Jennifer Wittwer CSM FAHRI is an international expert on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). Jennifer's service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) included being deployed as gender adviser to NATO operations in Afghanistan, and being seconded to UN Women in New York as a policy specialist on peacekeeping and sexual exploitation and abuse.

Jennifer served in the ADF for 40 years as a maritime logistics officer and strategic human resource specialist. She has championed equality in the ADF through developing and implementing workplace behaviour education programs, women's leadership programs, mentoring and network programs and strategies, and advising senior ADF leadership on women's representation and participation as well as gender equality and diversity policies and initiatives.

Jennifer has been recognised with a number of national awards; the 2010 Australian Centre for Leadership for Women Advancement of Women in the Workplace Award (Bronze), a finalist in the 2011 Telstra Business Women’s Awards, a Conspicuous Service Medal in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, a finalist in the 2014 and 2018 AFR 100 Women of Influence, and acknowledged in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions of Who’s Who of Australian Women. In 2018, Jennifer was named the Canberra Women in Business Mentor of the Year and in 2019, she was a finalist in the Australian
Defence Magazine Women in Defence Awards, and silver award for YFactor Most Inspirational Y. She has also been awarded the NATO Afghanistan Medal, Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT, Afghanistan Medal, Defence Long Service Medal with Fourth Clasp, Australian Defence Medal, UN Medal with Numeral 2, and Returned from Active Service badge.

Jennifer is author of the book Against the Wind: How women can be their authentic selves in male-dominated professions. Her book will be available for sale at the event.

Ticket includes a hot breakfast and tea/coffee.