Sisters In Colour

Melody is an experienced infrastructure commercial advisor with experience in project management, strategy and development. She has worked with clients in providing support through commercial due diligence, and transaction advisory strategies complemented by value-added work and growth strategies for various infrastructure projects.

Melody gained expertise while working with KPMG in Botswana and Zimbabwe, honing skills across Risk Advisory, Deal Advisory and Project Management. She has demonstrated experience in managing complex capital-raising projects, developing capital delivery models and crafting organizational redesign for clients while leading diverse teams.

Melody provides clear strategic leadership by developing business strategy development and implementing effective change management strategies for clients. She is highly well-regarded by her peers for her excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. Additionally, Melody serves as a board advisory member and mentor.

Urusaro Patricia Rwagaju, known artistically as Saro Roro, is an established design strategist & project lead, accomplished performer and creative, and former Chief Operating Officer. Leveraging her background in analytical sciences as a former geochemical analyst, she brings a unique perspective to her role as a Creative Lead and Design Strategist at the Museum of Sticks & Stones, a pioneering project by Mettlesome.

With a Bachelor of Science - Honours Class 1 degree focused on Geological and Earth Sciences from The University of Queensland, Urusaro's academic background underscores her strong foundation in the analytical sciences, having worked in the industry for almost a decade.
As a Design Strategist at Mettlesome, Urusaro employs her skills in human-centered strategy design to address pressing social issues, demonstrating proficiency in co-design, workshop facilitation, UX design, and behaviour change strategies. Her previous role as COO for We Are The Movement further enriched her ability to collaborate with diverse communities, emphasising design and wellbeing initiatives.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Urusaro is an accomplished performer, musician, creative producer, and model. Operating under the pseudonym Saro Roro, she showcases her artistic talents both as an independent artist, but also as as a key member of the award-winning Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra and signed model represented by Rebel Rebel Agency - highlighting her passion and professionalism within the arts.

In summary, Urusaro's multidimensional skill set, complemented by her dedication to positive social impact and experience in operations and geosciences, positions her as a standout individual in the realms of art, strategy, and human-centered design.

Sahera Sumar is a facilitator, coach, mentor, and keynote speaker. Previously, Director of the Global Leadership Academy at Schneider Electric. She has worked with leaders in 25+ countries in projects for World Bank, WHO, and AKDN international development. 
Executive Director for the Human Rights pillar within the United Nations Australian Association (NSW).

She holds a Master of Organizational Coaching Psychology, specialises in neuro-leadership and positive psychology.

Kirthi is a Zimbabwean born women of Indian origin who is a multi faceted finance professional, with experience in strategy and decision making, reporting to stakeholders, financial modelling, cash flow & reporting , capabilities in human resourcing and cloud technology & managing outsourced team.

Kirthi is currently the CFO of Ecolife Solutions Pty Ltd - Pipe Lagging & Insulation. She is a championing diversity in the male dominated space of of the construction industry. Outside of work she is a wife and mother to two daughters. She is a self confessed Foodie who loves Indian Fusion Food and if she was not changing the world through finance she would be changing the world through her food.

An Operations and Continuous Improvement Professional with hands on experience in the development and execution of safety and operations improvement programs. Over 16 years of experience across mining, manufacturing and technology complemented by a strong operations management and change management background.
Working with top tier companies such as BHP, Orica and the Federal Government of Australia, Brenda has experience in technical roles, people leadership and functional support. More recently, she was part of the team that delivered the largest single autonomous mine site conversion for BHP’s Goonyella Riverside Mine.

Dr. Popi Sotiriadou (Managing High-Performance Sports) is an esteemed expert at the intersection of sports, technologies, strategy and management, and marketing. Her extensive research and expertise focus on analyzing and improving the strategic and operational aspects of sports organizations. She has delved into various areas such as sports technologies, pathways, governance, policy, sponsorship, consumer behavior, and event management. Dr. Sotiriadou's research interests also include managing high-performance sports, elite athlete branding, the Olympics, and sports development systems and policies for inclusivity and equity in sports.

Her groundbreaking research has gained international recognition, leading to consulting roles with esteemed organizations like the International Olympic Committee, Sports Australia, Sarawak in Malaysia, and the Queensland Academy of Sport. Dr. Sotiriadou serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Sport Policy and Politics and an editorial member for the Journal of Sport Management and the Journal of Global Sport Management. She is a Commissioning Editor for Australian Outlook.

Her research findings shed light on the intricate dynamics between sports organizations, stakeholders, athletes, and consumers, providing valuable insights for effective decision-making and sustainable development in the sports industry. These insights have practical implications for sports managers, policymakers, and marketers, helping them navigate the ever-evolving global sports market.

Dr. Sotiriadou's work emphasises inclusive practices, programs, and policies that attract, retain, and nurture participants, athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers in the sports industry. She has also extensively explored athlete and personal branding strategies.

Dr. Sotiriadou is the editor of the book

"Managing High-Performance Sport" and a foundational member of the Sport and Gender Equity @ Griffith research hub.

She held the position of Director for the Bachelor of Business Innovation at the Griffith Business School in Australia and is involved in various impactful pedagogies and communities of practice. Her expertise focuses on authentic assessment, design principles, interactive orals, and curriculum mapping.

With over 25 years of pedagogical research experience, Dr. Sotiriadou has published in highly regarded journals and received recognition for her teaching excellence. She actively shares her experiences and research globally, contributing to the advancement of learning, teaching, and assessment practices in higher education.

Vaoiva (Iva) Ponton completed her PhD in education at the University of Melbourne. She investigated the motivations of Melbourne-based Samoan students to learn, what concerns them, and impediments to their educational success. She has spent the last 25 years as an educator, and is interested in strategies to enhance student success in the transition from school to the tertiary sector. Iva is passionate about utilising Pacific methodologies when supporting communities to achieve educational and social outcomes with success. Her favourite way to unwind is to walk on the beach.

Dr. Morley Muse is a distinguished Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer of Nigerian heritage. Dr. Muse brings extensive expertise in areas like waste-to-energy generation, wastewater treatment, renewable hydrogen production, biofuels, and the broader energy transition, including storage, transmission, and waste heat reuse. Her professional journey spans across academia, government, and industry sectors, including roles in consulting and construction.

Dr. Muse's notable contributions extend beyond engineering. She is a board director with Women in STEMM Australia, an ambassador for CSIRO's Innovation Catalyst Global, and an Advisory Group Member for the Elevate:

I am a driven and results oriented individual. My work ethic is uncompromised as I am a true believer that there is no substitute for hard work. My cultural background and upbringing have cemented high levels of morality. I take pride in my diversity not only because I am an African/Australian woman but also through my education and career experiences.

Sheetal (she/her) is passionate about leveraging platforms and privilege to connect ideas, people, and opportunities to amplify underrepresented experiences and voices.