Our Speakers
Who are we?
Becoming the next influential speaker for empowering women event is crucial. It provides a platform to inspire and motivate women to achieve their goals and overcome challenges. As a speaker, you have the power to share your experiences and insights, and to encourage women to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. By becoming a role model and a source of inspiration, you can help to create a more equal and inclusive society where women can thrive and succeed. Register now for an unforgettable journey of empowerment.

Nutritionist and Metabolic Balance Coach
Judy Nanavan
Judy is a Nutritionist and Metabolic Balance Coach with a special interest in menopause and perimenopause. She is passionate about health and wellbeing and believes that good nutrition is the cornerstone of health.
Judy is non-judgemental and very understanding and compassionate towards you and your health concerns. She takes a scientific and holistic approach to your health which encompasses using the healing power of nutrition, sustainable eating strategies, exercise and other lifestyle modifications, delivering sustainable treatments for optimal and ongoing wellness. She believes in educating you and empowering you to have control over your own health and wellness.
Judy earned her Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Medicine in 2017 after following her own health journey to find holistic health. She says it is the perfect blend of her love for good food, science and leading a healthy lifestyle.

National Manager – Client Relationship Services & Senior Consultant Psychologist
Emma McMillan
Emma with 12 Years experience is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in Clinical, Organisational, and Forensic settings. She specializes in Psychological Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment, focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Crisis Management. Emma works with adults facing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and gender identity issues. She has successfully provided services to various stakeholders, including military personnel. With leadership experience, she develops effective training programs that enhance workplace psychological health and resilience. Emma’s engaging approach makes psychological concepts accessible, ensuring lasting impact in diverse organisational contexts.

Consultant Endocrinologist
Dr Mani Manoharan
Dr Mani Manoharan is Consultant Endocrinologist working in Liverpool and Fairfield Hospital. She also works in Castle Hill and Wentworthville Private rooms. Her speciality is Women's Health in Endocrinology. She is passionate about improving health literacy for women in prevention health.( Diabetes and Obesity prevention) Perimenopause and Menopause is vulnerable period in Women's life span. Her focus is to assist women morally and health wise when going through this phase of life.
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Crime Prevention Officer
Burwood Police Area Command
Senior Constable Lisa Latu
Lisa Latu is a crime prevention officer with the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force. In this role, she works with communities to implement strategies aimed at reducing crime and enhancing public safety. Her responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, delivering crime prevention education, and coordinating community initiatives. In addition to her professional role, Lisa is the primary parent to her two children, Elaina, and Junior. She balances her duties in law enforcement with her responsibilities as a mother, demonstrating commitment and professionalism in both areas of her life.

Multicultural Community Liaison Officer
Nelly Sinha
Nelly Sinha is a dedicated and passionate professional serving as a Multicultural Community Liaison Officer with NSW PF at Burwood Police Area Command. With a diverse background and a deep understanding of various cultures plays a pivotal role in fostering strong bonds between law enforcement and the linguistically and diverse communities within NSW.
After working in the corporate sector for many years, Nelly joined NSWPF over 10 years ago. Her passion and dedication saw the development of the Dowry Abuse Program (DAP) along with two work colleagues. The project has strived to improve understanding and communication between police and Indian subcontinent communities residing in NSW in the area of dowry abuse.
Most recently DAP won the award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Initiative for Women in the Community Award at the Australasian Council of Women & Policing (ACWAP) 2022 Excellence in Policing Awards on 19 October 2022. They were nominated and shortlisted for the NSPW Police Officer of the Year Awards in April 2022.
Beyond work, Nelly remains actively engaged in community affairs, participating in various multicultural events and running art and craft classes.

Liberal Member for Drummoyne
Stephanie Di Pasqua
A lifelong local, Stephanie was born and raised in the area and attended St Mary’s Primary School Concord and Domremy College Five Dock.Stephanie has track record of delivery for our community. As Deputy Mayor and a Canada Bay Councillor since 2017, Stephanie is out and about in the community every day supporting residents, local businesses and community groups. She prides herself on being an approachable representative who listens, and who stands up for our community.Stephanie is proud of her Italian heritage – her grandparents emigrated from Italy for a life in Australia and they instilled strong values of family, community and hard work. It’s these values that have led to her desire to be a community representative in State Parliament.Stephanie will fight for our community and ensure the Drummoyne electorate has a strong voice in the NSW Parliament.

Sally Sitou MP
My husband Rui and I are raising our young son Max, in Homebush.
My parents are of Chinese heritage and fled Laos because of the Vietnam war. I believe in the educational and work opportunities that allowed my family to prosper in Australia and I will use my voice to to passionately fight for our local community.
I have always grown up and gone to school in the Western suburbs of Sydney, a place that is thriving with diversity and rich with so much culture.
Australia is a place that is generous, inclusive, and compassionate - a country that I love and will fight to make better.

Non Executive Director, Former GoDaddy MD, Founding team LinkedIn Australia
Tara Commerford
Tara Commerford has held leadership roles in some of the world’s largest media and technology companies including LinkedIn and GoDaddy. She started her career as editor of the local newspaper in Five Dock. Tara was listed in the 2023 Women of the Year Awards and has been a finalist in the CEO of the Year awards. Come along and be inspired by her story of leading through industry changes and shifts. Walk away with tips on how to expand your network and grow your small business online.

Place Manager Rhodes, City of Canada Bay
Saskia Vromans
Saskia Vromans is the Place Manager Rhodes for the City of Canada Bay Council. Over 20 years, Saskia’s professional career has spanned the industries of health, non-profit arts and local government sectors. Her passion is in working alongside communities to transform spaces into places; developing creative solutions to supporting community building and tackling the challenges of living in contemporary urban environments.

Rhodes Resident
Jennifer Dixon
Jennifer is a friendly face, always radiating warmth and kindness with a smile.Jennifer Dixon, a resident of Rhodes prior to 2000, possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the suburb and has witnessed its evolution firsthand. Notably, she has witnessed the progression of West Rhodes from its industrial roots and remediation through to its modern-day landscape. Additionally, Jennifer has been active within the community and council. Always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile, Jennifer's keen observations and friendly demeanor make her a cherished member of the community, offering insights into the dynamic changes occurring in the area.

Merci Boutique Rhodes Owner
Minki Bae
Minki the founder of Merci Boutique and a resident of Rhodes for 5 year.
She fulfils the roles of a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman. Minki is a very passionate and caring woman. With 2 stores in Rhodes and Eastwood and a team of 8 employees, she has found success in her business ventures. What sets Minki apart is her dedication to helping and supporting disabled ladies and single moms, as she is deeply passionate about making a positive impact in their lives. She is an amazing lady.

Cafe Botanica Rhodes Owner
Sharon Zhang
Sharon is the founder Cafe Botanica Rhodes.Having amassed over a decade of experience in the corporate sector, Sharon made the strategic decision to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations by establishing her own café. With a profound passion for gastronomy and a penchant for horticulture, the concept of a botanical café resonated deeply with her. While acknowledging the numerous challenges inherent in this endeavor, she is steadfast in her conviction that diligent perseverance will ultimately lead to success, step by step. Come and meet her in person to hear more about journey.

Accountant Tax Store CBD Partner
Susan Ngan
Susan Ngan is an experienced business leader with a passion for accounting, finance, and corporate governance. She has a proven track record of success, including turning around a financially distressed family business. Susan is an independent community member who brings her expertise to the Claremont audit committee. She has co-authored academic research and received recognition for her board roles.