Meet our speakers
This page will be updated regularly as new speakers are confirmed—please check back for the latest additions.
Aleem Ali
(Australia)
CEO at Welcoming Australia
Aleem has spent more than two decades seeding and mentoring leading initiatives and social enterprises that advance inclusion, belonging and justice for diverse communities. He is Deputy Chair of Oxfam Australia and a mentor and advisor to startups, community enterprises and government agencies. As CEO of Welcoming Australia, Aleem works with leaders and organisations across the country to cultivate a culture of welcome and advance communities where everyone belongs, thrives and shapes our shared future.
Josh Amponsem
(Ghana)
Co-Executive Director of Youth Climate Justice Fund
Joshua Amponsem is a Co-Executive Director of the Youth Climate Justice Fund. He is the former Climate Lead at the Office of the UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth and the Founder of Green Africa Youth Organization. For the past 13 years, he has been working with climate movements across the globe to drive intersectional climate action. Named one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans, he serves as an advisor to several prominent international climate organizations such as Quadrature Climate Foundation, TED Countdown, UMI Fund, and Climate Resilience for All. He led the design of the Africa Climate Innovation Challenge, and contributed to the design and delivery of the Afri-Plastics Challenge, as well as, the first-ever UN youth climate summit, and the International Renewable Energy Agency’s Youth Forum.
_edited_edited.jpg)
Paul Ash
(New Zealand)
Chief Executive Officer at
Christchurch Call
Paul Ash is Chief Executive of the Christchurch Call Foundation, leading global efforts to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. He has guided the Christchurch Call initiative since its inception, building partnerships across governments, tech companies, and civil society. Previously, Paul served as the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Cyber and Digital (2020–2024) and led national security policy and cyber policy teams within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. His diplomatic career includes postings in Brussels, Solomon Islands, Beijing, and Taipei.
_edited_edited_edited.jpg)
Naina Batra
(Singapore)
Chief Executive Officer of
AVPN
Naina Subberwal Batra is a leading voice in Asia’s social investment and impact space. As CEO of AVPN, the region’s largest network of social investors, she has expanded the community more than fourfold and transformed AVPN into a key platform mobilising capital and collaboration across the full ecosystem, from catalytic philanthropy to impact investing and corporate sustainability. Naina serves on the Boards of the Blue Earth Foundation, the Menzies Foundation, and Blue Planet Environmental Solutions. Naina’s contributions have been widely recognised, including featuring on the Devex Power 50 list (2026), the Tatler Asia’s Most Influential list (2025, 2021), and one of CSRWorks’ Asia’s Top Sustainability Superwomen (2019). She was also a 2022 Fellow at The Bellagio Center Residency Program.
William Barton
(Performer)
Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Producer
For two decades, William Barton has forged a peerless profile as a performer and composer in the classical musical world, from the Philharmonic Orchestras of London and Berlin to historic events at Westminster Abbey for Commonwealth Day 2019, Anzac Cove and the Beijing Olympics. His awards include Winner of Best Original Score for a Mainstage Production at the 2018 Sydney Theatre Awards and Winner of Best Classical Album with ARIA for Birdsong At Dusk in 2012. With his prodigious musicality and the quiet conviction of his Kalkadunga heritage, he has vastly expanded the horizons of the didgeridoo — and the culture and landscape that it represents. “I grew up on a cattle station just outside Mt Isa in northwest Queensland. I started learning the didgeridoo from about the age of seven from my uncle, Arthur Peterson. He was an elder of the Wannyi, Lardil and Kalkadunga people.” His mother — singer, songwriter and poet Delmae Barton — remembers him dancing to Elvis Presley when he could barely stand. He recalls Beethoven and Vivaldi streaming from ABC classic FM radio, and AC/DC in his cassette player. Through it all, the hypnotic whoop and drone of the didgeridoo wove a common thread in his imagination. By the age of 12, William was sure enough of his destiny to leave school to concentrate on music.
.jpg)
Rueben Berg
(Australia)
Member of Gellung Warl | First Peoples Assembly of Victoria
(former Co-Chair)
Rueben Berg is a proud Gunditjmara man and Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. A candidate for the Metropolitan Region in the 2026 Assembly Elections, he has been instrumental in advancing Victoria’s Treaty process, contributing extensively to the development of the Treaty Negotiation Framework and leading engagement with the State. Trained as an architect, Rueben is the founder of Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria and has held several significant public leadership appointments, including serving as Chair of Westernport Water - the first Aboriginal person to hold such a position in Victoria. He remains a committed cultural advocate and leader dedicated to strengthening outcomes for First Nations people across the state.
Alissa Bermingham
(Australia)
Philanthropy Services Manager, Perpetual
Alissa Bermingham is a philanthropy specialist providing guidance and support to individuals, families and the for-purpose sector. With more than ten years’ experience in the for-purpose sector, her experience has been shaped by a background in fundraising consulting and capacity building. Her work focuses on helping individuals and families make thoughtful, values-based decisions about their philanthropy, including supporting intergenerational giving and legacy planning. She also works with organisations to develop a clear understanding of the strategies that support sustainable funding and outcomes. Based in Brisbane, Alissa is part of Perpetual’s Philanthropy and Non-Profit Services team. She holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours - Classical Voice) and a Graduate Certificate in Communications.
Jim Bildner
(USA)
Chief Executive Officer of the
Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation
Jim Bildner is the CEO of DRK, one of the world’s largest venture philanthropy firms, where he has witnessed the transformative power of social enterprises across hundreds of investments. A frequent keynote speaker, Jim blends candid reflection, practical insight and inspiring stories that illuminate how individuals can drive meaningful change to make a difference in the world. He is an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School and a frequent contributor to leading publications, including the Stanford Social Innovation Review. A longtime trustee of The Kresge Foundation and founder of its social investment practice, Jim has also held senior roles across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. A lifelong sailor and pilot, Jim is a force for good who believes purpose is found through service to others.
Sarah Buckley
(Australia)
Chief of Staff for Carol Schwartz AO & CEO Trawalla Foundation
Sarah Buckley is a collaborative, values-driven leader with over 20 years' experience across philanthropy, social innovation and business. She is CEO of the Trawalla Foundation and Chief of Staff to Carol Schwartz AO, leading a broad portfolio of gender equity work spanning politics, media, policy and capital. Her roles include National Co-Convenor of Pathways to Politics for Women, head of the Women's Leadership Institute Australia, and contributes to leadership of the Female Led Venture Portfolio. Sarah has previously been a sustainability consultant, and held senior corporate roles focused on social innovation.
Tara Castle
(Australia)
CEO of Queensland Gives
Tara Castle is CEO of Queensland Gives and a passionate advocate for a thriving, connected not-for-profit sector. A proud Queenslander, she is known for bringing together people, ideas and resources to strengthen communities and grow a culture of giving. Through her leadership, Tara supports the impact of the Queensland Community Foundation and its $170 million charitable trust, advancing opportunities for lasting social and environmental change across the state. Joining this panel alongside leading national voices, Tara brings a distinctly Queensland perspective on the future of philanthropy, civil society and the role of community foundations in Queensland.
Esther Chang
(Singapore)
CEO of Asia Philanthropy Circle
Esther Chang is the CEO of Asia Philanthropy Circle, a community of Asian philanthropists founded in 2015, dedicated to advancing a better future for Asia. She has two decades of experience in philanthropy and sustainability. Before APC, she spent six years leading the UN Global Compact Network Singapore, driving enterprise capabilities and cross-sector partnerships for the Sustainable Development Goals. Earlier, she held advancement roles in education and healthcare across Asia and North America. Esther is driven by the belief that collaboration is essential to achieving system-level change. She holds an EMBA from ESSEC & Mannheim Business Schools and a BSc in Life Sciences from Queen’s University, with further postgraduate studies in sustainability at the University of Cambridge.
Jamie Choi
(Singapore)
Chief Executive Officer at
Tara Climate Foundation
Jamie Choi is the Chief Executive Officer of Tara Climate Foundation, an Asia-based philanthropic organisation working to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for the region, with a just energy transition at the heart of its mission. Under her leadership, Tara has grown into one of the region’s leading climate foundations, supporting more than 400 partners across 12 Asian geographies. With over 20 years of experience in philanthropy and civil society, Jamie has dedicated her career to advancing climate and environmental initiatives across Asia. She serves as a Commissioner of the Energy Transitions Commission and was recognised as an Asia 21 Fellow by the Asia Society in 2011.
Natalie Cook OAM OLY GAICD
(Australia)
Five-time Olympian, Founder, Aussie Athlete Fund
Five-time Olympian Natalie Cook has spent a life-time harnessing and championing the transformative power of sport. A board director, sport strategist, and influential businesswoman, Nat’s experiences and insights allow her to apply a unique sport lens to her professional pursuits.
Charlie Cush
(Australia)
CEO, Brisbane Festival
Charlie Cush has been CEO of Brisbane Festival since 2018, overseeing one of Australia’s major city-wide festivals and a cornerstone of Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Under his leadership in 2025, the Festival has engaged more than 2,200 artists, attracted an audience of over two million and generated $64.76 million in gross economic impact. Previously General Manager of Circa, Cush helped grow the company into a global leader in contemporary circus, touring to 40 countries. His career also spans senior public-sector roles in arts, culture and place-based strategy, alongside current advisory positions focused on sustainable and vibrant nighttime economies.
.jpg)
Tim Dixon
(UK)
Cofounder of More in Common
Tim Dixon is the Cofounder of More in Common, an organisation dedicated to strengthening inclusive, resilient democracies in the face of polarisation. A serial social entrepreneur, Tim has cofounded multiple social initiatives since 2010, including The Syria Campaign, Purpose Europe and the Jo Cox Foundation. He previously worked as chief speechwriter and senior adviser to two Australian Prime Ministers and has led More in Common’s research and programs across Europe and the United States. Tim began his career as a lawyer, later building and selling an education publishing company, and has advised global leaders, CEOs and social movements on engaging diverse communities. He is also a frequent speaker and contributor to international media.
Trista Harris
(USA)
President at FutureGood
Trista Harris is a renowned philanthropic futurist who advocates for the use of futurism to address critical community challenges worldwide. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in Forbes, CNN, The New York Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and many social sector blogs. Trista is the President of FutureGood, a consultancy that helps visionaries create a better future, and the author of two books. Prior to her work at FutureGood, Trista served as President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, a thriving grant-making community that awards over $1.5 billion annually. She was also the Executive Director of the Headwaters Foundation for Justice and a Program Officer at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners.
Marika Hedin
(Sweden)
Chief Executive Officer of Riksbankens Jubileumsfond
Marika Hedin is a historian and leader in Sweden’s research and cultural sectors. Elected to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for her contributions to the humanities and to science, she holds a PhD in history from Stockholm University, with research spanning Swedish liberalism, the history of science, and the Nobel Prizes. Marika has advanced public understanding of research through books, educational work, and media. She has led major institutions including the Vasa Museum, Uppsala University’s Gustavianum, and the Nobel Museum, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Uppsala University as well as H.M. The King’s Medal. She is currently CEO of Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, supporting the humanities and social sciences.
Dr Sonja Hood AM
(Australia)
Chief Executive Officer of Scanlon Foundation
Dr Sonja Hood AM is the CEO of the Scanlon Foundation, a leading advocate for Australia’s social cohesion. She has more than thirty years’ experience in public policy and community development, with extensive leadership roles in government, sport, not for profits, and philanthropy. Sonja is President of the North Melbourne Football Club, a Director of the Scanlon Foundation, and Board Chair of the Foundation’s three satellite organisations: Welcoming Australia, Community Hubs Australia, and the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. She is also a member of the Community Directors Council.
_edited.jpg)
Dex Hunter-Torricke
(UK)
Founder & President at
Center for Tomorrow
Dex Hunter-Torricke has spent almost two decades at the intersection of technology, international affairs and public life – advising founders and leaders of some of the world’s most consequential organisations, including SpaceX, Facebook/Meta, Google and the United Nations, while developing a deepening conviction that the decisions being made inside those institutions are inadequate to the scale of what is coming. The son of a refugee from Burma and an immigrant from Malaysia, and the first in his family to earn a university degree, he brings both an insider’s understanding of how these systems work and an outsider’s clarity about who they too often fail.
Lourdes Inga
(USA)
Executive Director of International Funders for Indigenous Peoples
Lourdes Inga (Quechua) brings over two decades of experience in international philanthropy focused on indigenous rights, gender equality, and social justice. As the Executive Director of International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), Lourdes leads initiatives to expand Indigenous Philanthropy, support Indigenous-Led Funds, and advocate for increased funding resources for Indigenous Peoples worldwide. With past leadership roles at The Christensen Fund and The Global Fund for Women, She serves on the board of the Equality Fund and is part of the Indigenous Philanthropic Advisory Group, Decolonizing Wealth. She has served on multiple boards and advisory roles.
Ryan Ginard
(Australia)
Head of Sector Development and Innovation at Minderoo Foundation
Ryan Ginard is the Head of Sector Development and Innovation at Minderoo Foundation, where he leads initiatives to strengthen and grow Australia's for-purpose sector through capacity building, strategic partnerships, research, and advocacy. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Ryan is the author of the international award-winning Future Philanthropy: The Tech, Trends and Talent Defining New Civic Leadership, published in multiple languages, and the author of Australia's first fundraising textbook, providing a practical guide to the fundraising vehicles, regulatory frameworks, and philanthropic practices unique to the Australian for- purpose sector.
The Honourable David Janetzki MP
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership
David is Queensland’s Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, and has represented Toowoomba South since 2016. Raised on a dairy farm near Acland, he holds economics and law (honours) degrees from the University of Queensland. His career includes work with Corrs Chambers Westgarth in Brisbane and the Manpower Group in London. Returning to Toowoomba in 2007, he spent a decade in senior roles at People First Bank, including General Counsel, and was recognised by Doyle’s Guide in 2015. He has served on several boards and was a founding director of Vanguard Laundry. He is honoured to serve in the Crisafulli Government as it delivers a fresh start for Queensland.
Joanna Kerr
(Canada)
Founder and Principal of NutHatch
Joanna Kerr is a globally recognised leader, strategist, and executive coach who works at the intersection of climate and nature, Indigenous rights, social justice, and long‑term systemic change. She has led major global organisations including the Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), ActionAid International, Greenpeace, and MakeWay. Joanna has worked in more than 50 countries to advance Indigenous‑led, community‑centred and regenerative approaches to climate and social equity. She is the Founder and Principal of NutHatch, where she partners with philanthropists and systems‑change leaders to help them see more clearly, lead with courage, and invest in futures where people and planet can thrive.
John McLeod
(Australia)
Senior Research Consultant, JBWere
John co-founded the JBWere Philanthropic Services team in 2001. He researches trends in the for-purpose sector including Impact – Australia, highlighting the practice and growth potential for Impact Investing The Cause Report, examining the evolving shape of the for-purpose sector The Support Report, focussing on the dramatic trends occurring in giving The Corporate Support Report, explaining the evolution of corporate giving and community investment The Bequest Report, analysing the effects of the intergenerational wealth transfer on families and the for-purpose sector John has also compiled the annual list of Australia’s largest private givers for the AFR’s Philanthropy 50 since 2016 and Australia’s top 50 companies for community investment since 2019. He is a Director for Liverty Housing and was on the Board of Philanthropy Australia from 2016-2025.
Anita Patel
(USA)
Vice President of Grantmaking at Bush Foundation
Anita Patel is Vice President of Grantmaking at the Bush Foundation, providing strategic leadership for the foundation’s investments and partnerships. She guides grantmaking that is relational, catalytic and rooted in community insight, and serves on the foundation’s management team supporting board strategy and governance. She also chairs the boards of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. Before joining Bush in 2015, Anita spent more than a decade at the YWCA of Minneapolis advancing racial justice and public policy initiatives. Her earlier work includes domestic violence and immigrant and refugee services.
Sara Parrott
(Australia)
Chief Executive Officer,
Hand Heart Pocket
Sara has more than thirty years of experience in social and environmental impact, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. She is known for bringing a systems perspective to complex challenges and building partnerships that align diverse stakeholders around shared outcomes. Sara is the Chief Executive Officer of the independent philanthropic foundation Hand Heart Pocket, a member of the Investment Committee of the NAB Foundation Impact Investment Fund, and Co-Chair of the Foyer Invest Working Group in Queensland. Earlier in her career, Sara held senior executive roles in sustainability, corporate affairs, and marketing across the banking, insurance, mining, early childhood, and international development sectors, working with ASX-listed companies as well as community sector organisations.
Jerril Rechter AM FAICD
(Australia)
Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Foundation
Jerril Rechter AM FAICD is Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Foundation, Australia's national philanthropic foundation for sport, and a recognised executive leader across the government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She has held executive leadership roles with The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand, VicHealth, Basketball Australia and Leadership Victoria. A Member of Chief Executive Women, she currently serves on numerous boards and advised the World Health Organization on health promotion policy and systems reform. Passionate about social impact, Jerril is focused on harnessing philanthropy to create enduring community outcomes and legacy through sport.
Kristen Stevenson
(Australia)
Executive Director, Effective Philanthropy at Minderoo Foundation
Kristen Stevenson is Executive Director, Effective Philanthropy at Minderoo Foundation, where she helps shape the Foundation’s approach to strategic philanthropy, partnerships and systems change. She has extensive experience in strategy, organisational transformation and philanthropy, including senior leadership roles at Deloitte and Bankwest. Kristen serves on the Boards of Co-Impact and Philanthropy Australia, and is passionate about strengthening philanthropy’s contribution to addressing complex social and environmental challenges.
Luke Terry
(Australia)
CEO of White Box Enterprises
Luke Terry is CEO of White Box Enterprises. With more than 20 years' experience across the social enterprise and not-for-profit sectors, he has dedicated his career to creating jobs for people locked out of mainstream employment. Luke established White Box in 2019 to tackle the barriers holding jobs-focused social enterprises back. Since then, White Box has incubated enterprises including Beacon Laundry, Australian Spatial Analytics and Civik People, enabled 1K+ jobs, and mobilised $60M+ in blended capital. Through White Box, Luke has also led national initiatives including the Payment by Outcomes (PBO) trial and the Social Enterprise Loan Fund (SELF), while advocating for jobs-focused social enterprises to become a core part of Australia's employment system.
Anita Toy
(Australia)
Executive Director at Myriad Australia
Anita Toy is the founding Executive Director of Myriad Australia, a Melbourne-based DGR1-registered charity and philanthropic intermediary that provides Australian donors with a simple, efficient and compliant way to support charitable and non-profit initiatives around the world. Since establishing the entity five years ago, Anita has built Myriad into a recognised leader in cross-border philanthropy in Australia, facilitating more than $38m in international giving since 2021. Prior to founding Myriad Australia, Anita spent 15 years in the corporate sector and most recently served as Country Advisor for Give2Asia USA, supporting US-based donors to give effectively to Australian charities.
Dr. Kyle Turner
(Australia)
Wiradjuri man, epidemiologist, and applied AI researcher
Dr Kyle Turner is a Wiradjuri man, epidemiologist, and applied AI researcher with a background spanning technology, public health, and policy. He completed his doctorate at the University of Oxford and previously founded Pearlii Pty Ltd, a dental AI company that delivered over 200,000 free dental check-ups worldwide. Kyle’s current work focuses on digital inclusion, AI governance, and ensuring emerging technologies deliver equitable outcomes for First Nations people. In 2026, he joined Victoria University as a Senior Research Fellow in order to establish a Centre of Impact for First Nations AI.
.jpg)
Louise Walsh
(Australia)
CEO of Walsh Capital
Louise is the founder and CEO of Walsh Capital. Louise has extensive capital raising experience across many sectors. Most recently as the CEO of the Future Generation companies, Louise and her team grew these ASX listed funds by $1bn in assets in just six years. Louise has developed best practice investor and major donor engagement programs throughout her career. Of note, Louise has a substantial ultra-high net worth and high net worth network across Australia. This extensive network has been developed and nurtured over more than three decades, having started her career as a lawyer at Allens then Head of Sponsorships for the Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games. Louise is currently undertaking a special sports project in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Ganes. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading philanthropic advisers and as a fundraising expert, Louise is a former CEO of Philanthropy Australia. Board Member of St Vincent’s Curran Foundation Trustee of the Snow Foundation Trustee of the AJACKS Green Family Foundation
Brian Wyborn
(Australia)
Chief Investment Officer at
Aboriginal Investment NT
Brian is the Chief Investment Officer at Aboriginal Investment NT, where he leads investment strategy to advance economic selfdetermination and build intergenerational wealth for Indigenous communities. A proud Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean man, he brings more than 15 years’ experience across investment management, governance, and strategic leadership in both the public and private sectors. Previously Managing Partner at First Australians Capital and a Director at JBWere, Brian has been a consistent champion for embedding Indigenous leadership in Australia’s investment landscape. He chairs ARRCS, is a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Institute, and serves on the investment committees of the NAB Foundation and the Noongar Boodja Trust.