Diversity Speakers Bureau
Engaging and inspiring others to join the diversity cause is a crucial part of the success of any diversity strategy. Diversity Council Australia has access to leaders from both inside and outside the organisation, who are available to speak on diversity topics to inform and enlighten audiences.
These speakers have a wealth of experience in various aspects of diversity, and are passionate and articulate about their chosen topic.
The Speakers Bureau is a fee-for-service resource. To request a speaker, please complete the Speaker Enquiry form.
Below is a list of speakers on our list at present with more to come!
Diversity speakers
Nareen Young, Chief Executive Officer, Diversity Council Australia
Mark Ney, Assistant Commissioner, the Australian Federal Police
Kathleen Bailey-Lord, CEO Fordham Wealth Advisors
Karni Liddell, Paralympian
Nareen Young, Chief Executive Officer, Diversity Council Australia
Nareen Young was appointed CEO for Diversity Council Australia (DCA) in June 2007. This appointment is the most recent highlight in her notable career as a senior strategic employment relations practitioner and acknowledges her role as one of Australia's leading strategic diversity practitioners and thought leaders.
Prior to commencing as Senior Consultant for DCA in August 2005, Nareen was the Director of the NSW Working Women’s Centre, funded by Federal and NSW Governments, for seven years. In 2003 Nareen was nominated for a Human Rights Award and Medal for her leadership at the NSW Working Women’s Centre in “… developing and implementing innovative and sustained activities …” so that the Centre was an accessible and mainstream legal service. She is also widely credited for developing and implementing a contemporary model of community service delivery in this regard.
Prior to her appointment at the NSW Working Women's Centre, Nareen was a trade union official and during this time served in affirmative action positions, in both cases elected by her peers, on the executive of Unions NSW and the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Nareen says that working with DCA provides her with an opportunity to combine all of her skills, particularly her understanding of the theoretical with her capacity to focus on the practical.
Nareen speaks on the following topics: women, diversity, flexible working, business and diversity, diversity policy and strategy.
Mark Ney, Assistant Commissioner, the Australian Federal Police
Federal Agent Mark Ney APM joined the Australian Federal Police in February 1984 and has a broad operational police background developed whilst working in general duties, Surveillance, the Australian Securities Commission, the Criminal Investigations Branch, the Drug Squad and the Bureau of Criminal Intelligence, in Queensland, the Northern Territory and the ACT.
In January 2002, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, and was appointed to the position of General Manager, Northern Operations, Brisbane. In May of 2003, Mark was transferred to the position of National Manger for Human Resources, based in Canberra. In November 2006 Mark took over the role of National Manager Protection. This Portfolio includes protection of National Infrastructure and key Commonwealth Establishments. This includes the Close Personal Protection of members of government, high office holders, diplomats and dignitaries. The protection portfolio also provides the capacity for the Australian National Witness Protection Program.
Mark was recognised for his service to policing in the 2006 Australia Day Honours List. He was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service, particularly in the field of furthering law enforcement relationships both nationally, internationally and the indigenous community.
Mark is Acting Chairperson for Diversity Council Australia. He has a Graduate Certificate of Business (Banking) from Monash University (1995) and a Graduate Certificate in Police Management from Charles Sturt University (1999).
Mark speaks on the following topics: diversity, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people workplace involvement, making your workplace gay and lesbian friendly, diversity and policing.
Kathleen Bailey-Lord, CEO, Fordham Wealth Advisors
Kathleen is the Chief Executive Officer of Fordham Wealth Advisors (formerly known as Grant Thornton (Vic) Pty Ltd). Fordham Wealth Advisors is a leading firm in its sector, serving business owners and high net worth individuals.
Kathleen has a depth of business leadership experience across major organizations and multi-national firms. She has held senior executive positions in IBM in sales and professional services; in Phillips Fox in marketing, and in PMP as Managing Director of the Media Solutions Division.
Kathleen’s diverse career has been built on her ability to transform and build businesses. She is known for her enthusiasm, strong and inclusive leadership style, communication skills and her integrity. She creates value for shareholders, customers and staff through her passion for win/win outcomes and through her total commitment to delivering the best service to clients.
A State Finalist in the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Award in 1998, Kathleen is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Victorian Women’s Trust (an organisation dedicated to improving the status of all Victorian women).
Kathleen is a Director of Diversity Council Australia. She holds a BA (Hons) in Political Science and History from the University of Melbourne. She has also completed short courses at Harvard Business School, Macquarie Graduate School of Management and Monash University.
Kathleen speaks on the following topics: diversity with regard to negotiation, motivation, inclusiveness, bringing whole self to work; women; the role of HR in diversity; the role of the CEO in diversity.
Karni Liddell, Paralympian
By just 28 years of age, Karni Liddell has already carved her presence on the international swimming scene.
Born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Karni commenced swimming at the age of 3 as a form of strength building to enhance her muscle development. Her first swimming competition was at the age of 8. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (a muscle wasting disability which affects all body muscles including internal)
Karni Liddell has defied Doctors and the odds to have not only lived to the age of 20 but to have successfully embarked on an international sporting career.
Employed by Westpac under the Paralympic Employment Program, when she is not training Karni spends a great deal of her time speaking to community and corporate groups. She promotes sport for people with disabilities, highlights her own life and achievements and encourages her audiences to strive for whatever it is they want to do and achieve.
Karni speaks on the following topics: sport for people with a disability, work for people with a disability, diversity in sport.