Nevertheless, She Persisted

Born in Nigeria and raised in South-West Sydney, Esther Adeyinka is passionate about amplifying diverse voices in decision-making spaces, particularly the voices of young, diverse women. She is a lawyer, has sat on various government advisory boards, is always working on a side hustle and is, most importantly, the self-proclaimed queen of thrift shopping.

Giselle Moor is a speaker, writer and backpacker who took a once-in-a-lifetime trip across 17 countries with her wheelchair. She's also a disco lover and marathon runner who believes the only labels worth wearing are the ones you choose yourself.

Sushmitha Karnati is a technology leader based in Sydney with over 15 years of industry experience. Her story reflects the power of persistence, resilience, and staying strong through change. She is passionate about growth, learning from challenges, and encouraging others to move forward with confidence and purpose.

Heather Ahlfeld is a former executive protection specialist, providing discreet security for international celebrities and high-profile clients across Australia. Known for her low-profile, intelligence-led approach, Heather brought a quiet authority to her work — grounded in sharp situational awareness, calm professional judgement and an unwavering commitment to discretion.

Heather Hawkins is an author, adventurer, ultra runner, advocate, speaker and mother of two. In 2007, while recovering from surgery for ovarian cancer, she made a promise to herself to become fitter and braver, and to find a way to reignite her sense of adventure. That decision would change her life forever.

Carol Bennett became an accidental activist after retiring and moving from Sydney to rural NSW, when she became involved in fighting to save the local valley from coal seam gas and open cut coal mines. A founding member of the Gloucester Knitting Nannas Against Gas & Greed, she became a spokesperson for the organisation, addressing rallies and conferences across Australia to save our land, air and water for future generations.