Diversity, Inclusion & Gender Equality Award: The 2024 nominees

Alana Newbrook (NSW) is the CEO of Systra in Australia and New Zealand, part of Systra's global network leading in transportation and mobility solutions. With a focus on systems and infrastructure engineering, Systra delivers complex projects that shape the future of transportation worldwide.

Alana holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) and a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) from the University of Sydney, an MBA from Macquarie University, and is a Fellow of Engineers Australia. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Alana brings extensive experience in professional services to her role and is committed to leveraging Systra's expertise to enhance social cohesion and quality of life through innovative public transportation solutions.

As an avid learner and collaborator, Alana identifies opportunities, promotes innovation, and makes informed decisions to contribute to Systra's success in the dynamic infrastructure industry. Under her leadership, Systra is helping pave the way for exemplary practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the rail industry, with the aim of being representative of the communities they serve and leaving a positive legacy.

Bettina Baldeschi (Gender at Work, VIC) is a dual French-Australian citizen with over 20 years of experience in social change and international development, with a particular focus on advancing women’s rights and gender equality. She has worked in both large and smaller institutions, including UNHCR and Oxfam Great Britain, and spent over a decade in leadership roles at the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), one of the largest women’s rights organisations in Asia and the Pacific. As CEO of IWDA, she oversaw the transfer of AUD 32.2 million to women's rights organisations, feminist movement building, research, policy, and advocacy initiatives.

Bettina has served as a mentor for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia Awards Women’s Leadership Initiative, a member of the Criterion Institute Power of Policy Advisory Committee, and represented IWDA at the Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development. She has also been a member of the Women Deliver 2023 Global Advisory Group. Currently, she sits on the gender equality expert panel of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, advises the Equality Institute, and is a Board Director at both Environment Victoria and Gender at Work. Bettina brings extensive expertise in feminist leadership, strategy, communications and resource mobilisation, cultural transformation, governance, and mentorship.

She holds a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies (Gender and Development) from the University of Oxford.

Cecile Reyes (NSW), known as R.C Queens, is a Franco-Australian author celebrated for her contributions to the cosy mystery genre, which features amateur sleuths and heart-warming narratives that avoid graphic violence. Although still gaining traction among readers, cosy mysteries are rapidly becoming popular for their comforting and engaging stories.

A significant aspect of R.C Queens' work is her commitment to promoting diversity in literature. Her protagonist, Rose, is a young French immigrant in Australia who uses a cochlear implant. This character holds personal significance for Queens, inspired by her niece, who was born deaf and also uses a cochlear implant. Through Rose, R.C Queens provides relatable and empowering representation for readers from underrepresented communities, particularly those with hearing impairments.

R.C Queens’ novels also reflect her unique perspective as someone who has experienced the blending of French and Australian cultures. She captures the challenges and joys of the immigrant experience, revealing the quirks and surprises that accompany starting anew in Australia.

In embracing the modern publishing landscape, R.C Queens has chosen self-publishing platforms like Amazon and utilises social media, particularly Instagram, to promote her work. This entrepreneurial approach enables her to pursue her passion for storytelling while adapting to the evolving world of publishing. Through her creativity and dedication, R.C Queens continues to inspire both readers and aspiring writers, merging her love of writing with a strong sense of community and empowerment.

Coralie Ponsinet (TAS) has been a dedicated counsellor since 2021, establishing her practice, Wonderful Mess, two years ago. Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Tasmania, where she is deepening her commitment to mental health advocacy and combating gender-based violence.

In her role as a counsellor, Coralie is a vital support for the French community in Australia, serving as the primary contact for individuals facing domestic and family violence through her volunteer work with the association “Mots et maux de femmes.” Since June 2024, she has also contributed her expertise to three Employee Assistance Providers (EAPs), providing support for individuals affected by crises in New Caledonia.

Collaborating with her friend and colleague Olfa Hafsa from Grounded Mind Therapies, Coralie has participated in a quarterly online panel organised by Elise Leger, offering guidance to French expatriates navigating separation and divorce. Now based in Hobart, she recently delivered a presentation on mental health for the French community as part of "Soif de savoir" with Hobart Accueil in September 2024. Prior to this, she lived in Melbourne until February 2024, where she volunteered for a year with WIRE (Women's Information & Referral Exchange), helping women and LGBTQIA+ individuals address issues related to gender-based violence, financial insecurity, and more.

Coralie's passion for mental health support stems from her personal journey, which transformed her views on the subject. Growing up in the French countryside, she was taught to endure life's challenges, but her perspective shifted dramatically after experiencing workplace bullying and a car accident following her move to Melbourne from Singapore in 2017. These experiences ignited her desire to support others facing similar hardships, and today, she is a compassionate advocate who stands by those enduring some of the toughest times in their lives.

Corinne Bot (Polyglot Group, NSW) is a trailblazer in global human resources and community leadership. Born in Paris, she relocated to Sydney in 1990 after earning a Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology. Corinne began her career with one of the largest headhunting firms of the time but quickly recognised a market niche and founded Polyglot Group, initially focusing on bilingual and bicultural recruitment to assist foreign companies entering Australia.

Over the past 30 years, Polyglot Group has transformed from a one-woman operation into a leading global HR partner, helping businesses optimise their operations locally and internationally. As a comprehensive service provider, the company offers clients a single point of contact for all international development and HR needs, allowing them to concentrate on their core competencies.

Since 1995, Corinne has played a pivotal role in facilitating the expansion of numerous French companies into Australia, including Decathlon, Pierre Fabre, Naval Group, Areco, and ARC. She has also supported Australian businesses like Jurlique and Zimmermann in entering the French market.

A staunch advocate for true intersectional equality, Corinne embraces diverse identities across gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, religion, and socio-economic status. Her commitment to inclusivity has fostered a richly diverse team at Polyglot Group, which employs 70 staff members, featuring a gender distribution of 67% female and 33% male, along with an evenly balanced leadership team. The company also celebrates age diversity, with team members ranging from 21 to 66 years old, promoting a culture of respect, growth, and creativity.

Corinne’s dedication to diversity and community involvement is evident through her extensive service as a Trade Adviser for the French Government for over 23 years and her leadership within the French community in Australia. She served as president of the board of Lycée Condorcet for five years, playing a crucial role in acquiring the Maroubra campus. Additionally, she was the NSW president of the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2009 to 2011.

Her remarkable contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Legion of Honour Medal in 2016, the Australian Export Awards in 2017, and the NSW Telstra Business Women’s Award in 2010. Corinne’s ongoing commitment to the French-Australian community is deeply valued by her team, who believe she deserves recognition for her tireless work and passion.

Dominique Gill (NSW) is a construction entrepreneur and the Managing Director of Urban Core, a fast-growing construction company she founded in 2016 (formerly known as Urban Fitouts & Construction). With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, Dominique is a licensed builder across five Australian states and a registered architect in New South Wales.

Passionate about innovation and excellence, Dominique is constantly seeking inspiring ideas and better methods to deliver projects and serve the public effectively. Her commitment to diversity and sustainability drives her to advocate for increased female representation in the construction sector, where she aims to blaze a trail for women and secure the industry's future.

Dominique believes that construction plays a vital role in achieving Net Zero goals. Under her leadership, Urban Core is pioneering environmental best practices and fostering genuine accountability in sustainability efforts. Through her work, she not only transforms the landscape but also champions a more inclusive and environmentally responsible construction industry.

Dominique's dedication to diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship positions her as a role model and leader, inspiring the next generation of professionals in the construction field.

Gillian Tegg serves as the principal of Killarney Heights Public School (NSW). Recognising the importance of fostering strong connections within the school community, Gillian has been instrumental in strengthening links with key partners such as the French Speaking Association of the North Shore (FANS) and the Australian Association of French-English Bilingual Schools to deliver a unique and celebrated French-English bilingual program.

As the leader of KHPS, Gillian has embraced the enduring partnership and collaboration between the Department of Education and FANS over the past 25 years. This partnership has grown to become a benchmark for excellence in the delivery of bilingual French-English education in Australia and internationally. The bilingual program at Killarney Heights Public School is a distinctive feature that provides children with the best opportunity to learn and grow bilingually in an Australian context.

Gillian's commitment to upholding the values of diversity, inclusion, and gender equality within the school community is reflected in the success of the bilingual program. By promoting a supportive and inclusive environment, Gillian ensures that every student at Killarney Heights Public School feels valued and respected for their individuality.

In addition to her focus on diversity and inclusion, Gillian is a staunch advocate for solidarity, community, and volunteerism. By engaging with the school community and fostering active participation, she has cultivated a culture of collaboration and support that enhances the overall educational experience at Killarney Heights Public School.

Gillian Tegg remains dedicated to nurturing strong partnerships and initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and gender equality at Killarney Heights Public School. Her leadership and commitment to providing a high-quality bilingual education underscore her vision for an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all members of the school community.

Jean Capdevielle (Thales, NSW), an electronics engineer by trade, arrived in Australia in 2005. He worked for 20 years around the world in the aviation industry before joining the Thales Australia head office as Value and Bid Marketing Director in 2018.

In 2019, following his son’s and then his daughter’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses, his engagement with diversity and inclusivity began. The trigger was the realisation that autism and neurodiversity, being invisible disabilities, were not well known, let alone understood. He decided to get involved at his level, first by joining the Diversity and Inclusion Council at his company, then launching a dedicated stream focused on Accessibility and Neurodiversity in 2020, with the single purpose of ensuring that employees with disabilities and neurodivergent backgrounds are fully integrated and empowered to excel within the organisation.

Jean strongly believes that awareness and advocacy are the main levers to support this goal. He began writing articles to share his lived experience, rallied colleagues to support the effort, organised talks to spread the message, and participated in several external events as a panel speaker. He also actively coaches teams of graduate engineers on projects related to accessibility and neurodiversity, collaborates with a university on technical solutions, and supports his children’s school in embracing neurodiversity.

First and foremost, however, he is a father of children with special needs and fights alongside his wife daily to ensure they thrive in life.

Káti Gapaillard (The Fathering Project, NSW) is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. Her career exemplifies a deep commitment to social impact, community building, and volunteering. With extensive international experience and board-level leadership, Káti has consistently pushed the boundaries of what it means to lead in today’s complex, interconnected world.

At the heart of Káti’s work is a passion for reshaping societal norms and narratives, particularly around gender equity and social justice. She firmly believes in the power of diverse voices and perspectives to drive sustainable change. Her leadership has been instrumental in breaking down systemic barriers that limit opportunities for marginalised groups, particularly women and underrepresented communities. Káti embodies the philosophy of fostering gender equality and inclusion by actively promoting leadership opportunities for marginalised cohorts and driving initiatives that prioritise diversity and inclusion in both policy and practice.

A core aspect of her leadership is a strong focus on solidarity and community. Káti’s initiatives have consistently fostered collaborative environments, creating spaces where individuals and organisations can work together for the greater good. Whether working with governments, global corporations, or non-profits, Káti builds strategic alliances that strengthen community ties and empower individuals to be agents of change.

Her efforts reflect a deep commitment to volunteerism, recognizing the importance of collective action and social responsibility. She firmly believes that volunteering plays a critical role in achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing social cohesion and strengthening community resilience. Káti’s dedication to fostering a culture of service aligns with the global movement toward volunteer-driven societal progress.

Káti’s leadership style centres on empowerment, continuous learning, and inclusivity, resulting in high-performing teams that not only meet strategic objectives but also drive systemic change. Her passion for mentoring future leaders underscores her commitment to inclusive economic growth, as diverse leadership is essential for creating equitable and thriving societies.

Key highlights of her career include championing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality; a proven track record in board-level leadership across sectors; a strong focus on community, solidarity, and volunteer-driven initiatives; and a deep commitment to mentoring and empowering future leaders for sustainable social impact.

Peggy Vosloo (Parents At Work, NSW) is a passionate advocate for social justice and inclusion, dedicated to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. With over 20 years of experience across global companies, including the French company Sodexo, and in the public sector, Peggy has committed her career to advancing gender equality, work-life well-being, and inclusive leadership in Australia.

In her current role as Client Advisory Director at Parents At Work, Peggy leads initiatives that transform workplaces to be more supportive and inclusive for families, driving social impact and positive outcomes for women in the workforce. Her partners include CBA, Deloitte, Macquarie, Medibank, QBE, Accenture, KPMG, Mercer, ING, and AGL. Peggy played a pivotal role in the first review and implementation of the National Work & Family Standards, which has helped over 140 Australian and French organisations earn the Family Inclusive Workplace Certification, making a tangible difference for over one million employees.

At Randstad, Peggy managed the creative portfolio for its outplacement arm in the APAC region and was instrumental in achieving the company’s certifications for inclusion and mental health, demonstrating her deep commitment to fostering healthier, more equitable workplaces.

At the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), a federal government agency, Peggy worked to educate workplaces on critical issues such as gender pay equity, workplace flexibility, and legislative reporting. As a member of the steering committee for the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation, she collaborated with hundreds of Australian employers to eliminate systemic barriers to gender equality, promoting better gender balance and creating more inclusive work environments.

Peggy also served on the Executive Committee of the NSW Equal Employment Opportunity Practitioners Association (NEEOPA, now known as The Inclusion Circle) and was a member of the French-speaking Association of the North Shore (FANS).

She frequently speaks at national events, sharing her expertise with businesses and industry associations. Her insights have been featured in various media outlets, podcasts, and publications, including the Australian Financial Review.

Outside of work, Peggy and her husband raise their two teenage children in a French/Afrikaans household while pursuing her passion for beach volleyball competitions.

Rina Tuioti (Legrand, NSW) is a dedicated HR professional who has spent her career championing diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. As the HR Director at Legrand Australia and New Zealand, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s workforce by fostering an inclusive environment where employees of all backgrounds can thrive.

With over a decade of experience in Human Resources, Rina has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to nurturing talent and developing teams that embody the values of diversity and collaboration. Her expertise lies in talent acquisition and retention, with a focus on building strong, diverse teams that align with organisational culture and strategic objectives. She takes great pride in identifying top talent and creating pathways for career growth, ensuring employees feel valued, empowered, and supported throughout their professional journeys.

Under her leadership at Legrand, Rina has been instrumental in driving initiatives that promote gender equality and inclusivity across the company’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. Her focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups has been a catalyst for change, helping to cultivate a more dynamic and equitable workplace. She actively works to dismantle barriers and address unconscious bias, ensuring that diversity is not just a goal but a reality within the organisation.

Rina’s work goes beyond policy implementation—she is committed to creating a workplace culture that celebrates the unique contributions of each employee. By promoting open dialogue, encouraging mentorship, and supporting initiatives that advance gender equality, she has helped establish Legrand as a leader in the diversity and inclusion space.

Her efforts have not only driven business success but also created a more inclusive and empowering environment for all employees. Rina’s commitment to building equitable workplaces, combined with her strategic HR expertise, makes her a standout leader in the field of Diversity, Inclusion, and Gender Equality.

Tierney Boulter (NSW) is the General Manager of the international subsidiary of Conetec, where she has successfully established a dynamic team of professionals operating across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. With a deep technical expertise in the geotechnical industry, Tierney's passion for her work is matched only by her unwavering optimism, making her a standout leader in her field.

Her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace has not only earned her the respect and admiration of her team but also strengthened the relationships Conetec has with its many clients. Tierney's approach to leadership emphasises collaboration and empowerment, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Under her guidance, Conetec continues to thrive, championing diversity and inclusion as integral to its success in the geotechnical sector.