What's Hot in Tech- Tech for Good: Harnessing AI to Drive Social Impact

We can all agree that technology is not just about innovation, it’s about impact. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool to address global challenges, from advancing healthcare and education to fostering sustainability and social equity. But how can we ensure that AI is harnessed for good?

Join us for an inspiring exploration into the role of AI in driving social impact. Discover how innovators, researchers, and changemakers are leveraging AI to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create a more inclusive future. We’ll dive into real-world applications, the ethical considerations, and the potential of AI as a force for positive transformation.

Agenda for the day:

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Arrival & Networking
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Women 4 STEM Overview
6:00 PM – 6:20 PM: Opening Keynote
6:20 PM – 7:05 PM: Panel Discussion – Tech for Good
7:05 PM – 7:35 PM: Mid-event refreshments & Networking
7:35 PM – 8:20 PM: Roundtable Conversations
8:20 PM – 8:30 PM: Closing Keynote
8:30 PM – 8:40 PM: Closing Remark

Whether you’re a tech professional, student, or simply curious about the intersection of technology and social good, this event is your opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

The speakers for the day are:
Nichola Quail: Nichola Quail is Founder and CEO of Insights Exchange, connecting businesses with global research specialists. With 20+ years of experience, she delivers insights to leading brands including Xero, Dentsu, and Panasonic. A 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards winner, she's grown her company from a 2020 startup to a global enterprise with 35+ researchers across five regions. She serves on QRCA and SheisAI Advisory boards.

Venkat Krishnan: Venkat Krishnan is an executive coach and career strategist whose unique programs help professionals not only land jobs with ease but also transform into powerful, impactful leaders. Unlike traditional coaches who focus narrowly on resumes or interview tips, Venkat combines AI-enabled tools, psychotherapy, and neuro-linguistic programming to unlock both career breakthroughs and personal growth. Through his Career Accelerator 360 and Communication - Access to Power & Leadership programs, he has guided professionals across IT, telco, finance, and consulting to secure roles in top firms—even in tough markets. Clients praise his approach as “transformational, innovative and scientific".

Raza Nowrozy: Dr. Raza Nowrozy is a cybersecurity professional and Industry Professor (P. INDPA) with over 20 years’ combined industry and academic experience. Twice recognised in the CSO30 Awards (2022, 2023), he has held senior roles across tier-one Australian organisations and led Untapped Talent’s cyber team supporting neurodiverse professionals. Currently an Adjunct Fellow and Sessional Academic at Victoria University, he teaches, researches, and mentors emerging talent. Internationally published, he bridges technical expertise with business strategy to strengthen Australia’s cyber resilience.

Stephanie Camarena: Dr. Stéphanie Camaréna transforms how organisations develop AI through her pioneering Bottom-Up Engagement methodology. With 25+ years delivering technology solutions, she's founder of Source Transitions, Director at Source Agility, and RMIT educator. She led groundbreaking UN AI for Good workshops engaging 330+ experts across two years. As IEEE SSIT Australia Chair and OECD AI mentor, she bridges practical implementation with global policy, ensuring AI genuinely serves social good while enabling organisational outcomes.

Timo Hilhorst: Timo is a product leader who works for SEEK, Australia and New Zealand’s leading employment marketplace. He has extensive experience working on both mature, established platforms and greenfield initiatives, including internal startups. With a career spanning multiple countries mainly focused on employment marketplaces, he brings a pragmatic, user‑centred approach to building products that deliver real impact. Originally from the Netherlands, Timo spent nearly a decade in the UK before moving to Australia for his current role.

Alex Shuttleworth: Alex Shuttleworth is Head of Data & AI at Brennan, with over 20 years’ experience in data management and 12 years in leadership. He helps organisations harness artificial intelligence responsibly to deliver business value and positive social impact, while mentoring the next generation of data and AI talent.

Kate Duckworth: Kate Duckworth is an Enterprise Account Executive in the tech industry, where she helps leading brands harness AI-powered marketing and commerce solutions. With a career spanning tech, creativity, and strategy, Kate is passionate about translating complex technologies into measurable business outcomes. She’s a strong advocate for women in STEM, a mentor to emerging talent-championing culture, creativity, and confidence across the tech industry.

Dr. Rahil Garnavi: Professor Rahil Garnavi is the Director of the RAIsE Hub (RMIT Artificial Intelligence Advanced Innovation Experience) at RMIT University, where she leads a university-wide initiative to bridge AI education, research, and industry through interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact. An internationally recognised AI thought leader and strategist, Rahil brings over 18 years of experience in AI research, product development, and organisational adoption—particularly in high-stakes sectors such as healthcare. As a founding member of IBM Research Australia, she played a key role in establishing its AI research facility, leading high-performing teams, setting strategic vision, and delivering enterprise-scale innovation. She later extended her leadership into IBM’s global Centre of Competency for Generative AI, supporting clients in navigating advanced AI transformation. Rahil holds more than 50 AI patents, has published over 60 technical papers, and was named a finalist in the Women Leading Tech Awards 2022 and Women in AI Awards 2021 (ANZ). She currently serves on the steering committee for the Committee for Economic Development of Australia’s (CEDA) AI Community of Best Practice, contributing to national conversations on AI capability, governance, and workforce transformation.

Catia Davim: Catia Davim is on a mission to make the world a better place. In 2015, she founded the Social Good Summit Australia, a vibrant platform that brings together global and local leaders, changemakers, and grassroots contributors to explore the power of social good and inspire collective action.

Vivianne Arcuri: Vivianne is Head of Technology at Tyro, leading strategy and delivery across core banking, settlements, enterprise data, and AI. With 20 years’ experience in engineering, delivery, and leadership at DB Results, Dubber, AMP, NBN, and Accenture, she focuses on building resilient, data-driven technology and high-trust, inclusive teams that deliver impactful outcomes, improve customer experiences, and advance Tyro’s strategic goals.

Dave Phung: Dave is a specialist in transforming enterprises through emerging technology and human-centred design. He has delivered digital innovations for the likes of the Fidelity Investments, Australian Open, Cathay Pacific, US Golf, Sony PlayStation and many others. In 2022, Dave and his team received a Cannes Lion for innovative use of technology in sport one of the highest honours in the creative industry. Currently, as the founder and Director of Melbourne-based Truescale, Dave helps organisations figure out how to use AI and data to achieve their goals.

Andrew Haddad: Andrew Haddad is Chief Information Officer at AGL, where he leads enterprise-wide technology strategy, transformation, and innovation. With over two decades’ experience in digital leadership across energy and telecommunications, he is passionate about harnessing emerging technologies - including AI - to drive customer value and operational excellence. He previously held senior roles at nbn and was CIO at One NZ, where he led its separation from Vodafone Group. He was named New Zealand’s CIO of the Year in 2021.