverse and innovative future in engineering and defence.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the chair
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Alex Stonehouse
Director of ManufacturingCochlear
Alex Stonehouse is a mechanical engineer and leader in Australia’s medical device industry, with over 20 years’ experience across research, development and manufacturing. Guided by values of authenticity, faith and joy, she is focused on bringing out the best in people. Alex has built and led large, high-performing teams and delivered complex transformation programs, while championing inclusive cultures where every individual feels safe to contribute and improve. She is passionate about supporting women in STEM, mentoring emerging leaders and driving sustainability. Alex is committed to shaping a future where technical leadership and human impact go hand in hand.
Speaking at
09:00
Building credibility on your own terms: what it takes to be seen, heard and advance in your engineering career
Louise Beer
Head of Water, Environment and InfrastructureSydney Water
Louise Beer is Head of Water, Environment & Infrastructure Performance at Sydney Water, bringing over 25 years of engineering and leadership experience across the water, infrastructure, transport, energy and resources sectors. A highly accomplished strategist and transformation leader, she has led large-scale asset management and investment programs, including Sydney Water’s $34B capital pipeline, while driving measurable improvements in operational efficiency, risk management and customer outcomes. Louise is known for her collaborative and inclusive leadership style, and her ability to translate complex engineering challenges into practical, high-impact solutions. She is passionate about developing high-performing teams and fostering diverse talent, drawing on a career dedicated to delivering meaningful outcomes for industry, government and the community.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel discussion:How to bring the people who most need to hear this conversation into the room
Heidi Sick
Managing Director – EnergyAECOM
Heidi Sick is a senior executive and recognised leader in Australia’s clean energy transition, with over 25 years of experience spanning executive leadership, strategy, business growth & operations, and project and technical delivery across renewable energy, decarbonisation, and infrastructure. As Managing Director for Energy at AECOM (Australia and New Zealand), she leads a 300strong team delivering nationally significant projects that are driving emissions reduction and accelerating Australia’s transition to clean energy. Heidi has held advisory and board roles with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the Australian Power Institute and Invest Melbourne Advisory Board, and is a regular contributor to national industry forums. Heidi was named in The Australian’s Green Power Top 100 List in both 2023 and 2024, in recognition of her continued influence across the clean energy landscape.
Heidi is a member of AECOM's EDI Steering committee and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly in empowering women to pursue careers in energy and engineering. A strong advocate for sponsorship and mentoring, Heidi has dedicated much of her career to supporting and guiding women seeking careers in energy. She is committed to creating spaces where women can thrive, advocating for policies and creating cultures that promote gender equity and psychological safety. By fostering high-performing teams that are empowered, accountable, and inclusive, Heidi is helping shape the future of the energy sector, ensuring that it reflects the diverse perspectives and talents required to tackle the global energy challenges ahead.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel discussion:How to bring the people who most need to hear this conversation into the room
Lorraine Welsh
Electrical Engineering Team Lead - BlueScope SteelBlueScope
Speaking at
09:30
Panel discussion:How to bring the people who most need to hear this conversation into the room
Felicity Galluzzo
Director of Power & EnergyWSP
Felicity is an experienced engineering manager with a broad range of experience within the power industry. Core competencies include: Strategic Management: Experienced in setting strategic objectives and developing cascaded business KPIs. Has successfully led organisational transformation and process improvements. Business Management: Experienced managing business financial performance; including management of profit and loss statements, business planning, forecasting and revenue recognition processes. Responsible for ‘pricing bids to win’ with an understanding of market conditions and competitor behaviour. People Management: Experienced in operational management of geographically dispersed teams including resourcing, utilisation, performance, recruitment, staff wellbeing and non-financial business planning.
Projects & Delivery: Experienced portfolio manager and project director overseeing the delivery of complex engineering solutions and design. Experienced design manager coordinating day-to-day project delivery activities to client expectations, on time, on budget and in accordance with quality requirements. Customers & Stakeholders: Proven track record in establishing and maintaining key customer, client and stakeholder relationships. Technical Expertise: Experienced technical leader overseeing and approving the development and submission of technical deliverables. Felicity has a background in power transmission & distribution and protection & control engineering.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel discussion:How to bring the people who most need to hear this conversation into the room
Olivia Miraz
Associate Dean – Engagement, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and ScienceWestern Sydney University
Olivia held a prestigious Golden Jubilee Scholarship before she graduated with Honours as Bachelor of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2002 at UNSW. She then worked as a structural engineer in the industry for 10 years before pursuing her academic career.
When she was working in the industry her projects included the M7 Motorway, One Shelley Street, King Street Wharf, and the Diagrid Constructed Building in Sydney which was awarded a 6-star Green Star "World Leader" rating. Olivia was also involved in the construction of Tower 5 of the New York World Trade Centre. Today, her expertise in fire and buildings is widely recognised.
Olivia received her PhD in 2009 from Western Sydney University. Olivia is a qualified forensic bridge engineer looking at rehabilitating and strengthening existing bridge structures. She developed the innovative retrofitting methodology for rehabilitation of bridge infrastructures. She is working with Transport for New South Wales investigating the rehabilitation of existing railway bridges and informs the Australian Bridge Standards to guarantee the safe use of bridges nation-wide. Olivia confirmed the benefits of the timber transom replacement at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Since 2010, she has successfully secured more than $3.9 million in funding. The awarded grants included: Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project; ARC Training Centre for Advanced Technologies in Rail Track Infrastructure (ITTC-Rail); Innovation Connections Grant; Western Sydney University Internal Grants and External Industry Partners Grants.
She is a Professor in Structural Engineering and the Associate Dean Engagement in the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western. In this key role she initiated the “Aspire Program” for Indigenous students in the Engineering and Built Environment sciences. The program promotes STEM learning in primary and high schools and supports Indigenous students to pursue a career in STEM. She is also the Vice President for Engineers Australia Sydney Division, the founder and leader of Women of Wisdom in WSU and is the Representative of Women in Engineering for the Western Sydney Region.
Olivia is a strong advocate for women in engineering. She is a very active mentor for the University's WiSE program, the WSU Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative and for Engineers Australia's Women in Engineering program.
Due to her strong connection with professional bodies, industry partners and holding executive position in Engineers Australia, she is currently leading the Engineers Australia Western Sydney Initiatives. This is where the Western Sydney Airport is the catalyst for much of Western Sydney’s future urbanisation. The Aerotropolis will be the beating heart of the Western Parkland City, connecting to Greater Parramatta and the Harbour CBD to realise the vision for Greater Sydney as a metropolis of three cities.
Speaking at
09:30
Panel discussion:How to bring the people who most need to hear this conversation into the room
Rick Kreeck
Director – SpecialistBG&E
Rick is an operations executive who drives business success built on trusted relationships with key stakeholders. A business leader who delivers on transformation to increase profitability, improve business performance and build enduring relationships with customers. A long track record of achievement delivering global engineering projects for all levels of government and private owners. A people leader that inspires teams to achieve their potential, while upholding business values. A company director with proven success in developing and delivering on strategy. Extensive experience in developing and implementing strategy at group-wide and business unit level and aligning resources to achieve those objectives. A strong leader that provides a clear direction, inspires and develops team members to achieve their potential, and sets a clear cultural tone to enable business values to be enacted. A leader who anticipates challenges, transforms the operations and governance of the business to harness opportunities and engages with people to drive results. A long history of delivering Australian and global projects and providing technical expertise to clients, and leading teams responsible for people, property and risk. Strong experience in management of project and business unit financials, commercial negotiation with other stakeholders and creating new revenue streams from establishment of businesses. Strong, trusted relationships with key customers across Australia and overseas, generating high value, repeat business and revenue opportunities in new markets and services.
Speaking at
11:00
Allyship in practice versus what it looks like on a values statement
Praema Ranga
ACEA Product Services ManagerBoeing Defence Australia
Praema Ranga is a seasoned engineering leader with over 20 years of experience, currently leading teams for the Air Combat and Electronic Attack program at Boeing Defence Australia. His career spans manufacturing, control room operations, major projects, asset management, design management, operations, and sustainment across the energy and defence industries in Australia.
Based in Brisbane, Praema has a proven track record in strategic capability development and leading high-performing teams to deliver complex, high-risk programs with precision and excellence. She excels in fostering collaboration, uniting diverse stakeholders, and aligning competing priorities to achieve strategic organisational objectives. With expertise in capital works and departmental budget management, she is adept at balancing operational efficiency with long-term growth.
Beyond his professional role, Praema is deeply committed to industry and community leadership. She actively contributes to not-for-profit organisations as a board and committee member, mentors emerging professionals, and leads networking initiatives. A regular speaker at industry events, she champions inclusive and safer workplaces, advocating for a more diverse and innovative future in engineering and defence.
Speaking at
08:50
Opening remarks from the chair
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Karen Whelan
Associate Dean – Teaching and Learning (Faculty of Engineering and ITUniversity of Technology (UTS)
Professor Karen Whelan is the Associate Dean, Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. She is the Chair of the Engineers Austraia, National Committee for Women in Engineering. Her expertise spans engineering, engineering education, gender and feminist sociology. Over her career in higher education, Karen has led university wide projects on graduate attributes, the implementation of assessment reform, and early career academic development initiatives. She has a deep commitment to gender equity and to driving transformation in engineering education and practice towards diversity, inclusion and social justice.
Speaking at
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Manju Puthanveetil
Senior Manager – Civil and Structural DesignTransgrid
Speaking at
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Michael Marix-Evans
Chief EngineerJohn Holland
Michael Marix-Evans is an accomplished construction professional with over 25 years of experience in the design, construction, and project management of major civil engineering infrastructure projects. His career has been defined by a successful track record in delivering quality outcomes, driving innovation, and achieving cost savings, all while fostering positive community impacts.
Michael's expertise lies primarily in design and construct delivery, where he has excelled in developing initial bid strategies, providing project leadership, and navigating complex project lifecycles with local and state governments, design consultancies, and construction contractors. With a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent to project development, he has managed initiatives through all phases—from inception to completion.
Currently serving as Chief Engineer at John Holland, Michael brings his wealth of experience and leadership to one of Australia's leading construction companies. In this role, he continues to demonstrate his ability to identify innovative solutions during competitive multi-disciplinary bids for major infrastructure projects, translating these ideas into tangible cost and time savings during the construction phase.
Michael's skill set includes a deep proficiency in reviewing detailed cost estimates for complex civil engineering projects and conducting thorough risk and opportunity analyses to optimize project outcomes. His collaborative approach and commitment to a "best-for-project" mindset are complemented by his strong leadership abilities, commercial acumen, and high-level technical capabilities.
Known for his ability to build rapport with clients, team members, and key stakeholders, Michael has established himself as a trusted leader on multi-disciplinary, large-scale infrastructure projects. His focus on understanding client needs, coupled with his dedication to delivering excellence, continues to contribute to the success of John Holland and the projects he leads.
Speaking at
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
John Georgaklis
Senior Mechanical Engineer | Project ManagerStantec
“John is a Senior Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager at Stantec, with 6+ years’ experience delivering complex building services across major sectors.
Chartered with Engineers Australia and DBP NSW registered, John delivers risk-managed design, sustainability-focused HVAC solutions, and leads teams across full project lifecycles, while mentoring teams and contributing to industry initiatives.
In addition to his role at Stantec, John is a board member of the Property Council of Australia (PCA) Future Leaders NSW and Property Industry Foundation (PIF) Future Leaders NSW, as well as a Mentor in the Macquarie University Lucy Mentoring Program”
Speaking at
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Tim Mackney
Director of EngineeringTweed Shire Council
Tim Mackney is a civil engineer with 30 years’ experience in private industry and government across Australia, Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He is currently Director Engineering at Tweed Shire Council where he oversees a diverse team providing key services to the community: from 24/7 operations, to long-term strategic planning, major capital works delivery, and emergency management capabilities. Throughout his career, he has led and supported initiatives that promote diversity and gender equity, mentor women and early-career engineers, and create inclusive team environments where diverse talent can thrive and progress.
Speaking at
11:40
Using data skills as a strategic advantage to boost engineering performance
Alison Every
Director – STEMAustralian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE)
Speaking at
13:30
Authenticity as a professional strategy: why audiences, clients and colleagues are increasingly drawn to the real over the polished
Stacy Curtis
Director - Civil & Transport InfrastructureADG Engineers
Stacy is a Chartered Civil & Structural engineer and Fellow of Engineers Australia, and GAICD member of Australian Institute of Company Directors. As project manager and people leader with 25 years’ experience in engineering and design management, I have a strong focus on leading engineering teams to deliver solutions to complex challenges. My experience in providing whole of life engineering services for large-scale projects such as bridges, roads, urban infrastructure, rail and defence. I have proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated solutions and synthesise technical inputs to develop effective solutions for clients and communities. I am an advocate for Inclusion and Diversity, and committed to fostering the future of STEM and the engineering profession.
Speaking at
14:00
Focusing on how to keep momentum inside your organisation when the external climate is working against you
Ingrid Fuentes
General Manger – Enterprise Risk & ResilienceEnergy Queensland
Ingrid Fuentes is General Manager, Enterprise Risk & Resilience at Energy Queensland, where she leads enterprise-wide risk, compliance and resilience functions across one of Australia’s largest energy utilities.
With a background in law and business, Ingrid brings deep expertise in risk governance, safety and regulatory frameworks in complex, high-consequence environments. She has held senior leadership roles shaping risk strategy and improving how organisations identify, assess and respond to critical risks across infrastructure and operational systems.
In her current role, Ingrid is focused on strengthening decision-making under pressure - helping leaders cut through complexity, identify the signals that matter, and apply practical risk frameworks that work in real-world conditions. She works closely with Executives and the Board to translate risk insights into clear, timely decisions that keep critical projects moving.
Speaking at
14:30
Mastering risk management: how to make better decisions when the stakes are real
Yatong Nie
Digital Engineering ManagerGamuda Australia
Dr Yatong Nie is a Digital Engineering Manager at Gamuda Australia, working across major transport and infrastructure projects including Sydney Metro West and the M1 Pacific Motorway Extension. With a background spanning civil engineering, digital delivery, and AI-driven workflows, she specialises in model-based project delivery, information management, and digital transformation within complex engineering environments.
Yatong is passionate about how emerging technologies such as AI are reshaping the future of engineering, decision-making, and collaboration across the project lifecycle. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between engineering practice and digital innovation to help teams deliver projects more efficiently, collaboratively, and intelligently.
She is also an advocate for future-ready engineering leadership and greater diversity within the engineering and digital construction industries.
Speaking at
15:30
How AI is changing the playing field for engineers: what you need to know, and what you need to do
Niluksha Herath
Executive Manager - EngineeringPacific Blue Australia
Speaking at
16:00
From planning to delivery: Navigating system resilience in large-scale transmission and renewable energy projects
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