Moving from Performative to Impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
A Centre of Sustainability and Governance Research industry event
Join Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law (SBL) Centre for Sustainability and Governance Research (CSGR) for a thought-provoking keynote and panel discussion exploring how organisations can enhance outcomes for employees, employers and communities through impactful DEI.
Organisations increasingly recognise the importance of DEI not only because DEI is linked to improved performance and innovation; but also because DEI supports social sustainability and community wellbeing. Many view DEI as both a strategic imperative and the right thing to do.
Notwithstanding these benefits, progress remains slow. Many DEI initiatives struggle to achieve meaningful change due to the absence of systemic approaches that address the gaps between the current practice and ideal states. More recently, internal and external backlash to DEI practice driven by misconceptions and legitimate critiques has further complicated the landscape. Addressing these challenges requires moving beyond performative commitments towards truly impactful DEI which addresses root causes, respond to organisational realities and drive sustainable, measurable change.
Panellists
Tracy Al Saidi
CCIWA Executive Director, People & Culture Officer
Tracy brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to building inclusive, high‑performing workplace cultures that support business success.
Her career spans senior HR leadership roles across the Middle East, Europe and Africa with organisations including AXA, Emirates Airlines and Jumeirah Group. Tracy specialises in enterprise‑wide culture and employee experience transformation, leadership capability systems, strategic workforce and succession planning, and inclusion as a driver of performance and risk management.
Elizabeth Shaw
Partner, PWC
Beth is a Partner in PwC’s Workforce Advisory, supporting clients on people, strategy, culture, change, DEI and leadership. Throughout her consulting career, Beth has had the opportunity to work across a numerous sectors and industries. Beth has actively supported several non-profit organisations working to address different forms of disadvantage. This has included serving as a Board Member of the Stella Prize; President of UN Women Australia; Deputy Chair of the Australian Inclusion Group; and ReachOut.Com. Prior to consulting, Beth worked as a lawyer and led a human rights NGO.
Christine Thompson
Executive Director, Clinical Workforce and Leadership, Department of Health
Christine is a dedicated public servant, committed to delivering public value. Until recently, Christine led the People and Culture Division at the East Metropolitan Health Service, having previously led the development and implementation of the WA Public Sector Diversification and Inclusion Strategy at the Public Sector Commission.
She holds an ANZSOG Executive Master of Public Administration, and Master of Human Resource Management. A fellow of Leadership WA, Councillor on the Institute of Public Administration Australia (WA) Council, and WA representative of the ANZSOG Alumni Council.
Jacqui Warnock
Executive Manager Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Jacqui was born in Aotearoa(New Zealand), a proud Te Whānau-ā-Apanui Māori woman and migrated to Boorloo (Perth) when she was young. Her, cultural connection to people and place, has shaped everything she is and does.
Jacqui is Chair | Terewanga Puha Whanau Trust (Our Mother’s Legacy) & Shareholders of Kiwi Gold Orchards, Aotearoa (New Zealand) where she works to grow and sustain Kiwi Gold Orchards, one of her family’s most treasured legacies.
She is Co-Founder | First Nations ESG – where she works to ensure Indigenous voices lead the conversation on environmental, social, and governance responsibility.
Keynote Speakers and Moderators
Associate Professor Uma Jogulu
Researcher, Centre of Sustainable & Governance Research, SBL | Edith Cowan University
Dr Judy Lundy
Researcher, Centre of Sustainable & Governance Research, SBL | Edith Cowan University