Disrupted: Panel Series

The Founders Program is UNSW's platform for embedding entrepreneurship in every student, staff and recent alumni's experience. Find out more at www.founders.unsw.edu.au

UNSW Founders Program

Disrupted is UNSW Engineering and Founders panel series where we dive headfirst into the fault lines of innovation and disruption.

Michael Crouch Innovation Centre

Entrepreneurship for Engineers

A curated collection of workshops, events, and programs for engineers looking to launch ideas, build startups, and explore innovation. Powered by UNSW Founders & Engineering.

When: 22nd SeptemberWhat happens when the very systems built to create opportunity are the first to be dismantled?Around the world, we’re seeing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs stripped from institutions under the banner of political expediency. In the United States, "DEI" is being reframed as a threat. Funding is being frozen. Offices renamed. Progress reversed. And the communities who fought hardest for a seat at the table are being told they no longer belong. But this isn’t just about the U.S. It’s a global shift and Australia isn’t immune.So what are we doing, here at UNSW, and across STEM in Australia, to make sure we don’t lose the ground we’ve fought so hard to gain?Disrupted: Not Done Yet is a call to pay attention. A space to ask what it really means to protect inclusion in a world that’s increasingly volatile, polarised, and unequal. Because if inclusion can be undone by politics, it was never embedded deeply enough to begin with.About the PanelHosted by Professor Bronwyn Fox AO, UNSW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research &amp; Enterprise) and one of Australia’s most respected science leaders, this edition of Disrupted brings together a powerhouse panel of researchers, technologists, and advocates to explore what it really takes to protect inclusion in STEM—not as a policy, but as a deeply embedded value in our institutions and culture.Joining Professor Fox:<a href="https://linktr.ee/wendy_wong" title="https://linktr.ee/wendy_wong" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Wendy Wong</a>– AWS Data Hero, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and UNSW PhD candidate building accessible AI for people with learning disabilities. Wendy is a tireless advocate for Women in STEM and has co-founded and led multiple initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and digital skills in tech communities.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghelena/?originalSubdomain=au" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nghelena/?originalSubdomain=au" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Helena Ng</a> – AWS Asia Pacific business leader and global program owner for Women in Channel through AWS She Builds. Helena has spent her career driving diverse representation in business and technology, mentoring women across the Asia Pacific and creating platforms to amplify their voices.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/angieabdilla/?originalSubdomain=au" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/angieabdilla/?originalSubdomain=au" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Professor Angie Abdilla</a> – Palawa woman, creative technologist, Professor at ANU's School of Cybernetics and founder of Old Ways, New. Angie works at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge systems and emerging technologies, pioneering methodologies that centre Country and culture in the design of new technologies.Together, they’ll unpack the hard questions:<ul><li>What lessons should Australia take from the dismantling of DEI programs overseas?</li><li>How do we embed inclusion so deeply it can’t be undone by politics?</li><li>What role must universities, research institutes, and tech companies play in safeguarding diversity in STEM?</li></ul><h4>Visitor Safety Information</h4>The health and safety of our patrons is our top priority, and this event will abide by the Public Health Order prevailing at the time. Please follow our conditions of entry, and check back here for updated information prior to the event.Do not attend the event if you feel unwell, have recently experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.<h4>Live Event &amp; Venue</h4>The Michael Crouch Innovation Centre is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus (<a href="https://unswfounders.com/visit-us-1" title="https://unswfounders.com/visit-us-1" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Directions here</a>).<h4>Access</h4>Wheelchair AccessibleThe Michael Crouch Innovation Centre is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus (<a href="https://unswfounders.com/visit-us-1" title="https://unswfounders.com/visit-us-1" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Directions here</a>). Please refer to the map in our directions page for wheelchair accessible points.<h4>Parking &amp; Public Transport</h4>UNSW is easily accessible via public transport. Call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info, or visit our <a href="https://unswfounders.com/visit-us-1" title="https://unswfounders.com/visit-us-1" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Directions page here </a>which has more information.Paid casual and visitor parking is offered via the CellOPark App and ‘pay by plate meters’. <a href="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/getting-here/parking-campus" title="https://www.estate.unsw.edu.au/getting-here/parking-campus" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">For more information head here</a>.<h4>About UNSW Diversity Festival</h4>UNSW Diversity Festival is an annual celebration, this year taking place 22-26 September 2025. Diversity Festival brings students and staff together to embrace the diversity of our community and ignite conversations about how we can foster a more inclusive society.Proudly hosted by <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi" title="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">EDI in the Division of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement</a>, the 2025 program features events and activities on themes and topics that include cultural diversity, neurodiversity, accessibility, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, sustainability and societal impact.<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi/get-involved/diversity-festival/diversity-festival-2025" title="https://www.unsw.edu.au/edi/get-involved/diversity-festival/diversity-festival-2025" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Find out what’s on at Diversity Festival 2025 and register for events</a>.

Agenda

6pm: Doors Open

6:30pm: Panel Discussion

Light refreshments will be served during networking. To cater for everyone, all food will be vegan, with some gluten-free options available. Please note, as catering is provided by external suppliers, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.