This annual one-day event is an opportunity for current VU students to develop leadership skills and grow professional networks by hearing from inspirational keynote speakers, participating in interactive workshops and connecting with peers and community leaders.
The 2026 Student Leadership Conference will be held on Friday 22 May. The theme is 'Leading Forward: Purpose, People and the Power to Adapt'.
From refugee to mayor: how values, representation and community shape inclusive leadership
Cr Mohamed Semra, Mayor of Maribyrnong
Mohamed Semra was first elected to Council in 2024 and elected Mayor in November 2025, the first person of Sub-Saharan heritage to hold that title in Australia.
A Maidstone resident since early childhood, Mohamed is the Founder and CEO of Endeavour Youth Australia, Chair of Melbourne Sudanese Youth, and a Victorian African Communities Committee board member. He is a recipient of the Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Human Rights Award (2021) and was named Young Victorian of the Year in 2025.
In this session, the Mayor will reflect on his journey and share insights on what it means to lead with purpose, exploring the role of identity, storytelling, and collaboration in inclusive leadership, and encouraging students to think about their own capacity to lead in their studies, careers and communities.
Morning workshops
Annique Teycheney, Careers Consultant, Victoria University
This interactive session is a safe, supportive space to try things out, have real conversations, and build confidence without pressure. You'll get clearer on your strengths, practise talking about yourself, and learn how to show up in networking, job applications and interviews without sounding generic. We'll also update a LinkedIn profile together in real time so you can see how simple it can be. You'll leave with practical steps you can actually use, and the confidence to take your next step, even if you don't feel ready yet.
Jahin Tanvir, CEO, Australian School of Entrepreneurship
Forget boring leadership lectures! This is the real deal. In this energising, hands-on workshop, you will learn what it takes to lead in 2025 and beyond from one of Australia's youngest CEOs: a Gen Z leader who's been there, done that, and is helping thousands of young people do the same. We will dive into how to stay calm under pressure, lead through uncertainty, and bring people together with purpose.
Whether you are managing a group project, leading a student club, or planning your future career, this session will give you practical tools, real talk, and the confidence to lead with impact right now.
Helen Pitman, MBA | Practice Operations & Growth Leader (Healthcare)
In a world that often rewards conformity, thinking differently can be your greatest leadership asset. In this interactive workshop, Helen Pitman, healthcare leader, entrepreneur and founder, shares how navigating complexity with an ADHD lens has shaped her approach to leadership, problem-solving and resilience.
Through real-world insights and hands-on activities, participants will explore how to reframe challenges, back their ideas and lead with courage, even without having all the answers. Come ready to think differently, connect with your own leadership strengths, and discover how your unique perspective can drive meaningful change.
Afternoon workshops
Adam Jelic, Founder & Managing Director, MiGOALS
What does it really take to build something from nothing? MiGOALS founder Adam Jelic shares the real lessons from 15+ years of building a global brand, the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.
In a world of AI, uncertainty, and endless noise, Adam shows students how to cut through the overwhelm, back themselves, and take meaningful action. You'll walk away with clarity on your values and strengths, a practical framework for setting goals you'll actually stick to, and real-world proof that ordinary people can build extraordinary things.
VU students and leaders create impact through conversations. In this highly practical workshop, you will learn how to confidently start, sustain and strengthen professional relationships, while practising in a safe, supportive environment with real-time feedback. Through structured activities, role plays and guided reflection, you will leave feeling clearer, calmer and more capable in any networking setting.
Whether you are on campus, at an industry event, or stepping into your first job, this session will give you the tools and confidence to connect with purpose.
We all have the potential to create change, but how do we start? In this interactive session, Afghan-Australian storyteller and ABC producer Mahsa Nabizada takes you on a journey from student to changemaker. Through storytelling, communication and real-world insights, you will learn how to navigate opportunities, build networks, and turn your interests into impact.
This session will encourage you to explore your curiosity, step into leadership, and take action in ways that feel authentic to you.
Closing keynote
The courage to begin before you feel ready
Akec Makur Chuot, Former AFLW footballer & human rights advocate
Akec Makur Chuot is a former AFLW player, media personality, speaker, and entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, identity, and impact. Born in South Sudan and raised in Kakuma Refugee Camp, she resettled in Australia and became the first African woman drafted into the AFLW. Across a six-season career, she played for Fremantle, Richmond, and Hawthorn.
Today, Akec is a commentator, content creator, and advocate for diversity and inclusion, using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices. Passionate about storytelling and empowerment, she continues to inspire the next generation to dream boldly and create their own opportunities.
This keynote empowers students to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose. Through a powerful personal journey from refugee camp to professional sport and leadership, the session explores resilience, mindset, identity, and the power of saying yes before you feel ready. Students will gain practical tools to reframe fear, adapt to change, and step into leadership with authenticity, leaving with greater clarity, confidence, and a renewed belief in their ability to create opportunities, take action, and lead forward.
Catering & entertainment
Professional photography and photobooth
Update your LinkedIn photo during the day and join your new conference friends in group photos during the post-conference networking session!
Catering & networking
Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate or a variety of traditional, herbal and fruit-infused teas before the conference begins. Lunch will feature a selection of delicious hot and cold options, plus a buffet featuring vegetarian salads, assorted roasted protein and condiments all free of gluten and nuts.
Stay for the post conference networking event and enjoy canapés and drinks.
The 2025 Student Leadership Conference theme was 'Authentic & sustainable leadership'.
Morning workshops
Jahin Tanvir, CEO Australian School of Entrepreneurship
Forget boring leadership lectures! This is the real deal.
In this energising, hands-on workshop, you will learn what it takes to lead in 2025 and beyond from one of Australia's youngest CEOs: a Gen Z leader who's been there, done that, and is helping thousands of young people do the same.
We will dive into how to stay calm under pressure, lead through uncertainty, and bring people together with purpose. Whether you are managing a group project, leading a student club, or planning your future career, this session will give you practical tools, real talk, and the confidence to lead with impact right now.
Jahin Tanvir is the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, Australia's largest soft skills training provider. Jahin is a 3-time TEDx speaker, board director, and was named on the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians for 2022, at the age of 21.
As an award-winning advocate for young people, and diversity and inclusion, Jahin was named a 2022 Young Australian of the Year finalist and was the 2021 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year in Individual Community Service. He was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and moved to Australia in 2003.
This interactive session offers an insightful overview of the Inner Development Goals (Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating, and Acting) and their connection to leadership. Participants will engage in practical, hands-on activities to explore how they can authentically develop these essential 21st-century skills.
Based on the Inner Development Goals (Being, Thinking, Relating, Collaborating and Acting) this interactive session provides an overview of the IDGs and how they relate to leadership. Participants will explore real, practical ways that they can authentically build these vital 21st century skills.
Anita van Rooyen (she/her)
Anita van Rooyen is the Founder and Chief of Awesomeness at Student Confidence. Anita used to be the shyest person in the universe… Scared to talk or be seen, her confidence was at level zero. Over time she learned, created and tried all kinds of tools to boost her self-esteem.
Now as a human behaviour expert and Confidence Coach, Anita has helped more than 15,000 young people build lasting confidence, using innovative Australian Government Best practice tools that truly work, so that they can make better decisions for themselves about their study, job, happiness, contentment and even life itself.
Anita is also a proud VU Alum and a 2023 finalist in the VU Alumni Awards (Professional Achievement Award).
In a time when external pressures often shape our decisions and leadership personas, authenticity becomes a radical—and necessary—act. Knowing yourself deeply empowers you to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience. It allows you to stay grounded in your values while navigating uncertainty, complexity, and change.
Sustainable leadership starts from within. In The Power of Knowing Yourself, participants will embark on a reflective journey to uncover the roots of their leadership style—examining personal history, core values, and innate strengths. Through guided exercises and intentional conversation, this session offers space to pause, look inward, and connect the dots between who you are and how you lead.
Come ready to reflect, connect, and uncover the unique leadership potential that comes from embracing who you truly are.
Sarah Dinsmore, Head of Group Customer Experience · PEXA
Sarah Dinsmore is a coach, facilitator, and strategist passionate about cultivating authentic, sustainable leadership. With over a decade of experience in leadership, Sarah partners with individuals and organizations to help leaders grow from the inside out — starting with self-awareness and evolving into action rooted in purpose.
Her work focuses on helping people navigate career transitions, define their values, and lead with greater clarity and confidence.
She has worked across industries, countries, and sectors, guiding everyone from emerging leaders to senior executives through transformational growth. Whether one-on-one or with large teams, Sarah creates safe, energizing spaces where leaders can explore who they are and how they want to show up.
Beyond her professional work, Sarah is a baker with five very sweet furry family members.
Afternoon workshops
Difficult conversations are essential for growth, connection, and integrity. How you navigate challenges—whether you face them or avoid them—shapes both your identity and your ability to lead. In this session, we’ll explore how to approach tough conversations with humility, clarity, and trust. You’ll gain practical strategies to lead through difficult discussions with friends, colleagues, and even yourself while staying true to who you are. Learn how to turn challenging moments into opportunities for deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and meaningful breakthroughs.
Difficult conversations are absolutely essential for growth, connection, and integrity in your life. Your identity and your ability to lead is shaped by whether you approach challenges or avoid them. In this session, we’ll explore how to lead through difficult conversations with humility, clarity, trust. You will discover how to apply the skill of leading through difficult conversations with your friends, workmates, and even yourself while being your authentic self and creating positive breakthroughs on the other side of these tough talks.
Joe Bakhmoutski (he/him)
Joe Bakhmoutski is a passionate advocate for positive change, dedicated to supporting those impacted by trauma through his work as a mental health activist. As the author of Finding Hope in Times of Uncertainty and host of the Power To Be Happy podcast, Joe inspires others to embrace resilience and joy in the face of life’s challenges. Currently a staff member at Victoria University, Joe is committed to fostering growth, leadership, and well-being within the University community.
We often talk about being 'authentic,' but in a world of fakery, AI, and perfectionism, what does it truly mean to be fully yourself as a leader? In this session, we'll uncover practical tools to help you build your personal leadership authenticity style—embracing all its real-life messiness.
We talk about being 'authentic', but in a world of fakery, AI and perfectionism what does it actually mean to be fully you as a leader? In this session we'll uncover practical tools to build your personal leadership authenticity style in all of its real life messiness.
Anita van Rooyen (she/her)
Discover the transformative power of authentic connections in this empowering workshop with provisional psychologist Shelbey Thomas. This experience is designed to help you build and nurture genuine relationships that inspire growth, trust, and leadership.
Through engaging activities like self-reflection, guided discussions, and interactive networking exercises, you'll explore how personal values shape meaningful friendships. Learn how supportive female friendships can provide psychological safety, mentorship, and encouragement, helping you combat imposter syndrome and develop resilience for lasting leadership impact.
Walk away with strategies to create sustainable, trust-based friendships and professional networks that foster confidence and community. Join us to celebrate the strength of female connections and take your personal and professional journey to new heights!
Shelbey Thomas (she/her)
Originally from Texas, USA, Shelbey is a provisional psychologist now based in Australia, bringing a global perspective to the intersection of neurotechnology, artificial intelligence, and mental health. With a background that bridges computer science and psychology, they are passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to support special populations, particularly children and women.
Shelbey has contributed to two World Psychiatry publications under the guidance of Dr. Ron Swatzyna, gaining valuable experience in neuroscience, biomodulation, psychiatric interventions, and technology-driven mental health solutions. Her work is driven by a commitment to evidence-based research, the ability to integrate critical feedback and innovation in mental health care. Furthermore, Shelbey has been invited as a panelist and speaker for various seminars and discussions, sharing insights on childhood trauma and resilience, flourishing in adulthood, and the impact of environmental factors on mental health. Through these engagements, she strived to bridge academic research and real-world application, helping to shape the conversation around mental health, technology, and societal well-being.
Beyond professional and academic pursuits, Shelbey enjoys reading, self care, exploring different cultures, exercising, spending time with family, musicals, singing, and volunteering to support mental health initiatives and underserved communities.
Closing keynote
Vince Lebon, Founder, CEO and Designer, Rollie Nation Shoes
Vince is a proud VU Alumni (Advanced Diploma of Arts, Electronic Design & Interactive Media, 2003) with a lifelong dedication to creativity and design collaboration. His impressive portfolio includes work with renowned brands like Adidas, Asics, and Footlocker, where he's known for his innovative thinking and strategic approach to design.
Originally trained as a multimedia designer in Australia, Vince's love for footwear and product design led him to learn from industry leaders such as shoemaker Andrew McDonald and institutions like SLEM Innovation & Training Institute and Pensole Footwear Academy.
In 2018, Vince moved to Brooklyn, New York, where he received two Pensole Scholarships and won the 'Future of Footwear' Master Class sponsored by Foot Locker x Asics. His brand, Rollie Nation, has gained global recognition for its stylish and playful footwear, earning praise from leading trend forecasters and media outlets like WGSN, NBC, and Elle.
As a sought-after speaker on innovation and branding, Vince shares his insights at prestigious events worldwide. Inspired by culture, music, and fashion, he's passionate about fostering design collaboration and human connection.
2024 Student Leadership Conference
The theme for this year’s Conference was Strength in Diversity. At this one-day event students learned new leadership skills, networked with peers and learned from industry and community experts.
Ashlie and Mickey are Leadership Assistants and LEAD Program Facilitators in the 2024 Student Life and Leadership team.
Ashlie is a student studying a Bachelor in Dermal Science and is currently in her third year. She is experiencing clinical work at the VU Dermal Clinic to support skin health concerns. At VU she has worked as the Vollies Assistant in the Student Life and Leadership team and a Student Ambassador for the Future Student’s team. Ashlie is currently also working as a Student Mentor and a Library Assistant.
Mickey is studying a Bachelor in Cybersecurity and is currently in his second year.
During his first year at VU, Mickey actively participated in various activities such as the LEAD Program and VU Vollies, and served as the treasurer for the International Student Association. He was a V4U Day Team Leader in 2023, further honing his abilities in leadership and teamwork.
Ashlie and Mickey will lead a networking session, explain why networking is important and share tips and tricks you can start practising straight away.
Empowering your mindset & unlocking your potential
Ahlam Haddad, Head of Learning Experience, PEXA
Ahlam has had a wealth of experience in developing strategies and implementing programs that help individuals realise their potential to move to their ideal future state and become better versions of themselves.
Working at organisations such as NAB, ME Bank and more recently Bank of Queensland, Ahlam has contributed to significant enterprise-wise transformation agendas that have changed the way teams work; designing and rolling out programs to become business ready and meet commercial outcomes for organisations. This is why she is the Head of Learning Experience.
Ahlam's happy place is cooking, travelling, unwinding with family and friends or having downtime with her hubby.
PEXA and VU have a Major Alliance partnership in place and work together to support VU students to graduate job-ready, with digital skills for their future careers. In turn, the partnership helps PEXA to grow sustainable talent pathways and support the learning and development of PEXA staff.
Jahin Tanvir, CEO Australian School of Entrepreneurship
Learn about techniques to develop your inclusive leadership skills, enhancing your ability to manage and inspire diverse teams, strategies for integrating diverse perspectives to boost team innovation and high performance. Find out how diverse leadership has led to tangible results in real-world scenarios.
Jahin Tanvir is the CEO of the Australian School of Entrepreneurship, Australia's largest soft skills training provider. Jahin is a 3-time TEDx speaker, board director, and was named on the 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians for 2022, at the age of 21.
As an award-winning advocate for young people, and diversity and inclusion, Jahin was named a 2022 Young Australian of the Year finalist and was the 2021 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year in Individual Community Service. He was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and moved to Australia in 2003.
At this panel event, we will hear from executives and staff from Victoria University's partners including Industry Capability Network (ICN) VIC, Footscray Community Arts, and CommUnity+. These guests will explore the conference theme of 'strength in diversity,' reflecting on their experiences and sharing advice on enhancing inclusivity within their workplaces and communities.
This Panel has been put together by the VU Major Partnerships Team. The panellists are all from organisations that have formal Major Alliance and Strategic Partnerships with Victoria University, actively contributing to the student experience and working collaboratively to benefit the region and communities we serve.
Panel Moderator: Devanschu Arora, President VU Student Union
Devanschu is an international student from India undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering, and is the current President of the VU Student Union. Previously Dev held the position of VP of Education for VUSU and contributed to the executive team of the National Union of Students.
Tariro Makwasha, Development and Customer Strategy Executive Manager at Industry Capability Network VIC (ICN VIC)
Tariro is a transformation strategist at Industry Capability Network Victoria. Combining analytical expertise with inclusive leadership, she connects emerging technologies with people to drive innovation and market impact. Passionate about bridging technology with positive economic and social outcomes, Tariro champions a people-centric approach to unlock shared value for organisations and communities.
Bec is a champion of creating access to contemporary art and performance for everyone. She has worked extensively in local government across leadership, strategic and creative programming roles, spanning public art, galleries, performing arts, creative industry development, major events and activity centre settings. Bec is proudly Palawa.
John Kon, Community Lawyer at Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre, a CommUnity+ program
John was born in South Sudan and migrated to Australia almost 20 years ago as a refugee. John graduated with Bachelor of Laws at Victoria University in 2018 and with a Diploma of Legal Practice in 2019 at Leo Cussen Centre for Laws, and was admitted into Practise in 2019. John is currently a Community Lawyer at Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre, and was acknowledged in the Victorian Parliament for his community work in 2019.
John Garang Kon
VU and commUnity+ share a common mission to support, educate, and empower individuals and diverse communities in the western region of Melbourne.
Be introduced to LGBTQIA+ identity, the barriers faced in everyday life, and empower yourself with the tools to become an inclusive leader.
This workshop will include:
The tools to build safe and inclusive experiences for colleagues and clients
Key concepts and definitions of sex, gender and sexuality.
Evidence based barriers LGBTQIA+ people face at work and accessing services.
Practical tools to support LGBTQIA+ people interpersonally and professionally.
LGBTQIA+ lived-experiences via our expert workshop presenters as they talk about their personal journeys being LGBTIQ.
Minus18 aims to improve the health and wellbeing of, and provide a safe environment for, same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people in Australia, seeking to empower them to feel comfortable and confident in their sense of identity and assisting them to grow as happy, healthy individuals well into the future. Through understanding positive language and relationships, championing self-expression, and exploring the barriers that LGBTIQ people face, we provide the tools to challenge perspectives and create inclusive and awesome spaces for everyone.
Neurodiversity is a movement that is fundamentally about acknowledging, respecting and celebrating difference.
This moves away from the medical model that seeks to fix something defective, and towards a model that supports people to be themselves, to feel comfortable to remove the mask, and to live without barriers to participation and success. This workshop seeks to build understanding of neurodiversity, including the latest information and thinking about autism and adhd, including their interrelationship and autism gender differences.
Tom will share snippets of his lived experience of growing up autistic and what life is like as an autistic adult.
This will be an interactive session where you are invited to ask questions, bring up points for further discussion, and participate in small group discussion. Gain the skills to be able to contribute to a world that is genuinely accepting and inclusive of autism, ADHD and other neurodivergence.
Aspect and VU have a Major Alliance partnership in place aimed at improving the health and wellbeing for people on the autism spectrum. Aspect have opened Australia’s first on-campus community centre for autistic adults at VU’s St Albans Campus. The centre pioneers a new model on-campus model. It creates positive outcomes for adult participants through programs, therapy and education, and VU students through placements and employment pathways into the disability sector.
We all have a unique combination of life experiences. Factors like gender, age, education, race and (dis)ability intersect with each other to shape the way we see and move through the world. Successful leaders are respectful of those differences, and actively take steps to ensure that everyone can feel safe and included in everything they do.
In this interactive session, participants will explore concepts of intersectionality, and learn practical tips for leading projects, events and teams which welcome, respect and celebrate diverse experiences.
Tienyi Long (she/her) is a lawyer and senior manager, specialising in building systems and structures to help for-purpose organisations work better. She is an expert facilitator and mentor, and has worked in universities, government, and not-for-profit organisations, including UNICEF Australia. Tienyi is a first-generation migrant from Malaysia, and she will always be passionate about supporting young people and diverse communities.
Comedy, Connection & the Power of Education Justine Sless – Author, Comedian, MC & Community Cultural Development Practitioner
Justine was born and raised in Sunderland Northeast UK and now lives in Melbourne. She is an author, comedian, and community cultural development practitioner.
When Justine became a student at VU she had a two-month-old baby and very nearly didn’t make it to the interview… but she’s so glad she did – getting that Bachelor in Community Development changed her life!
Sless has utilised those skills in construction, local government and in the non-profit sector. She is author of two books: Mistress of Mirth’s COMEDY Tour, an adaptation of her Masters by Research in Creative Writing from La Trobe University, and Measured Silk & Other Stories - fourteen linked stories about loneliness, connection and belonging.
Justine’s short stories have been awarded prizes, appeared in anthologies and academic journals. She is working on a new collection of short stories and has completed a novel that will be published in 2025.
Justine has written numerous comedy shows and performed at comedy festivals and events nationally and internationally; she also teaches comedy in schools and workplaces.
John Garang Kon
