Diversity and Innovation Techfest 2025
Diversity and Innovation Techfest 2025
Perth Town Hall, 20 March 2025
Perth Town Hall, 20 March 2025
Embedded Files
Calling for Young Innovators and Changemakers in Australia and Globally
On Thursday, 20th March 2025, we celebrated Harmony Week, International Happiness Day, and the March Equinox; it was an opportune moment to reflect on Diversity and Innovation Techfest (DITF) 2025, a remarkable celebration of diverse and often underrepresented entrepreneurs, our Marginpreneurs.
DITF 2025 Highlights
DITF 2025 Highlights
The event attracted around 200 attendees, representing more than 25 nationalities, with notable female representation (70%). This year's celebration coincided with International Women’s Day (IWD) month, highlighting female leaders and embracing inclusive participation from all genders and backgrounds.
Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Bruce Reynolds opened the event from the City of Perth, demonstrating consistent and remarkable support for the event, the Marginpreneur initiatives, and various related works since 2022.
As the MC of the day, Morgen Lewis, CEO of Auspire - Australia Day Council WA, did an outstanding job in warmly welcoming our diverse community and skillfully highlighting the incredible contributions made by speakers and experts throughout the event.
Inspiring Keynotes
Inspiring Keynotes
Dr Eunice Sari, Marginpreneur, shared her global entrepreneurial journey across 7 countries and her commitment to empowering marginalised communities.
Prof Lyn Beazley, Lyn Beazley Academy, emphasised the critical role of women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and entrepreneurship.
Camilla Galbraith, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, highlighted the importance of diversity for innovation in public sector development.
Powerful Panels
Powerful Panels
Panel 1 - Empowering Voices: Diverse Women Shaping Australia's Future
Panel 1 - Empowering Voices: Diverse Women Shaping Australia's Future
Chaired by Morgen Lewis, Auspire - Australia Day Council WA featuring:
Karla Benitez MPA, Ministerial Multicultural Advisory Council WA Member.
Prof. Lien Duong, Curtin University
Sobia Shah, Professional Migrant Women Network
This first panel emphasises the foundational stage of the entrepreneurial journey: amplifying the voices of diverse women to ensure they have equal opportunities in the professional world. Leaders from various sectors will share their stories, offering practical guidance on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, developing essential skills, and building resilience. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices, common challenges, and strategies to establish a strong foundation for success.
Panel 2 - Empowering Futures: Diverse Women at the Forefront of Industry Transformation
Panel 2 - Empowering Futures: Diverse Women at the Forefront of Industry Transformation
Chaired by Dr Eunice Sari, featuring:
Florence Drummond, Mitu Wines and Development Partners International (DPI)
Liz Blaxell, CERI - Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation
This second panel builds on the foundation of an empowered voice, focusing on how diverse women entrepreneurs can leverage their influence to drive meaningful change. Featuring accomplished leaders, the discussion will offer insights into shaping industries, influencing policies, and creating lasting impact. Attendees will learn about effective strategies, potential pitfalls, and ways to inspire others, fostering a more inclusive and innovative future.
Dynamic Workshops
Dynamic Workshops
One of the event’s highlights was the series of 16 workshops held from 9:00 to 10:45 AM, filling Perth Town Hall with vibrant and positive learning energy. This interactive learning experience was made possible by the stellar contributions of experts, including:
Harnessing Data to Shape Inclusive Policies in Multicultural Australia - S Zaung Nau, Curtin University
Marketing Strategy Workshop for Startups - Justin Barnes, Perth Networking Club and Rocket Launcher
Raising AI Responsibly: How to Be Good Parents to Artificial Intelligence - Gry Stene, IT Girls Rock
What You Really Need to Know in the Startup World - Min Sheen Tan, CERI - Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation
Breaking Into Sustainability Careers in WA Opportunities for Students & Migrants - Dr. Lydia May Wong (Ph.D), Decarbonate
Content Strategy Matchmaking: How to Create Content for Your Business Goals - Aaron D'cruz and Yuri Cartland, Untitled Media
Innovation, Diversity and Tech in Business: Where Does The Law Fit In? - Brian Liau, WASBC - WA Singapore Business Council
Events Exposed: The Backstage Pass to Planning Success - Nancy Mah and Cindy Toh, The Platform
Immigrants are More Innovative- Prove Me Wrong!? - Rob Delane
Autopilot is Taking Over. Please Remain Seated. - Lisa Longman, Bloom
Unlocking Funds & Fueling Growth: Your Startup’s Funding Playbook - Agata Dharma, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Western Australia
Breaking cultural barriers: Embracing your achievements with confidence - Julia Yeow, Destiny Rescue
Cyber Resilience for Startups & Entrepreneurs: Protecting Your Business in a Digital World - Nickson M. Karie, PhD, NMCYBER
The 8th Layer of Cyber Security Needs Diversity More than you Know - Silvana M, Rio Tinto
Thriving, Not Just Surviving – Navigating a White Workplace as a Marginalised Professional - Bec Nguyen, Upbeat Digital
FemPower: Redefining Leadership - Karina Machado, WIRAM AUS & NZ - Women in Reliability and Asset Management
Amazing Volunteers
Amazing Volunteers
Special thanks to international volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly, especially Josh Tedjasaputra, MSc, QPR Anne Burlinson Kaushal Shrestha, Sharvarie Sohoni, Reska Julia Lovani Sembiring, Phyu Hnin Htet, Junita Angelia, Dawsan Nomero, Harmanpreet Kaur Natcha (June) Pumiwatana Harmanpreet Kaur Ravikant Sah Felipe Pinto Diana Manzano Mariama Joy Bah Sargam, Anjalee, Sophia Shrestha and many more in the last 1-2 months.
Exhibitors, Community Partners and Sponsors
Exhibitors, Community Partners and Sponsors
Thank you to other exhibitors, community partners and sponsors, who have been supporting us in this journey, including
Take Action: Become a Marginpreneur Champion
Take Action: Become a Marginpreneur Champion
DITF 2025 has taught us that change is immediate and actionable. Advocate, innovate, and embrace diversity now. Each one of us holds the power to transform our communities and our economy. Join us in building a more inclusive and innovative future.
Share your story or experience from DITF 2025 in the comments — let’s amplify the marginpreneurship movement together!
See You at DITF in June 2025!
Credits and Acknowledgment
Credits and Acknowledgment
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