Network. Recognise. Learn.

Rae Johnston – MC

Rae Johnston is a multi-award-winning STEM journalist, Wiradjuri woman, mother, broadcaster, voice actor and MC. Rae is the first ever Science and Technology Editor for NITV, host of That Startup Show and voices “Janali Banks” in the upcoming children’s animated series for ABC & Nine, Space Nova.

Rae is a founding mentor with The Working Lunch program, supporting underrepresented entry-level people in STEM. At the recent Australian Game Developer Awards, Rae was the recipient of the first “Lighting The Way” award for advocacy and support of the local games industry.

Rae is a part of the prestigious “brains trust” Leonardos group for The Science Gallery Melbourne, and an Ambassador for St Vincent De Paul.

Macinley Butson – Keynote Speaker

Macinley Butson is one of Australia’s foremost young inventors who devotes herself to improving the world through STEM and, being an inspirational voice to youth and industry urging them to work towards solutions for global challenges by asking big questions.

Internationally recognised for her scientific and engineering endeavours, Macinley has developed many devices which have aided humanity across a number of sectors including, cancer treatment, water sanitation and, renewable energy. Believing there is no better investment than in people, she equally fosters this curiosity in other students and industry motivating them as a role model and constantly encouraging exploration.

Alisia Muscat – Moderator

As Managing Director of AKQA Melbourne, Alisia has been a trusted advisor to clients including Officeworks, AustralianSuper, HESTA, NAB & Bunnings, helping them navigate the new normal in a rapidly changing digital world.

Passionate about strategic communication solutions, Alisia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience across all major industry verticals. She operates best in a collaborative environment of diverse thinking, thriving alongside people who challenge conventions.

Alisia is passionate about creating environments where people constantly grow, learn and thrive. She seeks to inspire the 170 strong team in Melbourne to create powerful digital and offline brand experiences for clients, ensuring empathy with the individual remains at the heart of that experience.

Suzanne Steele – Panellist

Vice President, Australia and New Zealand, Adobe.

Suzanne is a customer-centric leader who understands the importance of client relationships to competitive differentiation and growth.

Adobe ANZ is at the forefront of a market where no industry is immune from digital disruption. In her role, Suzanne is responsible for driving the ANZ business to new levels as well as supporting customers realise their mission of delivering exceptional experiences.

She has 25+ years’ experience in leading and motivating management teams across data, software and analytics businesses, with her work abroad in North America, the UK and Singapore including senior roles at Visa Europe, CACI London and Morgan Stanley.

Prior to joining Adobe at the end of 2017, Suzanne spent two years leading Experian’s ANZ operations as Managing Director, with proven success in driving high-performance and engagement through a period of significant business transformation.

Davinia Simon – Panellist

Davinia is the Head of Partnerships and Alliances, ANZ, Amazon Web Services (AWS). She is a customer obsessed leader who understands the importance of deep Partner and Client relationships to drive competitive differentiation and growth.

Davinia is responsible for the all-inclusive Partner strategy for AWS and has day to day responsibility for all partner sales and co-selling with the AWS field sales teams. Davinia represents AWS as the Head of Channel and Alliances for ANZ; participating in industry and partner events to deliver thought leadership on how to innovate, succeed, and grow to meet customers’ evolving needs.

Davinia is passionate about the power of Cloud technology, paving the way for accelerated innovation, helping businesses remain relevant, and competitive by lowering costs, and providing the solutions to create and bring services to market quickly. Using research, creativity and collaboration to reframe customer focused problems, she loves seeing the impact that great experiences can have on individuals, businesses and society.

Nikita Mehta – Panellist

Partner Marketing Director, ANZ, Afterpay

Nikita is obsessed with using marketing as a strategic catalyst for business growth. A true brand marketer at heart, she’s fascinated by the healthy friction between the commercial realities of business and the creative power of marketing. With varied experience across health insurance, banking, telco and FMCG, she currently leads the team responsible for marketing merchant partnerships, trade programs & vertical expansion at Afterpay.

Nikita is curious about the connection between spirituality, self discovery and leadership and is on the journey to unpacking how one can extract joy, success,and growth from a career.