Boosting Women on Boards

Accelerating women's pathways to the boardroom

Following last year’s sold out success, Boosting Women on Boards returns in 2025, bigger and bolder. Co-hosted by CEOs for Gender Equity and the Governance Institute of Australia, this high-impact event is designed for professional women at all stages of their board journey, from emerging leaders exploring directorship to seasoned professionals seeking new opportunities and insights.

With over 25 Chairs in attendance, this is a rare and valuable opportunity to connect directly with the Chairs influencing board appointments and governance across Australia.

Attendees will rotate through small group sessions, engaging in candid, practical conversations with two different Chairs throughout the event. These intimate roundtables are designed to foster real dialogue, offer tailored advice, and help attendees gain strategic clarity on how to navigate their path to the boardroom.

Following the group sessions, guests will enjoy dedicated time for networking to continue the conversation, broaden their connections, and explore future opportunities.

The event will open with insights from governance expert Suzanne Ardagh, setting the tone for a powerful morning of learning and connection.

Why attend?

Hear directly from those who chair the table
Get actionable advice tailored to your goals
Build confidence and clarity on your board journey
Connect with an influential network of leaders
Learn what Chairs look for and how to stand out

Whether you're taking your first step toward a board position or seeking to deepen your governance experience, Boosting Women on Boards is designed to equip, inspire, and accelerate your journey.

If you know someone who is ready to take the next step in their board journey, we encourage you to pass this on. The insights and connections they gain at this event could be invaluable.

Chairs Joining Us in 2025

Meet the leaders you will have the opportunity to engage with on the day:

Suzanne Ardagh AM | Chair, Stanley College

Other Roles: Deputy Chair, WA Ballet and St John of God Sisters Ministry Advisory Committee; Board Member, WA Cricket Foundation; Patron, WA Vietnam Business Council

Suzanne Ardagh AM is Chair of Stanley College and an experienced non-executive director with over 20 years of board service across the health, arts, education, sport, and international development sectors. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of WA Ballet and the St John of God Sisters Ministry Advisory Committee, and sits on the board of the WA Cricket Foundation.

Suzanne began her career with the Australian diplomatic service, with postings to Vienna and Mexico City, before moving into senior roles with Wesfarmers, RMIT, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and currently Lester Blades, where she leads the Board Advisory team.

She was awarded an AM for her distinguished service to business, the arts, and the community, recognising over two decades of volunteering and leadership.

Alex Atkins | Chair, Curtin University Mining Engineering Industry Advisory Group

Other Roles: Non Executive Director, Perenti (ASX:PRN) and Aquirian (ASX:AQN); Member, 30% Club Australian Steering Committee; CSIRO Critical Minerals R&D Hub Advisory Group

Alex Atkins is Chair of the Curtin University Mining Engineering Industry Advisory Group and a senior mining executive with over 30 years of industry experience and more than a decade as a Non Executive Director across listed companies and not for profits. She currently serves as a NED of Perenti and Aquirian and is active in national advisory and diversity leadership through the 30% Club and CSIRO.

A mining engineer, geotechnical engineer and geologist by background, Alex brings deep expertise in strategy, risk, governance and operational safety. She is a Fellow of the AICD, Governance Institute, Engineers Australia and AusIMM and is believed to be the first woman in Australia to hold all four fellowships alongside an EngExec and multiple First Class Mine Manager’s Certificates.

A past finalist in the Women in Resources Awards and inductee into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame, Alex is also undertaking a PhD on board assurance of critical controls in underground mining.

Dr Andrew Crane | Chair, Cubbie Ag Services

Other Roles: Non-Executive Director, RAC Holdings, SunRice, Viridis Ag; Former Chancellor, Curtin University

Dr Andrew Crane is a seasoned Chair and non-executive director with over 30 years of leadership in agriculture, food processing, and infrastructure. As Chair of Cubbie Ag Services, he supports strategic direction for one of Australia’s major agribusinesses.

Andrew is also a Non-Executive Director with RAC Holdings, SunRice, and Viridis Ag, and was previously Chancellor of Curtin University and Chair of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals. He brings significant expertise in governance, strategy, and industry leadership.

He holds a PhD in Agriculture, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, and is a Fellow of the AICD.

David MacLennan | Chair, Australian Urban Design Research Centre

Other Roles: CEO, City of Vincent; Former Assistant Director General, WA Department of Planning

David MacLennan is Chair of the Australian Urban Design Research Centre at the University of Western Australia and a senior public sector leader with extensive experience in planning, urban development, and strategy. He currently serves as CEO of the City of Vincent, leading innovative community-focused governance.

David previously held the role of Assistant Director General at the WA Department of Planning and has worked across all levels of government. He is also a former Australian diplomat with overseas postings in the UK, Peru, Mexico, and Papua New Guinea.

Christina Matthews AM | Chair, Governance Committee, Leadership WA

Other Roles: Former CEO, WA Cricket; Board Director across sport, health, and leadership sectors

Christina Matthews is a respected Chair and governance leader with a distinguished career in Australian sport and public leadership. As Chair of the Governance, Nominations and Remuneration Committee at Leadership WA, she oversees board performance and strategic renewal.

She previously served as CEO of WA Cricket (2012–2024) and is a former Australian Test and One Day Cricketer. Christina sits on multiple boards across tourism, health and community leadership, bringing deep experience in organisational culture and inclusive governance.

She was awarded an AM in 2024 and inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2025.

Ben Lambert | Chair, Australian Training Management

Other Roles: Board Member, CEOs for Gender Equity; Advisory Board, Sacred Heart College

Ben Lambert is Chair of Australian Training Management and a senior leader in engineering and workforce development. He brings a strong focus on inclusive leadership and skills transformation to his governance roles.

Ben’s executive career spans global mining and energy sectors, with a background in engineering and consulting. He also serves as a board member of CEOs for Gender Equity and on the advisory board for Sacred Heart College.

A graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, Ben is passionate about creating career pathways that reflect equity and inclusion.

Nicole Lockwood | Chair, Infrastructure WA

Other Roles: Chair, WA+; Deputy Chair, Green Building Council of Australia; Venture Partner, Purpose Ventures

Nicole Lockwood is Chair of Infrastructure WA and WA+, bringing over 20 years of leadership across law, government, and consulting. She is known for guiding major infrastructure and economic projects that respond to changing environmental and community expectations.

Nicole also serves as Deputy Chair of the Green Building Council of Australia and is a Venture Partner with Purpose Ventures. With a strong background in climate transition, innovation, and community engagement, she supports collaboration across government and industry to drive systemic reform.

She has previously chaired the Malka Foundation and Airbridge, and served on the board of NBN Co.

John Poulsen | Chair, Perth International Cabaret Festival

Other Roles: Chair, Volunteering WA; KBE Legal Hub; Boatrocker Brewery; CEO Institute Syndicate 89; Board Member, CEDA, College of Law, Ubuntu Ventures

John Poulsen is an experienced Chair and executive leader with a career spanning legal, education, arts, and social impact sectors. He currently chairs the Perth International Cabaret Festival, Volunteering WA, KBE Legal Hub, Boatrocker Brewery and Distillery, and the CEO Institute Syndicate 89, where he supports values-based leadership and strategic transformation.

John has held numerous directorships including with CEDA, the College of Law, Curtin Graduate School of Business, and Ubuntu Ventures. A former Managing Partner and CEO of global law firm Squire Patton Boggs, he is known for his expertise in cultural transformation, executive coaching, and ethical governance.

Rabia Siddique | Chair, Museum of Human Rights Australia

Other Roles: Director, Kids are Kids; Wesley College; Borderless Gandhi Project

Rabia Siddique is Chair of the Museum of Human Rights Australia and a prominent advocate for justice and ethical leadership. Her governance work spans education, community services, and social justice.

A former war crimes prosecutor and decorated Army officer, Rabia brings legal expertise and trauma-informed leadership to her board roles. She is also a best-selling author, professional speaker, and media commentator.

Rabia has held numerous directorships in healthcare, arts, and elite sport over the past decade and is recognised nationally for her contributions to equity and human rights.

Mary Anne Stephens FGIA | Chair, Diabetes WA and VenuesWest

Other Roles: Non-Executive Director, HBF Australia

Mary Anne Stephens FGIA is Chair of Diabetes WA and VenuesWest, bringing over 20 years of executive and board experience across the financial services, aged care, IT, and not-for-profit sectors. She has held senior roles including Chief Financial Officer at both Lumley Group and RAC Insurance, with a strong focus on finance, strategy, risk, and governance.

Mary Anne also serves as a Non-Executive Director of HBF Australia and is a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Governance Institute of Australia, and the Australian Institute of Management. She holds a Master of Accounting and is a graduate of the AICD.

Pia Turcinov AM | Chair, East Metropolitan Health Service

Other Roles: Director, FundWA; Board Member, BrainChip, Centre for Decommissioning Australia, Lyn Beazley Academy

Pia Turcinov AM is Chair of East Metropolitan Health Service and a leading voice in innovation, governance, and gender equity. She serves on several boards including FundWA, ASX-listed BrainChip, the Centre for Decommissioning Australia, and the Lyn Beazley Academy, where she champions sustainable innovation and strategic growth.

Awarded an AM for her advocacy for women in STEM, Pia is committed to empowering the next generation of female leaders across industries and boardrooms.