International Women's Day at Ishar
Every year, Ishar celebrates International Women's Day by bringing together inspiring speakers who share their stories, insights, and experiences. These events create meaningful connections within our community and honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of women from diverse backgrounds.
Our Previous Guest Speakers
We've been privileged to host remarkable women who have shared their journeys and wisdom with our community. Their stories have inspired, educated, and empowered attendees, leaving lasting impacts on all who participated.
2024 Speakers
Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot MLC is a Member of the Legislative Council of the 41st Parliament of Western Australia for the North Metropolitan Region. She is Western Australia’s first MP of African descent and the first person from a South Sudanese background to occupy a seat in any Parliament in Australia. Her key priorities include multiculturalism, women, families, and employment, and inspiring young people of colour to get involved in the community.
Peter Bennett was appointed as CEO and Managing Director of Clough on 1 February 2016. Peter holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New South Wales and an Executive Chartered Engineer recognition from Engineers Australia. Peter has decades of experience in the energy and infrastructure contracting service sector. His experience spans contracting business process, operational and corporate leadership. Peter has been instrumental in the diversification of Clough as a respected engineering and construction business serving the energy, infrastructure and resources industry in Australia and Asia Pacific and since February 2023 as part of the Webuild Group.
Peter Bennet
CEO CLOUGH
Guest Speakers
MC
Alicia Curtis
Alicia Curtis is an award-winning speaker, leadership facilitator, and passionate community changemaker on a mission to ignite leaders to create a better world. As the founder of Alyceum, Alicia has spent over two decades designing and delivering transformational leadership programs that have empowered thousands of individuals to lead with purpose, courage, and impact.
Hon. Ayor Makur Chuot
MLC
Originally from Northern Ireland Ashley has spent the last fourteen years in the beautiful state of Western Australia. She has lead a for-purpose organisation called CEOs for Gender Equity. We are a passionate group of 100 leaders who are on a mission to accelerate gender equity outcomes. Her PhD explored how to improve the inclusion and representation of women in the mining industry.
Stephen Peters
A-LEAGUE WOMEN’S HEAD COACH
Sydneysider Peters began his coaching journey with Gladesville Ravens before securing his first senior Head Coach role at North West Sydney Koalas FC. After steering the Koalas to the coveted club championship, he moved on to Blacktown Spartans FC where he further developed his coaching skills by working with both junior teams and the First Grade side. Peters was subsequently appointed by Football NSW as Head Coach of their U15s Women’s State Team and under his stewardship, they were crowned champions at the 2018 FFA National Youth Championships.
Belinda Stopic
GENERAL MANAGER REGIONAL OPERATIONS
Belinda has extensive experience in road and bridge engineering design, construction and project management, and multiskilling across a variety of disciplines. She has a successful track record for completion of works through coordinating personnel, developing partnerships, fostering corporate relationships at all levels of government and collaborating with design houses and construction contractors in the civil construction industry. Belinda encourages and empowers women to succeed throughout the business and industry.
Vince Connelly
CEO RSLWA
Vince Connelly is the CEO of Returned & Services League WA, a former Army Major and former Federal member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Stirling in Western Australia.
MC
Ciana Martinus
Ciana Martinus is a Senior Audit Engagement Manager -APAC for Prescient Security. A cyber security firm in the United States. Prior to this I worked as a Senior Cyber Security Consultant - KPMG Australia and previously Cyber Security Policy Officer at Premier’s Cabinet, working closely with ACSC (federal government). Ciana works with clients in the areas of defence, critical infrastructure, finance and business sectors with complex supply chains.
Levinia Hugo
SUPERINTENDENT AT FAMILY VIOLENCE DIVISION
Superintendent Levinia Hugo, with over 22 years of service in law enforcement, leads the Family Violence Division of the Western Australia Police Force. Originally from Africa, she relocated to Australia in 1993 and has since been committed to supporting vulnerable communities across Western Australia. Her dedication to mitigating family violence and promoting cultural, religious, and diversity acceptance underscores her work. Superintendent Hugo’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment continue to drive significant positive change within the community.
Dr. Kent Tan
MY IMPLANT DENTIST
For over 10 years, Dr Kent has focused on dental implant and cosmetic treatment in Perth and Brisbane. Every year, Dr. Kent Tan performs between 500 to 1000 dental implant procedures. His dedication to this craft has earned him recognition as a respected Australian dentist. After graduating from the University of Queensland, Dr Kent lectured in dental implants. He went on to further his qualifications by graduating from the Master Clinician Programme in Implant Dentistry in Los Angeles, USA.
