MEET THE AUTHORS

Anna Abesadze
www.instagram.com/abesadze_anna

Anna is an Adviser to the Rector and an Invited Lecturer at Grigol Robakidze University and serves as the Global Governance Coordinator at World Vision International. A former U.S. Department of State scholar though Future Leaders Exchange Program, Anna spent an exchange year in Texas and completed her MA at Tallinn University in Estonia as an Erasmus Mundus scholar.

Anna’s career has spanned continents, enriching her with diverse perspectives from Europe, Asia, and the United States. After gaining invaluable international experience, she returned to her home country, Georgia, to give back and drive change through the transformative power of education.

Her dedication and exemplary work ethic have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Presidential Volunteerism Award from the White House and a nomination of “a Host Country Hero” by the Peace Corps. She has been recognized as a GESS Award Finalist for outstanding contributions in education and named Woman Changemaker of the Year 2024 by the GISR Foundation. Anna’s commitment to making a difference is evident in her relentless pursuit of national and global impact.

Andrea Carter
www.belongingfirst.com

Carter is a neuroscience-based equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging senior consultant and strategist. Her pioneering work includes creating validated tools for assessing organizational belongingness, and she was recently hono(u)red with two significant awards from Women Changing the World, presented by Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Tererai Trent, Ph.D., at a distinguished ceremony held in Windsor, UK.

As an adjunct professor at Adler University, Carter supports research in social justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging and partners with global organizations to implement belonging-first strategies, driving inclusive cultures that enhance business performance and employee engagement. She holds a Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University and is MAXQDA and SPSS certified. Carter is set to teach the first inaugural belonging in the workplace program for the Institute of Visionary Leadership and Organizational Health in partnership with Fulbright Canada in November, 2024, an honour extended to groundbreaking researchers.

Carter’s work integrates her research for workplace belonging, highlights groundbreaking methodology to statistically analyze the gap between the largest ingroup and the underrepresented, and provides Executives, HR leaders and managers access to the five validated indicators of belonging, tactics and strategies to foster workplace cultures of belonging and respect. Those who work with her acquire practical tools to enhance organizational culture, performance outcomes, and create environments where everyone can thrive.

Carter’s work has been applied in eight different industries, served over 100,000 employees and has empowered the creation of multiple belonging first cultures that innovate into new markets with greater success rates than their competitors. Join Andrea is creating spaces where everyone can thrive.

Bernadette Alonzo Cortes
www.eduquer.com.au

Bernadette Alonzo Cortes, an Australia Legal Practitioner stands as a beacon of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. Currently the CEO of Eduquer International and on the brink of opening her own practice, Cortes Lawyers, Bernadette’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.

Born in the Philippines, Bernadette moved to the United States in her early 20s. After enduring a tragic event overseas, her faith and her parent’s emotional support became the cornerstone of her recovery. Determined to rebuild her life, she sought higher education in Australia. The values and lessons she learned there not only paved the way for her Australian citizenship but also ignited her passion for law. As a manager of a hotel, her empathetic nature and ability to connect deeply with her staff revealed her true calling—to become a lawyer.

Pursuing her legal studies at Victoria University, Bernadette graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) Honours. Her academic journey was marked by excellence, competing in moots, and achieving the highest grades in Commercial Law. She was mentored by a Supreme Court Justice and gained invaluable experience by shadowing Kings Counsel and International Barristers, shaping her into a formidable legal mind.

As a woman of colour from a country where English is a second language, Bernadette faced relentless discrimination. Yet, she emerged victorious, proving that barriers are meant to be broken. Her journey from adversity to triumph has earned her recognition as a Community Leader and a finalist in the Women Changing the World awards.

Known for her unyielding grit and compassion, Bernadette transformed her life from being penniless to owning multiple companies. She intimately understands the journey from debt to security, hope, and opportunity. Every case she handles is a testament to her personal touch, from initial consultation to resolution. She transforms traditional legal practice by eschewing jargon and maintaining an open line of communication with her clients.

Bernadette’s commitment to change extends beyond her professional life. She is dedicated to transforming lives, one at a time, and inspiring others to rise above life’s adversities. Despite her numerous business ventures, she remains deeply connected to the community, offering legal support to those who need it most. She is a relentless advocate for education, financial stability, and equal opportunities for people of colour. Her work with Gawad Kalinga, supporting domestic violence victims, highlights her relentless drive to empower the vulnerable.

A mother and soon-to-be wife, Bernadette envisions a future filled with love, support, and shared dreams with the person who has guided her journey. While she is a tenacious advocate in her professional life, her friends cherish her as a cheerful and playful soul outside of work.

Bernadette Alonzo Cortes is not just a lawyer; she is a symbol of hope and perseverance. Her story inspires us all to believe that no matter the obstacles, we can rise, excel, and make a lasting impact on the world. Her unwavering dedication and transformative journey remind us that with determination and compassion, we can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness.

Dr. Dale Laing-Hall 
www.dalereports.com

Dr. Dale Laing-Hall, DBA, MS-HRM Is an Afro-Latina born and raised in Roatan, Honduras, she is the last of seven children, considered the favorite child of her mother, Miriam, and wife to her high school friend in IT Jabnel(��). Dr. Dale is an executive human resources consultant, transformational thought leader, and an emotional intelligence leader, whom is on a mission to bridge the employee-employer gap and positively impact workplaces and home spaces.

Dr. Dale empowers professionals to master emotional intelligence to strengthen and cultivate strong relationships, communicate effectively, overcome challenges, and empathize with others. Dr. Dale holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration, in addition, last she completed her Doctorate degree in Business Administra on with a specializa on in Social Impact Management which allowed her to focus her research on the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and its effects on employees in the workplace.

Powered with all of this knowledge, experience, and passion, she has embarked on a new journey of starting her very own leadership development/ coaching and consulting company called Dale Reports, LLC. supporting professionals, HR pros and business owners. Because of her invaluable relationships with people throughout her education, work-life, and lived experiences, she is prepared with all the necessary tools aid leadersin fostering a thriving culture effectively and strategically to empower their most valuable assets – Human Beings!

Lastly, coupled with her coaching, training and career endeavors Dale volunteers at Feeding South Florida, Human Resource Association on of Broward County(HRABC) as the chair of professional development, board member of Roatan Women Association Non-profit, and gives back to business leaders and HR professionals by promoting empathy and self-awareness in each connection. All while, sharing her knowledgeable perspective on podcasts, businesses, universities, summits, and workshops.

Ellie Shefi
www.ellieshefi.com

Ellie Shefiis an attorney, advisor, leadership consultant, corporate trainer, keynote speaker, strategist, and #1 international best-selling and award-winning author who helps organisations optimize their culture and individuals expand their influence. As the founder of MTC Consulting, Ellie leverages her more than thirty years of experience in law, business, education, and advocacy to help organizations build resilient teams and world-class cultures while developing influential leaders. Serving as a strategic advisor to governments, universities, corporations, entrepreneurs, and NGOs, she has successfully helped organizations mitigate their risk, optimize their operations, and align their teams. Dedicated to empowering others to use their voice, Ellie founded Made to Change the World Publishing, a full-service independent publishing house, where she guides aspiring best-selling authors through the writing and publishing process and helps leaders amplify their message so they can scale their impact. In honor of her leadership in the field, Ellie was named Woman Changing the World’s 2024 Woman in Literature. A sought-after keynote speaker, Ellie is regularly interviewed in top publications and on podcasts and media channels like Forbes, Entrepreneur, NBC, ABC, and CBS, among others, and she hosts the Free by Design television show, the Creating an Impervious Mind®YouTube series, and the You Are Not Your Scars®podcast. At the 2024 Women Changingthe World Awards, she received the Woman in Media award, acknowledging her outstanding contributions. Ellie is also the founder of the Made 2 Change the World Foundation, an emerging nonprofit organization that equips and empowers the next generation with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to create the lives, communities, and world they envision. To connect with Ellie, please visit:www.ellieshefi.com

Farah Mak
www.farahmak.com

Farah Mak is an award-winning thought leader and a multifaceted professional, encompassing roles as an actor, presenter, speaker, writer, facilitator, and passionate activist dedicated to ending family violence. Her commitment to social change and her dynamic presence have made her a beacon of hope and empowerment for many.

Recently, Farah returned from London, where she served as the official emcee for the Women Changing the World Awards, co-hosting the event alongside Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Dr. Tererai Trent. Her impactful work has earned her global recognition, including Silver for “Thought Leader of the Year” and Bronze for “Social Enterprise, People’s Choice.” Additionally, she was honoured with Silver for “Most Influential Person of the Year” in Australia at the Beam Awards, solidifying her status as a symbol of self-worth.

In 2020, Farah launched The Self-Worth Movement, a social enterprise dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering individuals to understand and embrace their self-worth. Her mission is to boost confidence, enhance communication skills, and foster a culture of self-worth in individuals, teams, and organizations. Through workshops, keynote speaking engagements, and a variety of soul-affirming products, Farah’s movement aims to create lasting positive change.

Farah’s expertise spans working with individuals, non-profit entities, and leadership teams across Australia. She has a proven track record of helping top-tier clients achieve their personal and organisational goals by harnessing the power of self-worth. Her approach is holistic, focusing on the development of both individual potential and collective organisational growth.

Known for her engaging and energetic presenting style, Farah Mak connects deeply with individuals and audiences, fostering empathy and understanding. Her integrity and strength in advocating for social issues bring light to topics often shrouded in darkness. Farah’s presentations are not just informative but transformative, leaving a lasting impact on her audience.

Farah’s unique approach to presenting and interviewing delves into the heart of every story, creating a safe space for audiences to engage with crucial matters. She fearlessly tackles difficult conversations, always infused with hope, aiming to educate, inspire, and empower audiences to bring about healing, social justice, and impactful change. Her ability to navigate these topics with grace and sensitivity makes her a sought-after speaker and presenter.

As a popular and charismatic speaker, presenter, and MC, Farah seamlessly combines professionalism with a touch of sparkle, practicality with warmth, and creativity with savvy. She is not only a survivor but also a thriver, a mother of four, and a firm believer in the transformative potential of “glitter” to inspire inner strength and rediscover true worth. Her personal journey from adversity to empowerment serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and dedication.

Farah also portrays Katrina Marshall on the beloved Australian TV series, Neighbours, further showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft. Her role on Neighbours has allowed her to reach a wider audience, bringing her message of self-worth and empowerment to millions of viewers.

Adding to her repertoire, Farah is set to launch her first children’s picture book, “(I am) Worthy!” This captivating and empowering series aims to inspire and empower young girls to know their innate worth and discover their core values, reflecting her ongoing commitment to nurturing self-worth across all ages. The book is a natural extension of her work, aimed at instilling a sense of self-worth and confidence in the next generation.

Farah Mak’s journey is a testament to the power of self-worth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to social change. Her multifaceted career, from acting and presenting to activism and authorship, demonstrates her commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a culture of self-worth. Through The Self-Worth Movement and her various endeavours, Farah continues to inspire and uplift, making a profound impact on the lives of many, and solidifying her status as a symbol of self-worth.

Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga 
www.instagram.com/nozizwetrust

Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga is a Philanthropist and Pharmacologist, she has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged, marginalized, and vulnerable communities in Zimbabwe. Her unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts has transformed countless lives and earned her over 30 International nominations  prestigious awards, including the 2024 Women Changing the World Global Awards and the Women Icon 2024 Awards. 

Iris’s journey began in a family of helpers. Her father, a founding member and former president of Highlanders Football Club in Zimbabwe, always looked after vulnerable communities, especially orphans. He named Iris “Nozizwe,” which translates to “mother of nations.” This upbringing instilled in her a heart for caring for the less fortunate. After her father’s passing, Iris continued his legacy by assisting a destitute disabled man. Word spread, and others sought her help. Through social media, she shared her story, and the community rallied to support her cause. Today, the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust feeds 1,200 orphans daily and pays school fees for 1,000 more, benefiting over 5,000 people across Zimbabwe. 

Justine Cox
www.leaderschangeroom.com

Justine Cox is a mum, friend, reciprocity advocate, intrepid traveler, book club member, and Audrey Hepburn fan. She is also a relationship-centred leadership specialist and the visionary founder of Leaders Change Room. With over two decades of experience transforming leaders and organisations, she has led teams of all sizes, from small, close-knit groups to large, complex organisations. Justine is known for supporting managers in being their best, driving change, and fostering high-performance environments grounded in trust and relationships. Her hands-on experience in hybrid and remote leadership, human resources, and operations makes her an invaluable resource for senior leaders and their management teams.

Justine has a proven track record of guiding leaders through leadership challenges. Her programs are grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, coaching techniques, and behavior change strategies. She has a remarkable talent for simplifying complex concepts and asking insightful questions that inspire transformative shifts in people.

Leaders Change Room offers leadership development programs, micro-learning, and coaching for purpose-driven organisations aiming to make leadership their superpower. Programs focus on upskilling managers to become leaders who inspire people, unite teams, and achieve consistent results. Her signature group coaching program, Leadership Lift, exemplifies her expertise. It provides managers with a simple system to help them be at their best more often, get the best out of their team, and achieve more with the time they have. Leadership Lift is about helping leaders rediscover their confidence and create environments where their people can consistently perform at their best, transitioning managers from hands-on workers to leaders who effectively delegate and empower their teams.

Justine’s educational background is extensive and diverse. She holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Management, along with a Diploma in Neuroscience of Leadership and a Diploma of Positive Psychology. Her credentials also include advanced executive coaching certification (IECL), Change Management Practitioner certification (ADKAR by Prosci), and Leadership Behaviour Practitioner certification (LSI Human Synergistics). This knowledge base enables her to help leaders better understand themselves, build trusting relationships, and lead without the overwhelm that often comes with people leadership.

Throughout her career, Justine has guided hundreds of leaders in developing self-awareness, building trust within their teams, and leading effectively without succumbing to the stress and time pressures that come with managing people. She is particularly dedicated to helping early to mid-career leaders in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) unlock their potential and create teams people don’t want to leave.

Justine lives in a small coastal community on the South East Coast of Australia, where she continues to make a significant impact on leadership teams and managers. In addition to her work with Leaders Change Room, she serves as Chair of both the Bendigo Community Bank National Council and the Community Bank South Coast. Her commitment to leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors, applying the same principles of strength and kindness to her community work, building trust, and unlocking potential in every aspect of her life.

Kelly Smeath  
www.celebrityhollywoodgifting.com.au

Kelly Smeath is the Owner and Manager of Celebrity & Hollywood Gifting in Australia, as well as the Australian Manager for Hollywood Swag Bag. With a passion for elevating brand presence on a global scale, Kelly partners with businesses worldwide to introduce their products to celebrities and influencers, thereby significantly enhancing their reach and impact in both Australia and America. 

Renowned for her expertise in the gifting industry, Kelly specializes in working with brands to place their products in the gift boxes she creates that are gifted to celebrities to celebrate Red Carpet events , Artists performing at arenas in Australia, Celebrity Baby announcements, and other notable occasions. Her attention to detail ensures that each gift box is bespoke, reflecting the essence of the celebrated event. Collaborating with her Los Angeles based colleague, Lisa Gal at Hollywood Swag Bag, they gift boxes and baskets brimming with products from around the world to celebrities in America during Hollywood’s Award Season. Introducing these products to new and influential audiences. 

Beyond her professional life, Kelly enjoys her frequent visits to her family’s villa in Seminyak Bali. The island’s tropical climate and serene ambiance offer a perfect retreat for relaxation with friends and family creating lifelong memories. Whether dining out and exploring Bali’s rich culture or simply unwinding pool side, Kelly cherishes her time on the island. This tropical paradise not only provides a peaceful escape but also serves as inspiration for her work. 

Kelly’s love for travel extends beyond Indonesia Bali. Her journeys have taken her to America, Mexico, Canada, Singapore, Fiji, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, and even the North Pole. Each trip enriches her cultural understanding and broadens her worldview, insights that she brings back to enhance her professional pursuits. Looking ahead, Kelly aspires to explore many more countries and looks forward to collaborating with a great selection of businesses, tour operators, travel brands, and accommodation partners to promote these destinations. 

Kelly appreciates the coastal lifestyle of the peninsula where she calls home with her husband Jay, daughter Reese, son Brock and Cavoodle Marley. The proximity to beautiful beaches, wineries, combined with weekend getaways, waterskiing and enjoying the snowfields, fills her weekends with spontaneous and enjoyable adventures.  

Kelly firmly believes that hard work and dedication are essential to realizing one’s dreams.  She has an unwavering passion for travel, loves spending time with her family and friends, and is committed to creating brand awareness for the businesses that shes honoured to work with.  

Liz Courtney
www.linkedin.com/in/liz-courtney-72742919

I am Liz Courtney. I used to walk the executive floors in stilettos in the advertising industry, but I traded my life of comfort, to embrace a calling to direct and film one of the world’s largest climate series ‘The Tipping Points of Climate Change’.  It didn’t just happen overnight! My sliding door moment was a few years ago, when after the successful sale of a communication and marketing agency (where I was a partner), I found the space I needed to consider what next? 

I knew I wanted to do something purposeful with my life to make a difference, and so concerned with the future of my three young children, I decided to shift my writing and creative skills to film and documentaries. I wanted to focus on important stories about human endeavor and climate change. I thought it couldn’t be that hard, just a slight step to the left! 

My first documentary was a baptism of fire. While it was only a 30 min program, it was required in two languages! Next up, I secured a prime-time series with a different network following a story in New York, about two aspiring writers trying to launch a show on Broadway.  But instead of the happy ending, it required a total pivot like a phoenix rising from the ashes. However, when I was given the opportunity to direct a documentary in Antarctica, with 40 teenagers as part of the United Nations Year of Youth, my initial answer was ‘no’……Why?  

I tried to trick myself, ‘who would do the daily school run, pack the lunchboxes, coordinate the after-school sports schedules’ I asked? However, when I looked in the mirror, I realized it was my fear of the challenge, sailing the high seas across the infamous Drake Passage that was playing with my mind.  Was I going to let fear define my life? Luckily, I decided to put my fear aside to embark on this expedition, one that would go on to define my life forever. I refer to this as my sliding door moment. And yes, we did get caught in a massive storm on the homeward leg of the Drake passage. Yes, I did call home and say I don’t think we are going to make it. Yes, waves were breaking across the bridge and over the top of the ship, as we dropped and dived 10-20 meters.  

However, the teenagers on the deck were not scared, they thought this wild ride through the storm was better than any ride at Disney World! I took a leaf out of their perspective, changed my viewpoint, and finally went to sleep – albeit with a seatbelt across my bed to ensure I was not thrown across the cabin!  From this moment forward, I realized fear was really a figment of my mind.  I decided to live my life, not to be controlled by fear, but to override this switch in my mind, to travel to remote locations on the planet where climate scientists were tracking and recording the pace of climate change. 

My stilettos moved to a new storage area in my wardrobe, and my boot collection became quite interesting! 

Following the film Cool School Antarctica I developed a major 6-part series The Tipping Points of Climate Change, working alongside a group of brilliant climate scientists to write and direct this global series. Over 4 years, I explored the elements of our climate system which drive the ocean, the weather, food and water security, biodiversity and so much more, to understand what the tipping points of the climate system really are and how close we could be to irreversible change.  

It was a huge undertaking.  Local television networks told me it was a massive series to try to get off the ground, and they doubted I could raise the funds needed. I realized that their ‘no’ fueled my determination, and I headed to the US to pitch the series. With two call backs, the first major investor was confirmed.  This created a domino effect, and the other 7 broadcasters came on board. This was a big achievement, raising over $2.5 million, but the gems were really in the journey. I hope my story will inspire you to move past your little voices of doubt, step out of your comfort zones, embrace the never-ending journey of self-discovery, and pursue the passions that make your heart sing. But even more importantly, I encourage you to be an example for the next generation who are going to become the new caretakers of our precious planet Earth.  

Over the following pages, I will share the key principles that have enabled me to transform my life, embarking on new adventures while preserving what I hold dear. These principles aim to inspire and re-frame the challenges, fears, and limitations you might face as you step out of your current life and into the one you feel ‘called to live’. I hope to invoke the Fearless Walter- Mitty that is in all of us! 
 

Mafae Belasco
www.mafaemanagement.com 

Maria Rafaela “Mafae” Yunon – Belasco is best known for her success in the beauty pageant industry, having won prestigious awards locally and internationally, such as Miss Philippines Australia 1998, Binibining Pilipinas World 2003 (and prominently landing top 5 in the Miss World competition of the same year held in Sanya, China), and Mrs. Philippines Globe 2008.  She has since gone on to channel her expertise into image consulting for Binibinig Pilipinas (Miss Philippines Pageant) since 2003, taking on the role of Personality Development Director  for the Miss World Philippines in 2021 and Pageant Director of kumu Global Pageants on the #1 live streaming app of the Philippines, kumu. She continued on in her journey in expanding her services & entrepreneur expertise, starting up her own company – Mafae Management Consultancy (founded 2015), wherein she manages talents, spearheads public relations & marketing, content creation, events management, online show production, and social media management for companies and individuals all over the world. 

Mafae has vast experience in commercial, ramp and print modelling, and even television and events hosting. She enjoys passing on her knowledge of each of her experiences through her talks, workshops, and shows in which she does on a weekly basis. She is firm in her mission of making the world a brighter space as a certified Life & Personality Development Coach, Sacred Space Holder and Well-Being Boost Facilitator wherein she helps others become their best selves through positive mindset guidance. 

Mafae, alongside her husband Nic Belasco, former professional basketball player in the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), also owns a sports academy – the Belasco Unlimited Skills Academy where she coaches Tennis. Mafae is passionate about empowering others with her family campaign #SaveLivesOnline, where she encourages others to be their true and authentic selves online while populating the digital world with positive content. 

Awarded 100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn 2021, took on the roles of Australia Region Director & kumu Creators Academy Head for kumu #1 live streaming app in the Philippines. Recently, she was appointed Marketing & PR Director of Bolo Music Group and President of Filipino American National Historical Society Stockton, California USA Chapter. 

Mafae lives by her motto “The World Is Yours” and “Time + productivity = success”, and aims to bring the best out of everyone around her. Lastly, the biggest reward in her life is being a mum, bringing up her own young leaders of today in her 6 children, Nico, Mike, Moses, Nicole, Noah & Melo. To add the cherry on top is her husband Nic, who supports and mentors Mafae in all that she does. 

Mercedes Soria
www.knightscope.com

Mercedes is a technologist who joined Deloitte as a Sr Software Engineer leading the Knowledge management team. She worked with the most cutting edge technologies. She was the only female in a team of 40 people. She was quickly promoted to Manager and then Channel leader for Ethics and compliance. Her role involved leading engineering teams to work on applications that were used by over 200,000 people around the world with an up time requirement of 99.999%. She then focused on large scale deployments of Human resources, Ethics, Compliance, Financial and Product development enterprise tools. Mercedes has 2 bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer science in addition to an Executive MBA and certificates from MIT and Harvard Business school. She truly believes that technology plays an important role in business success.  
 
Mercedes has a passion for inspiring and leading women in technology. She mentored dozens of women while at Deloitte. She was member of the Women in Technology Council and board member for the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at Deloitte where she affected change to ensure more diversity. She was the founder of the first Hispanic Network at Deloitte. She was also member of the Society of professional Engineers. 

She was invited to join the TechWomen program from the State department which aims to teach, mentor and educate women in STEM from Africa, Middle East and Asia. Only distinguished women are invited and even less get approved to participate and she got in. Her project with the Tunisian team was winner of founding dollars during the evaluation period. She is a true mentor and advisor to women’s technology projects not just in the USA but around the world. She firmly believes that the true potential of women in technology has not been reached yet, there is much to do still, and she has been and is willing to put in the work. 
 
She is equally comfortable working in startups. From Carbon Motors to Knightscope, she flourished in the startup ecosystem and was promoted to Director of Information Technology, EVP and then C-level titles like Chief Intelligence Officer and Chief Information Security Officer. 

 
At Knightscope she leads the engineering team tasked with building the company’s core software product, the Knightscope security operations center. This application collects data that autonomous robots ingest and presents it to the customer in a way that it can be understood and acted upon. The technology stack involves Artificial Intelligence, Machine learning, Computer Vision, Cloud and web technologies.  

She has received more than 20 awards in her career. Many due to her involvement with women in Tech organizations, the United States State Department, United Nations Association of the USA and the Forbes Women Forum. 

She has been awarded the Silicon Valley Women of Influence award and the Women Changing the World award which she received in London. 

She deeply believes that there is much more women potential that has not been tapped into yet, she will continue her work to get it done. 

Pinar Sekmen
www.instagram.com/professionalsupport_ps

Pinar Sekmen is a holistic learning advisor, a language coach and a teacher supporter (educator) who is based in Turkiye but has been working globally. She has been in the world of ELT (English Language Teaching) for over two decades. She has been trying to touch lives through her small business PS:Professional Support in Education. As an individual, a woman, an educator and a mother of two brilliant girls, she strongly believes in the power of holistic learning to grow in all aspects: mind, body and spirit. “Empathy” is her golden key and – rather than earned titles of ‘ink’- for building bridges for an individual’s personal and professional growth in that unique journey. Besides language education, she has been deeply interested in how to overcome the barriers encountered through a journey and how to set a goal for a meaningful outcome. She has also recently been working on trauma-sensitive teaching and learning environments and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) focused studies on ‘during and post-war and -earthquake’ cases.  

“…We all have untold stories: may be secret, sacred or veiled.  

We all have to step on and walk through the broken pieces of heart and mind to move on, re-rise and re-shine, and echo together as one. We grow on them…we heal through them….as long as we can manage to unlearn. And my experiential learning through my AHA moments is what has shaped my path in my journey.” says Pinar. 

As a lifelong learner, she has been working on taking advantage of every blessing she has been granted and filling in at least a little gap within the rhythm and tone of her role in the relevant community of the moment to raise awareness and voice the unheard. 

Ruvimbo Mazonde
www.instagram.com/ruvimbomazonde/

Ruvimbo Mazonde is a nursing student at WSEI University in Lublin Poland. She is now starting her third year of studies. She completed her BSc Honours degree in Psychology at Midlands State University in Zimbabwe in the year 2015.She is an aspiring Philanthropist and compassionate nursing student with a psychology edge: Bridging healthcare with empathy and understanding. Her work and career path are highly influenced by her background and life situations she has faced growing up to present. She is a devoted christian,wife,daughter and mother to two boys whom she loves dearly.She is a first time author who had to share a glimpse of her life story with the world. When not immersed in her studies and humanitarian work which she does on a smaller scale due to lack of funds she enjoys cooking,watching movies, going out and spending time with her loved ones.She looks to inspire more people by her work and embark on philanthropy work on a larger scale as it has been her passion to give back to the community. 

Samantha Brunskill
www.iamsamanthaj.com

Samantha J. is an award-winning entrepreneur hailed as “The Illuminator” by Forbes for her trailblazing approach to purpose-led entrepreneurship. Turning her personal traumas into sources of hope, she created a multi-8-figure empire by the age of 22, overcoming challenges of sexual abuse and mental health. 
 
A globetrotter and perpetual learner, Samantha J. has studied under leading experts in neuroscience, shamanism, sacred sexuality, trauma, entrepreneurship, and leadership. She developed her unique methodology, The Illuminator Method, to help entrepreneurs find deep fulfillment while building the life and 6-8+ figure empire of their dreams. 
 
Recognized as one of Business Elite’s Top 40 Under 40 entrepreneurs, Samantha is a 6x best-selling author and a 5x Women Changing the World award finalist and winner of the Women Changing The World – Emerging Leader of the Year (bronze). 
 
She has been featured alongside Oprah, spent time with Richard Branson, the Duchess of York, and Dr. Terrai Trent. Her next book will be featured in the Oscars hampers and is being launched in New York in October 2024. 

Samantha J. is representing Australia as Miss Australia 2025 in Italy at the Miss Europe International Continental. She has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide and is on a mission to make a billion philanthropic impacts through her business school and branding agency. 

Sara Knight
www.saralouisephotography.com.au

Sara Louise is a 39 year old,  accomplished photographer and Mum to six, She is creative force behind Sara Louise Photography, a thriving business known for its captivating and evocative images. Based in Australia, Sara’s journey in photography has been marked by both personal triumphs and professional accolades, reflecting her resilience, talent, and unyielding passion for the art form. 

As an individual with autism with CPTSD and a survivor of domestic and family violence, she found solace and expression through the lens of her camera. Photography became a powerful medium for her to communicate her unique perspective and experiences, allowing her to connect with others in profound ways. This personal connection to her work is evident in the emotive quality of her photographs, which resonate with viewers around the world. 

In the last two years, Sara Louise Photography has experienced remarkable success. Sara was honoured with the prestigious title of International Street Photographer of the Year 2022/2023/2024, a testament to her skill and vision in capturing the raw beauty of everyday life. Her work has garnered widespread recognition, earning her nominations for several significant awards, including the BX Awards, Women’s Championship, Australian Ladies in Business, and Mono Awards and winning others like local business awards 2002 These accolades highlight not only her technical proficiency but also her ability to tell compelling stories through her images. 

Sara’s photography is characterized by a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of light and shadow, and an innate ability to capture fleeting moments of emotion and connection. Her portfolio is diverse, ranging from striking street photography to intimate portraits and evocative landscapes. Each photograph is a testament to her dedication to the craft and her unwavering commitment to producing work of the highest quality. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Sara is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and domestic violence survivors. She uses her platform to raise awareness and inspire others, sharing her story to empower those who may be facing similar challenges. Her advocacy work is an integral part of her mission, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of art and storytelling and another reason to share who she is by authoring or co-authoring in books. 

Sara Louise Photography has not only become a recognized name in the industry but also a symbol of resilience and hope. With a growing clientele and a portfolio that continues to expand, Sara’s future in photography looks incredibly bright. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect us all. 

Sarah MacRae
www.247careservices.com.au

My name is Sarah MacRae, the eldest of four siblings, born and raised amidst the picturesque freezing landscapes of the Southern Highlands. My journey has been one of resilience and transformation, despite facing personal tragedy, such as the loss of my youngest brother, Keith. Throughout these challenges, I’ve achieved milestones that I am genuinely honoured to share. 

I’m a proud mother to two amazing girls, Emily-May and Macie, who are the center of my universe. My greatest achievements are undoubtedly my children, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering love and support from my incredible partner, Rael. Rekindling our high school romance 25 years later, Rael has been my soulmate and my strength. My family and close-knit tribe mean everything to me, especially my youngest daughter, who, at just eight years old, faces challenges with ASD and complex trauma. Her resilience is awe-inspiring and motivates me to keep going through life’s ups and downs. 

Balancing motherhood and running my own business isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge I embrace with grace and courage. My dedication to my daughters’ well-being drives me forward, pushing me to overcome obstacles and seize every moment. 

27 years of experience in the disability field, advocacy is in my blood. It’s a privilege to speak up for those who often don’t have a voice of their own. I am on a mission to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. Everyone deserves to be valued and empowered, regardless of their abilities. 

I have a relentless drive that stems from transforming my emotions of anger and hurt into a powerful force for creating and achieving. societal change or nurturing my daughters’ growth, I give it my all. Each day is an opportunity to make a positive impact

In my story, you’ll find a blend of resilience, compassion, and determination. I’m here to leave my mark, to inspire others to embrace their journey, and to make a difference in the world. With every step I take, I’m reminded that the greatest achievements often come from the toughest challenges. 

Beyond my roles as a mother and advocate, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in various community initiatives. giving back to the community is a core value I hold dear. I’ve seen firsthand the power of collective action and its positive impact on the world around us 

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my journey of growth and impact. Whether expanding, growing my business, or simply being there for my family, I’m committed to making the most of every opportunity. As I navigate the road ahead, I’m grateful for the love and support of those who have been by my side every step of the way. 

With love in my heart and fire in my soul, I’m ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead continuing making a positive impact in the lives of others. 

Sofia Calvo
www.thedesigner.se

I am an entrepreneur, designer, lawyer, and inventor in Lima, Peru. serve as the general manager and head of the department of the international magazine THE DESIGNER in Peru , and I bring my culture to the world through The Designer. My vision, hard work, and determination led me to extend the magazine to the brother country of Colombia in Cali and Cartago, weaving cultures, customs, and art,”  THE DESIGNER is an art & culture magazine based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Second place worldwide with the “Magic Sphere” in 2015, being a finalist in design with “Tray Girax” in 2016, getting the winning banner in her country with “No More Lives Lost” in 2017, creating a company called “Markku’s Design Company” in 2018, carrying out product design projects and workshops in prisons in 2019, participating in the international Kiwie contest, organized in Korea in 2020, inventing “A personal protection garment with joining elements for beauty centers,” silver medal in Kiwie in 2021. Most importantly, she was invited to the Tigullio Design District TDD in 2022, the most glamorous event in Liguria, Italy, to present the most experienced designers, and was chosen as a panel member of the Kultura Project Italy in 2023. 

Recently, Sofia became a member of the Women Leaders of the Americas, the Afro-Andean Board of Trustees for Culture and Development in Peru, and Remart, an international network of women artists in Medellin, Colombia. She just joined the Top Level Global Relations Platform as Peru’s ambassador.

Most recently, she won the 2024 Women Changing the World Award and was recognized as a cultural manager in the area of communications by the Andean Parliament. 

Tiffany James
www.encouragingtouch.com

Meet Tiffany James, the dynamic founder of Encouraging Touch Enterprises. A seasoned motivational speaker, writer, coach, emcee, spoken word artist, and storyteller, Tiffany is dedicated to inspiring individuals to embrace their authentic selves and confidently navigate life’s diverse spaces. She is unwavering in her commitment to ensuring that everyone she meets feels genuinely, seen, heard, and valued. She encourages others to recognize their potential, walk in their purpose, and celebrate their greatness while uplifting those around them. 

Family holds a special place in Tiffany’s heart, as she is happily married and a proud mother of three beautiful now adult  daughters.  Tiffany’s journey took a transformative turn in 2007 when her corporate career ended abruptly. Undeterred, she followed her true passion for using her voice and writing to inspire change. Her personal experiences with overcoming uncertainties and disappointments give her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those pursuing their dreams. With unwavering faith in God, self-determination, and a resilient support system, Tiffany emerged stronger and now serves as a guiding light for others. Fueled by unwavering faith and determination, she returned to school, earning a BA in English with a minor in creative writing just shy of her 49th birthday, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. 

During the same period of time,In line with her mission, Tiffany has introduced the “You Belong in the Room” Encouragement one-day retreats and boxes. These retreats create a safe space  for women to embrace their true authentic selves, while the unique boxes feature her book, “Living in the Land of I Am- Your Life Story Reveals your Purpose,” along with personalized poetry postcards. Most importantly, these boxes spotlight other female entrepreneurs, allowing talented women without brick-and-mortar stores to be showcased and celebrated. Through these boxes, Tiffany feels she is taking these women into the rooms she has been invited into, supporting their businesses and highlighting their talents.  

Through workshops, storytelling, encouragement coaching, speaking engagements, and her inspiring book, Tiffany consistently imparts her message of embracing who you are created to be. A dynamic speaker who commands the stage, she believes that success isn’t solely measured by financial figures but by the courage to remain true to oneself while pursuing purpose. Her mentoring philosophy echoes, “Greatness is about serving others with the gift that God has given you.” Tiffany James invites you to embrace your journey and discover the power of your purpose. 

Recognized for her dedication and impact, Tiffany is the winner of the 2024 International Women Changing the World in Personal Service award.  

Veronica (Vee) Haslam 
www.heartfulleadership.com.au

Vee is passionate about connecting to the heart of the matter during times of change for greater wellbeing and performance. Vee’s approach to leadership coaching enables her clients to curiously expand beyond rational thought by activating the mind, heart, and spirit – making new discoveries and moving outside limitations held in their norm.

Take Einstein, for example. He uncovered incredible scientific discoveries while playing the violin. Vee’s coaching philosophy and experiential approach embodies this concept. Exploring our human experiences through mindful and heartful awareness, clients can consciously explore inner transformation, which is vital in inspiring, leading, and collaborating with others.

Vee has coached many individuals and worked with over 40 teams in small to large organisations leading executive projects, the people-side of change, service improvement and team culture initiatives.

She is the Founder of Heartful Leadership, the creator of The Power of Expression in Change™ program and the owner of The Heartful Leadership Global Learning Platform where she distills over two decades of inner work, her work with teams and leaders. She is currently the Deputy Chair of The Australian Transformation and Turnaround Association, TransformersUnite.com

Vee loves the magical unfolding of every day and expanding her learning in every moment. Her mission is to be part of co-creating a corporate paradigm where we share our unique gifts for an abundant world for all.