Meet Your Mentors!

You are invited to join our mentor program.

Vineeta Srivastava

Technical Sales & Solutions Executive of Telstra

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Vijaya Vaidyanath

Experienced CEO Executive Mentor Boards & Strategic Governance

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Don De Alwis

Fractional CIO/SVP Digital Advisory of Fortude Founder, Board Member & C-Suite Executive

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Dipti Pandit

CEO of Sales Pundit Consulting

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James Murray-Beckman

COO & CFO of 6clicks

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Dharmendra Patel

Founder of Aussizz Group

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Peter Mousaferiadis

CEO & Founder of Cultural Infusion

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Despina Anastasiou

Strategic Advisor & Board Director, Leadership Development, Former Executive Director

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Joanne Barrow

Head of Marketing & Digital at Social Traders

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Smriti Halgekar

Former General Manager, Business Operations & Executive Governance of nbn™ Australia

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Ashok Mysore

Chair | Boards | Advisory
Former VP at Infosys

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Divya Pasupuleti

Executive Manager - Business Strategy and Transformation, nbn Australia Board Director (Multiple Boards)

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Andrew Ko

Head of Group Strategy at Aware Super

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Tara Dharnikota

Cyber Security Leader | CISO | GIAC Advisory Board | Industry Advisor | OSINT Enthusiast | Industry Mentor

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Darshana Parekh

Inclusion Consultant & Legal Counsel

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Sarita Narayan

Owner/Director - SDN Connect
Founder - The Resilient Journeys

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Vineeta Srivastava

Technical Sales & Solutions Executive of Telstra

With 25 years of leadership experience, I am a fearless, yet methodical business leader who thrives on creating impact and building a legacy by transforming the culture for growth.

I currently head up the Solution sales and solutioning teams at Telstra, as part of their Executive team.

Previously I lead the Premium Engagement service line across APJ for SAP, with overall responsibility for business performance, sales, revenues, profitability, people and programs through commercial , people and customer focussed strategies.

As a relatable people leader, I have successfully built large multinational teams in a matrix environment , while leading direct reports from 2-20, and teams upto 150, consistently exceeding sales, profitability and revenue goals, by focussing on the 5Ps: People, Passion for Customer Success, Partnerships , Pipeline, and Process efficiencies.

I am driven by a desire to create my sustainable legacy in business , and to create a more equitable society, through my initiatives on diversity, equity and inclusion.

I am also a corporate mentor for multiple startups across North America , Asia and Africa, coaching founders to build commercial, business , sales and partnership strategies.

Vijaya Vaidyanath

Experienced CEO Executive Mentor Boards & Strategic Governance

Vijaya is a well known leader in the Victorian & New Zealand local government sectors with 25 years experience as a CEO — leading three cities. She was the inaugural Chief Executive of Homes Melbourne, established in 2022 by the City of Melbourne to deliver housing access for vulnerable members of our communities and facilitate provision of affordable homes for key workers. Prior to this, Vijaya was CEO of the City of Yarra in Victoria from 2012 to January 2022.

Vijaya was CEO at Waitakere City Council a very large metro City and CEO of Rodney District Council in New Zealand for a considerable period . Prior to this Vijaya worked for 15 years as a senior Executive in the Reserve Bank of India in India.

Vijaya is a highly seasoned board and advisory group member across public, private, not-for-profit organisations, universities and international banks. She is currently a Board Member on Procurement Australia and Ambulance Victoria and formerly on Parks Victoria Vision Super and Zoo’s Victoria. Vijaya was the Chair of Parks Victoria’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee and a member on the Parks Planning and Evaluation committee. Vijaya is a member on the Finance Committee , Remuneration Committee and Community Advisory Committee on Ambulance Victoria.

Vijaya is a Senior Executive Fellow of the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from JM Katz Graduate School of Business in Pittsburgh . She is a Masters of Arts (Economics) and a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of Bangalore. Vijaya is recognised in the inaugural 2017 IPAA Victoria’s Top 50 Public Sector Women list . She is also a Fellow of IPAA Victoria . Vijaya is professionally qualified as a New Zealand Institute of Company Directors (NZICD) member.

Vijaya draws inspiration from a variety of global thought and academic leaders as well as from her overseas mentors who have shaped her world view. It led to her interest in social justice and values based leadership. She has been a senior leader from the early stages of her career in sectors such as commercial ,central banking, and international finance for two decades and in Local Government in the last three decades in New Zealand and Australia.

Vijaya is renowned for her innovation, integrity, inspiring leadership style and her ability to deliver results. She is driven by her values of honesty, accountability and courage. Her strong belief in building coalitions, guiding sustainable change and harnessing community capacity underpins her work philosophy.

Don Anura De Alwis

Fractional CIO/SVP Digital Advisory of Fortude Founder, Board Member & C-Suite Executive

Anura is a globally recognized Business Strategist and Transformation Expert with over 30 years of experience driving digital innovation, maximizing ROI, and enhancing shareholder value. He has led transformative initiatives across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America for multinationals like Pearson, EY, Telstra, HP, Nokia, and BT.

An influential mentor, Anura has shaped the careers of numerous leaders—including CEOs, C-suite executives, and directors—across diverse backgrounds. Passionate about unlocking human potential, he helps organizations align strategy, people, and processes for sustainable growth.

Anura is also a successful entrepreneur, having built and exited three tech start-ups. Beyond business, he’s a speaker, coach, faculty consultant, and proud family man who believes in holistic, balanced living.

Dipti Pandit

CEO of Sales Pundit Consulting

Dipti is an experienced Enterprise Sales Leader and the CEO of Sales Pundit Consulting, specializing in Sales Strategy, Lead Generation, Coaching & Training B2B sales teams. With 18 years of expertise in enterprise sales, she has successfully managed a $60M annual revenue portfolio, led high-performing sales teams, and driven significant growth. She has coached and mentored sales teams and sales leaders in IT, SaaS, Digitisation, Telecom, Insurance, and Risk & Compliance solutions

Dipti has worked closely with organizations including top 4 banks, where she grew the revenue by 12% in her 1st year as a Director of Sales. She has played a pivotal role in setting up the SMB market for a large insurance company, which grew to $12M in just three years. Additionally, Dipti received special recognition from the Managing Director of a large global Insurance Company for securing a national deal of an Enterprise Account and growing revenue by 300%.

She specialises in coaching sales teams to close complex, high-value deals, sell strategically, drive customer excellence. Her expertise spans developing go-to-market strategies, building and leveraging C-level relationships, and mentoring sales teams to achieve outstanding result.

Beyond work, she is a mentor and a speaker with University of Melbourne School of Business & Economics and STEM for Women,inspiring young professionals to grow into future leaders.She has co-authored the book ‘‘Big Book of Career Doodles: 87 Visual Ideas to Inspire a Great Career.

Being an avid reader, a badminton enthusiast and a energy packed mum!!

🏅Won Gold & Silver medals at the 2019 Australia Masters Badminton Tournaments

🏸Badminton Coach for Senior Secondary and Womens League

📚 Owns a home library with collection of 300+ books

James Murray-Beckman

COO & CFO of 6clicks

A strong collaborative, results-driven executive with a proven track record of success across Sales, Product Development, General Management, Finance, and Global Operations. Solid experience in driving revenue growth, end-to-end P&L responsibility, and delivering high-quality products that resonate with market demands. A strategic people leader with a global perspective, committed to building high performing teams and cultivating sustainable business growth.

Dharmendra Patel

Founder of Aussizz Group

I have spent over a decade shaping industries, bridging gaps, and empowering individuals. My entrepreneurial journey is rooted in a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and creating opportunities that make a difference.

With a profound understanding of the migration and education sectors, I established Aussizz Group, which has grown into one of the largest and most trusted migration consultancies globally. Today, we proudly operate 40+ branches worldwide, employ over 500 talented professionals, and assist thousands of clients annually in achieving their dreams of migration, education, and beyond.

Building on this foundation, I launched Konze, a technology-driven company focused on delivering cutting-edge solutions for education and migration businesses. By leveraging automation, artificial intelligence, and streamlined processes, Konze simplifies complex systems, enabling organizations to enhance their efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Peter Mousaferiadis

CEO & Founder of Cultural Infusion

Peter Mousaferiadis is the CEO of cultural enterprise Cultural Infusion, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and founded in 2002. He has had an extensive career in the cultural & creative industries as a conductor, creative director & producer, and thought leader in culture as a driver of progress, social cohesion and innovation. Cultural Infusion builds global harmony through intercultural action in education, the arts and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), with programs delivered to more than 350,000 students annually. Its holistic data and equity SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) tool Diversity Atlas was launched in 2019 and has clients including multinationals and think tanks from around the world. Peter Mousaferiadis has garnered international awards and recognition for his innovative approach to education and use of technology in building intercultural understanding, most recently the 2021 Global Business & Interfaith Peace Award Silver Medal from the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation and the United Nations Global Compact’s Business for Peace Initiative.

Despina Anastasiou

Strategic Advisor & Board Director, Leadership Development, Former Executive Director

Despina Anastasiou was the Global Business Development Director, Corporate Development at Dow. In this strategic role, she was responsible for identifying new materials and business models to drive the growth and the sustainability of the industry across the many value chains Dow serves. Despina wass also the EMEAI Co-Chair for Dow’s ‘PR!ME Valuing Experience’ Employee Resource Group.

Since obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemistry and joining Dow, Despina has held diverse roles of increasing responsibility in Technology and Innovation, Sales, Market Management, Business Development and Business Leadership across a broad range of products, markets and countries. Now she dedicates her time to volunteering, board advisory, mentoring and professional development.

Despina is a committed advocate and recognized practitioner for Dow’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion priorities, having led and served on multiple employee resource groups with a ‘leave no one behind’ philosophy. She is also an active member of European Women in Leadership and mentors many women across various industry programs. She is an active external ambassador for STEM across all academic levels and actively volunteers to advise, sponsor, and drive the inclusion, training and successful development of others. 

Joanne Barrow

Head of Marketing & Digital at Social Traders

“I’m a grounded, authentic marketing leader that brings creativity, resilience, commerciality and operational excellence to the work that I take on. The industries that I’ve worked in span from professional services, banking & finance, IT and the social enterprise sector.

The highlight of my career – being a NAB Honouree – only given to the top 1% of NAB employees for high performance and demonstrating great values.

I’m passionate in helping organisations create strong brands that connect with customers and developing strategic marketing initiatives, informed by insights to drive results.

As a pacesetter, I motivate teams to be action-oriented, collaborate and use their strengths to create positive outcomes. I bring optimism, accountability and energy to purpose-led work.

I find fulfilment in supporting other migrants/people of colour to expand their career horizons and thrive. Outside of work, spending time with my kids and husband experiencing new adventures and food, keeps me youthful and joyful in life. “

Smriti Halgekar

Former General Manager, Business Operations & Executive Governance of nbn™ Australia

Smriti is a strategic executive leader with over 19 years of global industry experience in corporate strategy, governance, and large-scale transformation.

She has led high-impact programs across complex industries, partnering with regulators, boards, and executive teams to deliver measurable outcomes.
Smriti is a GAICD graduate and passionate about purpose-led leadership, cultural transformation, and creating long-term value.

Ashok Mysore

Chair | Boards | Advisory Former VP at Infosys

Ashok Mysore has over 30 years of industry experience across Telecommunications, Financial Services, Logistics, Energy, Utilities and Services industries.

Ashok joined Infosys in 2004 to lead the Telecommunications business and since has held numerous roles before taking up the Regional COO role in 2014 responsible for Delivery & Operations. Ashok has broad experiences in strategy, sales, general management and consulting across Australia, NZ, US, India and SEA. Ashok sits on multiple advisory boards and is a regular speaker across industry, academia and partner ecosystem.

Ashok completed Executive Leadership Program from Stanford Graduate School of Management, an MBA in Strategy & Leadership from University of Melbourne, and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering.

Divya Pasupuleti

Executive Manager - Business Strategy and Transformation, nbn Australia Board Director (Multiple Boards)

Divya Pasupuleti is an executive leader with extensive global experience in Telecommunications, Project Management, and the Not-for-Profit sectors. She currently leads Business Strategy and Transformation at a prominent Australian telecommunications provider, driving key initiatives that shape the digital future.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Divya spearheads multiple DEI programs focused on enhancing diverse representation in the workplace and leadership. She is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders at every career stage.

Divya serves on several boards, and is a valued advisory member for various organisations including government bodies that inform and influence policy making.

Her impactful contributions have earned her numerous award nominations, and she is a sought-after speaker on topics such as business transformation, women in executive leadership, and diversity in STEM.

Andrew Ko

Head of Group Strategy at Aware Super

Tara Dharnikota

Cyber Security Leader | CISO | GIAC Advisory Board | Industry Advisor | OSINT Enthusiast | Industry Mentor

Tara is an information security leader with nearly 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at Victoria University. She oversees cyber and physical security, risk and assurance, and business resilience, to ensure integrated, business-aligned approaches to organisational protection and continuity.

Her career has spanned multiple sectors including higher education, property, and telecommunications, with expertise across cyber security strategy, risk management, governance, cultural transformation and critical infrastructure . Tara has a strong track record of embedding security into business and technology programs, and delivering strategic outcomes in complex, regulated environments.

In addition to her current role, Tara serves as an industry advisor to major universities and cyber security bodies. She is a regular contributor to industry conferences and panel discussions, and was nominated for Security Awards in recognition of her professional leadership and advocacy.

Tara actively mentors emerging professionals in the security industry and holds a Master’s in Network Engineering. She remains committed to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking security culture.

Darshana Parekh

Inclusion Consultant & Legal Counsel

As an Inclusion Consultant with over 15 years of legal experience, I bring a unique blend of skills to drive equitable change in your workplace. My background as a lawyer, known for their attention to detail, objectivity, and strategic execution, adds a distinct perspective to my DEI practice. 

While many DEI practitioners come from Human Resources backgrounds, my independence as a consultant ensures a fresh, unbiased perspective. My legal expertise strengthens my ability to deliver impactful, purpose-driven strategies tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Sarita Narayan

Board Director and Transformative Leader

Sarita Narayan is a board director and transformative leader with over 25 years’ experience in strategic project management, diversity advocacy, and public sector leadership. As Founder of SDN Connect and The Resilient Journeys, she empowers organisations and individuals through inclusive facilitation, coaching, and culturally informed strategies. Sarita has led major reforms across government, championed CALD equity, and shaped national policy frameworks—including the Transport and Place Management Frameworks and CALD recruitment policies. As a keynote speaker, mentor and coach, Sarita continues to drive systemic change and equity, particularly for women and migrants. Her work delivers sustainable, community-focused outcomes across government, business, and grassroots initiatives through purposeful leadership and collaboration.