NECA International Women's Day Lunch

Join NECA for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to driving change and celebrating diversity, in partnership with NECA Education and Careers! This year’s event promises to be a fantastic gathering of inspiring individuals committed to fostering a more inclusive environment in our industry.

Kick off the day with networking, where you’ll connect with like-minded professionals and spark new ideas. Engage in dynamic conversations with our diverse panel, who will share powerful insights and personal stories that challenge the status quo. Savour a delicious three-course meal accompanied by drinks at the RACV City Club, creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections.

You'll leave feeling inspired by our two inspiring keynote speakers sharing their story of adversity and resilience: Susan Alberti & Akec Makur Chuot.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and celebrate the contributions of diverse voices in our sector. Lock in your tickets today!

Together, we can create a lasting impact!

About Our Keynote Speakers: 

Susan Alberti 

A remarkable businesswoman, philanthropist, and pioneer in women's football, Susan has achieved extraordinary milestones throughout her career. As the co-founder and Managing Director of a successful building company and Chairman of her own medical research foundation, she has shattered barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Following the tragic loss of her daughter Danielle, she has raised over $200 million through the Susan Alberti Medical Research Foundation to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. As a trailblazer in women’s football, she played a pivotal role in establishing the National Women’s Football League and has significantly contributed to the success of the Western Bulldogs Football Club. Recognised as Melburnian of the Year in 2017 and honoured with the AIS Award for Leadership, Susan’s impact on sports and health is profound. Passionate, committed, and an exceptional communicator, she has given more to Australia than she has taken. We are excited to hear her inspiring insights and celebrate her incredible legacy. 

Akec Makur Chuot 

An inspiring Australian rules footballer currently playing for the Hawthorn Football Club in the AFL Women’s competition, Akec’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in South Sudan, she was raised by her single mother in a family of seven and spent twelve years in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya before relocating to Perth. It was here, in 2009, that she first discovered her passion for Australian Rules football during an all-girls carnival at East Perth Football Club. 

Drafted by Fremantle in 2016, Akec quickly became a prominent figure in women’s football, serving as one of the Australian Post Multicultural Ambassadors in 2017. She later played for Carlton in the VFL Women’s competition and joined Richmond before making her debut with Hawthorn in 2022. Akec’s journey reflects her remarkable spirit and commitment to breaking barriers in sport, making her a powerful voice for women and girls everywhere. We look forward to hearing her inspiring story and celebrating her achievements. 


About Our Panellists:

Eva Jo Edwards

Eva Jo Edwards, a proud Boonwurrung, Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta woman, has dedicated her life to reconnecting with her Aboriginal heritage and sharing it with others. A member of the Stolen Generations, Eva Jo’s resilience shaped her journey as a cultural educator, performer, and advocate. 

Through workshops, public speaking, and programs like Banyip Kidjeka, she fosters understanding of Aboriginal culture and history. Passionate about reconciliation, Eva Jo works with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Connecting Home, and the State Government to support Stolen Generations and strengthen community connections. 

Sharan Burrow

Born in small town in Western New South Wales Sharan Burrow AC is now a global advocate for human rights, climate action, and Just Transition. As Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (2010–2022) and President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (2000–2010), she championed worker rights worldwide. 

Renowned for her leadership in global policy discussions, she has represented civil society at the UN, ILO, G7, and G20. Sharan is now a Visiting Professor at LSE-Grantham Institute and an advisor on climate, rights, and sustainability. 

Ebru Sak

Ebru Sak is a trailblazing hairdresser, makeup artist, salon owner, and published author whose journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and determination. Starting her career sweeping floors in her uncle's Istanbul salon, she discovered her passion for beauty. Her life has been anything but ordinary. Overcoming the challenges of an arranged marriage, escaping a violent relationship, and navigating solo parenting, Ebru refused to let adversity define her. Instead, she rose stronger, pioneering innovations like the DUO lipliner-lipstick capsule and writing Thriving as a Hair and Beauty Freelancer, all while inspiring a new generation in the beauty industry. 

Maddy Hickman

Maddy brings over a decade of experience in renewable energy, spanning project delivery and human resource management. She has championed energy literacy and job creation initiatives while managing small and large-scale renewable projects. Passionate about renewable energy’s transformative potential, Maddy focuses on fostering equality, self-determination, and resilience in remote communities. Her expertise in developing people-centric organizations underscores her commitment to driving socio-economic improvements through sustainable energy solutions. 

Queries and More Information
For any questions or more details, feel free to reach out to Mara Neumann at mara.neumann@neca.asn.au or call 1300 300 031.

Ticket sales close on Friday, 21 February, unless sold out prior.