On the eve of International Women’s Day, please join us to celebrate the achievements of women in Queensland who are treading their own paths in the innovation space.

It’s an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and meet future collaborators whose careers and business interests are shaping the State’s commercial and community landscape.

We have gathered a panel of entrepreneurial thinkers and doers who are very much living this year’s theme for International Women’s Day: #BeBoldForChange.

Hear their stories about the different directions they have come from to be where they are now. Ask for their views about what the future might hold for others considering similar journeys.

Anne-Marie Birkill, OneVentures Managing Partner
With extensive experience in cleantech, IT&T, agribusiness and other life sciences, Anne-Marie has worked with hundreds of early-stage technology companies as a senior executive, advisor and business coach. In 2013 she was honoured as one of YWCA Queensland’s 125 Leading Women.

Carolyn Parkinson, Queensland Public Service Commission Director of Community Insights
Carolyn has over 20 years’ experience in innovation and human-centred design. She is a highly experienced and sought after innovation advisor, having worked across government, universities, and the private sector in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Holly Cardew, Pixc Founder and CEO
Named as one of Australia’s top 50 entrepreneurs under 40, Holly splits her time between San Francisco, Sydney and country Australia, transforming ideas into businesses and mentoring start-ups. She currently operates from Brisbane under the Hot DesQ program.

Anne-Marie Walton, KidsWantu Founder and CEO
Anne-Marie is an entrepreneur with an interactive, innovative and inspirational approach to parenting. She created the KidsWantu App for busy parents wanting quality playtime with their kids. Anne-Marie’s also the Operations Manager at Fire Station 101 innovation hub.

Cherie van Wensveen, Impact Innovation Group Innovation Solutions Manager
Cherie is a Patent and Trade Marks attorney who shifted her science focus in earlier roles with BHP Billiton and HiTec Energy to developing and implementing innovation and commercialisation management plans within companies such as Hatch and Minara Resources, and for various Impact Innovation Group clients.

UQ Business School Entrepreneur-in-Residence  Cameron Turner will be our MC. Cameron is also the CEO of ProGel, the start-up turning a UQ technology into the transformational probiotic drink PERKii, and a Director of Commercial Engagement with UniQuest.

Caitlin Wall, an alternative RnB vocalist from Townsville, will entertain us. She is currently studying an Advanced Diploma, majoring in Music, at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts. Caitlin has sung the national anthem with Jessica Mauboy at Suncorp Stadium, broadcasted nationally, and performed at the 2016 Festival of Voices gospel choir in Hobart.

This free event includes complimentary canapes and soft drinks, and other beverages may be purchased from the bar.