Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal | Psychologist | MultiGen Zen CIC
I am a psychologist with a passion for social justice and a commitment to promoting fairness in multigenerational living. With two doctorates - an PhD in Behavioural adeductions and a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
I have dedicated my career to understanding the complexities of behavioural addictions and their impact on individuals and families. My research has focused on multigenerational living and intergenerational trauma and the need for inclusive therapeutic approaches. As an activist, I advocate for the importance of diversity and inclusion in psychological practice. I provide training for trainee psychologists and psychologists that emphasises the integration of an anti-racism, and power-threat framework. I believe that understanding and addressing systemic racism is essential for creating equitable mental health services. My training sessions encourage psychologists to engage in self-reflection, recognise their biases, and actively work to dismantle barriers that marginalized communities face. In addition to my training and advocacy work, I am passionate about public speaking and have had the opportunity to present at various conferences, including a TEDxNHS talk focused on intergenerational trauma. Through these platforms, I aim to raise awareness about the lasting effects of trauma within families and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to healing. My mission is to decolonise psychotherapeutic practices and empower psychologists to create inclusive spaces that honour the diverse experiences of their clients.
Natalie Maddox-Hussain | Co-Founder | Women Empowering Defence
I am a highly accomplished and results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience as a civil servant in the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles across Commercial, Human Resources, Programme Management, and Cost Forecasting, leveraging my expertise to drive strategic decision-making and operational excellence. My work has played a crucial role in shaping high-impact defence initiatives both domestically and internationally, where I contributed to mission-critical operations supporting global security efforts. In March 2023, I transitioned into the private sector, joining Mace Group as an Associate Commercial Director. In this role, I apply my extensive experience in commercial strategy, contract management, and programme delivery to spearhead major defence projects. My ability to navigate complex commercial landscapes, foster collaboration, and drive efficiency ensures the successful execution of critical defence programmes. Beyond my professional roles, I am a passionate advocate for leadership, diversity, and inclusion within the defence sector. Recognising the need for an independent platform dedicated to empowerment and representation, I co-founded Women Empowering Defence (WED) in June 2023. This initiative is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, championing the contributions of women in defence, and driving meaningful change through mentorship, advocacy, and professional development. With a career spanning both government and private industry, I bring a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to strengthening the future of defence through leadership, innovation, and inclusion.
Caroline McElroy | Senior Service Designer | Cognizant
Originally from New Zealand, I began my career as a Technology Graduate at a leading bank, Westpac.
Early on, I had the unique opportunity to share my two lifelong goals with our CXO: continuous learning and helping others. These guiding principles bring me immense joy as I work toward them every single day. Whilst working as a Graduate and progressing to a Service Designer at Westpac, to achieve my goals, I became Vice President of Public Relations for our Toastmasters community, promoting and fostering a safe environment where individuals could build confidence in public speaking. I also joined an organisation part time, called The Social Experiment, as a Systems Thinking Facilitator, empowering young learners to take action, grow their confidence and make an impact in the world. Today, as a Senior Service Designer for a global technology consultancy, I champion these values as a STEM and TechSheCan ambassador. This volunteer work includes inspiring students, particularly female students, not only with knowledge about Generative AI but also with the exciting opportunities of careers in technology. Finally, I actively contribute to fostering a positive work culture as a lead member of our social committee, boosting morale and engagement. Additionally, as a member of our employee forum, I serve as a bridge between employees and senior leadership, ensuring open communication and collaborative decision-making. Through these roles, I aim to create environments where individuals and communities thrive, driven by the belief that learning and helping others are essential to meaningful progress.
Krusha Vekaria | Packaged App Development Analyst | Accenture
I am a Software Engineer with over two years of experience, specializing in Front End Development for large-scale projects in the public sector.
My curiosity for technology led me to study computing and mathematics at A Levels, and ultimately culminating in a First Class Master’s degree in Computing from the University of Sheffield. Joining Accenture as a graduate, I quickly immersed myself in the world of software development, gaining invaluable experience on complex public sector projects. Over the past years, I have developed both technically and professionally, now leading teams to deliver innovative solutions. I focus on fostering creativity and pushing boundaries while maintaining a commitment to excellence. With a solid background in both theory and practice, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and problem-solving skills to every project. My ambition is to continue driving innovation and evolve into a creative technologist, using technology to positively impact individuals and communities. Beyond my professional role, I am deeply committed to advocating for women in STEM. During university, I led the nationally acclaimed Women in Engineering society at my university, reaching hundreds of young girls to inspire them about careers in STEM. At Accenture, I continue this mission as a co-leader of the UK’s first ‘Girls in AI Summit’ in partnership with TechSheCan. This initiative provides a platform to inspire and educate young girls, helping them build the confidence and skills needed to shape the future of technology.
Hannah Bhindi | Digital Advisor | Macquarie Group
Hannah joined Macquarie Group in 2021, starting her career in Sydney within the Digital division – a division that partners across the enterprise to enable Digital Transformation.
Her expertise lies in process optimisation, service design, and AI, focusing on enabling operational efficiencies and enhancing employee experience. She has managed a range of engagements generating commercial benefits, improving workload sustainability and reducing risks. Recently relocated to London, Hannah is driving adoption of Generative AI in EMEA and executing initiatives to deliver Digital Transformation. A culture carrier at Macquarie, she has led initiatives to bring staff together to learn and connect, including fortnightly lunch and learns, coffee roulettes, AI panel events, and staff achievement spotlights. Hannah is an advocate for gender equity and human rights. She is a former board member of the non-profit ’Project Futures’ and to date has raise +$600K (AUD) to support survivors of human trafficking in Cambodia. She is also part of the Women in Technology Employee Network Group and co-founded ‘WiT Connect,’ a two-way mentoring program that has attracted ~400 participants globally and was a finalist for the Women in Banking and Finance (WiBF) DEI Initiative Award. Hannah holds a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and Innovation degree from the University of Technology, Sydney. Passionate about promoting STEM careers for women, she has represented Macquarie at numerous university and graduate events. She mentors several interns and graduates and will soon become Digital’s lead for the Northern Hemisphere Graduate Program.
Gwyneth Sotuminu | Agile Lead, Delivery Manager | Digital Intelligence
Gwyneth is a Delivery Manager and Speaker with a genuine passion for people. Growing up across multiple countries, she developed a drive for creating spaces where everyone fits in.
She speaks English, Korean and French, is an agile enthusiast, ex-chair of BAE’s Early Career’s Council and leads EDI initiatives, advocating for mental health, neurodiversity, and cultural diversity. As the youngest female scrum master on a complex digital project, now an Agile Lead, she consistently advocates for inclusivity in the tech space. Gwyneth mentors graduates and senior leaders in her business and speaks on diversity and working in agile, most recently at the onetechworld conference and UKBlack Business week. She also recently launched ‘Black Heritage Network’, focused on celebrating the unique experience of black employees at BAE systems UK.
Elena Garcia | Vice President - Infrastructure and Energy Capital | Macquarie Capital
I have a Double Degree MSc in Civil Engineering both by the Polytechnic University of Madrid and by the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris.
After having done a couple of internships in civil engineering in South America during my university years, I have worked in the UK in the financial sector since I left university back in 2015. I joined JP Morgan markets division straight after finishing university, first as a summer intern, and was then offered a full-time position within the Sales, Trading and Research division, focusing on balance sheet solutions and derivatives strategies for financial institutions in Europe. I stayed there for six years, and although I loved following the financial markets and the fast pace, I missed the tangibility of the infrastructure sector I had come to know as part of my university studies, and so I decided to pursue a career change. I then moved on to Macquarie’s Infrastructure and Energy Capital team, which invests Macquarie Group’s balance sheet in infrastructure projects across Europe, focusing on the energy transition, digital and socioeconomic sectors, mostly via private equity and debt instruments. Despite the unusual career path, I have not regretted my decision for a single day, the team covers a broad spectrum of sectors and capabilities, and I have had the chance to work with amazing professionals that I look up to and continue to learn from.
Lavinnia Chelliah | Digital, Northern Hemisphere Lead | Macquarie Group
I currently lead Macquarie Group’s Digital division across EMEA and Americas, based in London. Digital is an advisory function specialising in design, architecture, agile and AI.
I manage a multi-disciplinary team of ten across New York and London, to deliver a large portfolio of programs. I have 10 years experience in digital transformation. I graduated from the University of New South Wales in Commerce and Liberal Studies with a triple major in Finance, Economics and International Relations. I started my career in financial services consulting for Accenture, working across digital strategy, operating model design, process optimisation and post-acquisition migrations. I achieved an accelerated promotion from analyst to consultant for my strong contribution across a post merger integration with a large Australian retail bank. I started with Macquarie Group in 2019 as a Manager, being promoted to Senior Manager in 2021. While in Sydney I managed Macquarie’s Business Design team of eight and worked across process optimisation projects for the enterprise. I moved to London in 2023 to establish our Digital division in EMEA and Americas. In the last 2 years, I have created meaningful relationships with senior leaders (internally and externally) to grow our team to 10 based on a portfolio of $3.5M. I am also dedicated to our internal DEI community through my involvement in the Women in Technology employee network group, where I drive initiatives to attract, retain and develop women in STEM.
Lea Bellion | Project Manager | Cognizant
After gaining a first class honours degree in media production with animation from the University of the West of England, Bristol, Lea has had a varied career in events at the BBC, as a rep on a ship, organising events for a hotel, as an all-rounder for a start-up Will register, and in various customer-facing roles at Britvic Soft Drinks.
Following this, Lea worked at the engineering firm Renishaw for 10 years in various corporate head-office roles (projects, sustainability, trade compliance), where she also worked for over two of those years in Germany. Lea is now a digital marketing project manager at Cognizant, where she has been developing her project management and leadership skills, alongside studying for an MBA in Technology Management with the Open University. In addition to this, Lea is one of four volunteer directors for a community interest company that runs her housing estate of around 450 properties, and 1000 residents. In her spare time, Lea designs and makes silver jewellery and has this year pledged to donate some of her creations to support charitable causes. Lea has been conducting research into the sustainability and environmental issues surrounding jewellery making, initiating discussions with the Environment Agency, and bringing together various parties in the industry to tackle this important topic.
Manueline Desbouvries | Change Management Lead | Macquarie Group
Growing up across various European countries, Manueline Desbouvries developed a deep appreciation for communication’s power in bridging communities.
This early exposure instilled in her a passion for understanding human behaviour and the critical role of communication. At 20, she emigrated to the UK and began her career in internal communications at the Cabinet Office of Her Majesty’s Government (HMG), honing her skills and understanding organisational change dynamics during the first hung parliament and coalition government the UK had ever seen. Her interest in behavioural sciences led her to specialise in employee engagement and change management. At Allied Irish Banks, she played a pivotal role in placing employees at the core of the bank’s recovery post-financial crisis. Within three years, engagement levels tripled, and her team won several awards for their positive results. Relocating to Sydney to start her family, Manueline joined Macquarie Bank’s technology division to drive technology adoption through human-centered change. She worked on large-scale implementations, including the roll-out of MS Teams and Zoom. Building on her success, Manueline transitioned to Macquarie Asset Management to develop its change management capability, essential for the business’s accelerated digital transformation. She focuses on supporting Product Owners to co-create with stakeholders and proactively consider the people-side of digital experiences. As a mum of two girls, aged 7 and 5, Manueline aspires to be a positive role model, demonstrating the importance of a growth mindset through continuous professional development and mentoring junior colleagues. She is also a keen runner completing a half-marathon each year.