Sisters In Colour

In this episode of Sisters in Colour, Christine Mudavanhu sits down with Solange Lipcin Argentine-Australian storyteller, community builder, and communication coach for a powerful conversation about identity, migration, and learning to speak with confidence in rooms that matter.Solange takes us back to her childhood in Buenos Aires, including the impact of growing up with a brother with disability, and how that shaped her emotional maturity, values, and resilience. She shares what it was like starting over in Australia, staying connected to her cultural roots through tango, and creating opportunities from the ground up — from “Curious Sally” (Spanish playgroups and children’s education) to leading a Spanish community school and supporting women entrepreneurs.Together, Christine and Solange unpack the “confidence gap” many migrant women experience — not just language, but posture, presence, mindset, and emotional regulation — and why communication is so much more than words.

Christine and Nora have a conversation about life changing health diagnosis and how leadership and health is at the centre of driving the next phase of their lives.

Melody is an experienced infrastructure commercial advisor with experience in project management, strategy and development. She has worked with clients in providing support through commercial due diligence, and transaction advisory strategies complemented by value-added work and growth strategies for various infrastructure projects. Melody gained expertise while working with KPMG in Botswana and Zimbabwe, honing skills across Risk Advisory, Deal Advisory and Project Management. She has demonstrated experience in managing complex capital-raising projects, developing capital delivery models and crafting organizational redesign for clients while leading diverse teams. Melody provides clear strategic leadership by developing business strategy development and implementing effective change management strategies for clients. She is highly well-regarded by her peers for her excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. Additionally, Melody serves as a board advisory member and mentor.

Urusaro Patricia Rwagaju, known artistically as Saro Roro, is an established design strategist & project lead, accomplished performer and creative, and former Chief Operating Officer. Leveraging her background in analytical sciences as a former geochemical analyst, she brings a unique perspective to her role as a Creative Lead and Design Strategist at the Museum of Sticks & Stones, a pioneering project by Mettlesome. With a Bachelor of Science - Honours Class 1 degree focused on Geological and Earth Sciences from The University of Queensland, Urusaro's academic background underscores her strong foundation in the analytical sciences, having worked in the industry for almost a decade.As a Design Strategist at Mettlesome, Urusaro employs her skills in human-centered strategy design to address pressing social issues, demonstrating proficiency in co-design, workshop facilitation, UX design, and behaviour change strategies. Her previous role as COO for We Are The Movement further enriched her ability to collaborate with diverse communities, emphasising design and wellbeing initiatives. Beyond her professional endeavours, Urusaro is an accomplished performer, musician, creative producer, and model. Operating under the pseudonym Saro Roro, she showcases her artistic talents both as an independent artist, but also as as a key member of the award-winning Matt Hsu's Obscure Orchestra and signed model represented by Rebel Rebel Agency - highlighting her passion and professionalism within the arts. In summary, Urusaro's multidimensional skill set, complemented by her dedication to positive social impact and experience in operations and geosciences, positions her as a standout individual in the realms of art, strategy, and human-centered design.

Sahera Sumar is a facilitator, coach, mentor, and keynote speaker. Previously, Director of the Global Leadership Academy at Schneider Electric. She has worked with leaders in 25+ countries in projects for World Bank, WHO, and AKDN international development. Executive Director for the Human Rights pillar within the United Nations Australian Association (NSW). She holds a Master of Organizational Coaching Psychology, specialises in neuro-leadership and positive psychology.

Kirthi is a Zimbabwean born women of Indian origin who is a multi faceted finance professional, with experience in strategy and decision making, reporting to stakeholders, financial modelling, cash flow & reporting , capabilities in human resourcing and cloud technology & managing outsourced team. Kirthi is currently the CFO of Ecolife Solutions Pty Ltd - Pipe Lagging & Insulation. She is a championing diversity in the male dominated space of of the construction industry. Outside of work she is a wife and mother to two daughters. She is a self confessed Foodie who loves Indian Fusion Food and if she was not changing the world through finance she would be changing the world through her food.

An Operations and Continuous Improvement Professional with hands on experience in the development and execution of safety and operations improvement programs. Over 16 years of experience across mining, manufacturing and technology complemented by a strong operations management and change management background. Working with top tier companies such as BHP, Orica and the Federal Government of Australia, Brenda has experience in technical roles, people leadership and functional support. More recently, she was part of the team that delivered the largest single autonomous mine site conversion for BHP’s Goonyella Riverside Mine.

Dr. Popi Sotiriadou (Managing High-Performance Sports) is an esteemed expert at the intersection of sports, technologies, strategy and management, and marketing. Her extensive research and expertise focus on analyzing and improving the strategic and operational aspects of sports organizations. She has delved into various areas such as sports technologies, pathways, governance, policy, sponsorship, consumer behavior, and event management. Dr. Sotiriadou's research interests also include managing high-performance sports, elite athlete branding, the Olympics, and sports development systems and policies for inclusivity and equity in sports. Her groundbreaking research has gained international recognition, leading to consulting roles with esteemed organizations like the International Olympic Committee, Sports Australia, Sarawak in Malaysia, and the Queensland Academy of Sport. Dr. Sotiriadou serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Sport Policy and Politics and an editorial member for the Journal of Sport Management and the Journal of Global Sport Management. She is a Commissioning Editor for Australian Outlook. Her research findings shed light on the intricate dynamics between sports organizations, stakeholders, athletes, and consumers, providing valuable insights for effective decision-making and sustainable development in the sports industry. These insights have practical implications for sports managers, policymakers, and marketers, helping them navigate the ever-evolving global sports market. Dr. Sotiriadou's work emphasises inclusive practices, programs, and policies that attract, retain, and nurture participants, athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers in the sports industry. She has also extensively explored athlete and personal branding strategies. Dr. Sotiriadou is the editor of the book "Managing High-Performance Sport" and a foundational member of the Sport and Gender Equity @ Griffith research hub. She held the position of Director for the Bachelor of Business Innovation at the Griffith Business School in Australia and is involved in various impactful pedagogies and communities of practice. Her expertise focuses on authentic assessment, design principles, interactive orals, and curriculum mapping. With over 25 years of pedagogical research experience, Dr. Sotiriadou has published in highly regarded journals and received recognition for her teaching excellence. She actively shares her experiences and research globally, contributing to the advancement of learning, teaching, and assessment practices in higher education.

Vaoiva (Iva) Ponton completed her PhD in education at the University of Melbourne. She investigated the motivations of Melbourne-based Samoan students to learn, what concerns them, and impediments to their educational success. She has spent the last 25 years as an educator, and is interested in strategies to enhance student success in the transition from school to the tertiary sector. Iva is passionate about utilising Pacific methodologies when supporting communities to achieve educational and social outcomes with success. Her favourite way to unwind is to walk on the beach.

Dr. Morley Muse is a distinguished Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer of Nigerian heritage. Dr. Muse brings extensive expertise in areas like waste-to-energy generation, wastewater treatment, renewable hydrogen production, biofuels, and the broader energy transition, including storage, transmission, and waste heat reuse. Her professional journey spans across academia, government, and industry sectors, including roles in consulting and construction. Dr. Muse's notable contributions extend beyond engineering. She is a board director with Women in STEMM Australia, an ambassador for CSIRO's Innovation Catalyst Global, and an Advisory Group Member for the Elevate:

I am a driven and results oriented individual. My work ethic is uncompromised as I am a true believer that there is no substitute for hard work. My cultural background and upbringing have cemented high levels of morality. I take pride in my diversity not only because I am an African/Australian woman but also through my education and career experiences.

Sheetal (she/her) is passionate about leveraging platforms and privilege to connect ideas, people, and opportunities to amplify underrepresented experiences and voices. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging Professional | Published Author | Human

Agnes is a Registered nurse. She is the founder and owner of Zebra Aesthetics. Zebra Aesthetics aspires to perfection and strives to create a natural appearance for you. Achieve your best skin ever with our treatments tailored to your specific needs while feeling relaxed, comfortable, and calm before, during, and after you have had your cosmetic treatments. https://zebraaesthetics.com.au/home/

Mahsa Hajjari is passionate about creating a world that works for everyone. Mahsa has diverse experience in private sector and community sector, Mahsa has worked in three different continents (Asia, America and Australia) Iran Us and Australia. Masha believes the social issues that we are dealing with around the world will only resolved by combining forces and different viewpoints not by division and blaming the other side.

Dr Faiza is a leading Academic based at UQ University. She is a recognised Social Change Specialist, Design thinking approach to diversity training. policy design, International Development and Refugee settlement. She is the Principal Consultant for Square Circle Square Circle is a global development consulting company headquartered in Brisbane, Australia. Working at the intersection of theory and practice, Square Circle offers services in collaborative investment design and adaptive programming; leadership and policy; governance; institutional strengthening; digital storytelling; research; monitoring, evaluation and learning; and conflict, peace and development. Square Circle works critically, adaptively and creatively with development partners to facilitate a more inclusive development process that enables sustainable and equitable impact.

Dr Natasha Alexander works primarily in the area of sexuality, relationships, consent and adult safeguarding with people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Dr Alexander supports individuals and their support network - family members, support staff and clinicians. She has a strong reputation for being warm, engaging and an 'infectious enthusiasm' that people always feel at ease in her company.

Judith O’Callaghan has been leading SAP Transformation journeys powered by #ancientwisdom. She is currently based in Australia, helping utilities in their energy transition journey. She is a passionate neurodiversity advocate working to create a stronger, kinder, safer and more accepting world daily.  

Dung Tran is the amazing co-founder of Our Race. Dung has worked in the Public Sector at senior level working for Commonwealth Government advocating for equality and fair treatment of people who interact with government who are from marginalised background. Dung is passionate about bringing integrity to story telling and has invested her life into working to create a fairer framework for Story Holder by the application of the T.E.S.T Principles for Tranformational Ethical Story Telling Framework .

Emmagness is a marketer with over 10 years' experience and a budding entrepreneur.  She currently wears alot of hats which she absolutely loves: She is the Founder and head of Marketing as a Service for VAKA - a Brand and Marketing Consultancy. VAKA means build, everything that Emmagness does in her work she makes the conscious choice to work on setting a foundation and building - brands, voices, empowered communities.

Wadzanai (Wadzi) Nenzou is a Financial Services Professional with over seventeen years’ experience in the industry. She is the Founder, CEO, Investment Scams Fighter, Financial Educator, Speaker, Commentator, Panellist and Writer at Herconomics a mission-driven education company that is passionate about people especially women building their wealth without losing their hard-earned money to investment scams.

Dr Onyango is an interdisciplinary research scientist with research and career experience spanning industry, academia, policy, private sector, and inter-governmental organisations in developed and developing countries. She holds a PhD in Environmental Science and a Master's and a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences.

Janae Tien Jenkins is an Australian Broadcaster who is currently working for the ABC since 2018. Janae has been based both in a regional location ( Wide Bay) and in a Capital City (Brisbane) Janae started her career in community radio and got her foot in the door at ABC in 2017 with an internship. Starting in Radio producing, Janae has been privileged to work in multiple departments and have many roles ranging from online and digital feature reporter, News Journalist, Video Journalist, Radio producer/presenter, Social Media Coordinator, Content and Engagement Producer, and podcast producer and reporter. Diversity & inclusion has been at the forefront of everything Janae does. Janae has worked on local and national initiatives ensuring that staff are constantly learning and appreciating DE&I and that the content ABC creates is reflective of modern Australia.

Dr  Maggy Lord is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland (https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/16992). She leads the Infrared surveillance and diagnostics team within the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on developing novel and rapid next-generation surveillance and diagnostic tools for the detection of infectious pathogens in humans and the environment and for characterising disease-carrying vectors.  Her current specialisation involves the development of next-generation, smart, non-invasive tools based on infrared light. She recently pioneered the application of infrared light for detecting malaria through the skin of patients (https://stories.uq.edu.au/news/2022/life-saving-light-beam-to-detect-malaria/amp-index.html)

Sharon Orapeleng is a disruptive change maker and transformational leader with 15 years experience in the field of mental health as well as cultural diversity and inclusion specialist. A corporate and community consultant, she specializes in facilitating ideas and developing partnerships and relationships that liberate learning and create safe spaces where the essence of collective community wellbeing is realised.

Ursula Lepporoli is a partner at KPMG. She has 17 years of extensive experience as a strategic global mobility tax expert providing a full suite of tax services to companies, expatriates and high net worth individuals. She brings an exemplary track record leading teams to deliver innovative client-centric solutions that exceed expectations while meeting compliance and regulatory obligation. She was awarded Global Mobility Champion of the Year award due to her commitment to the movement of talent across borders through tax.

This week we are speaking with the amazing Leslie Crudup Villagarcia whose life work is dedicated to working with her client to forge a purpose driven life on their terms and not by society's terms. Leslie is a activist, a life coach, photographer, book lover she has an amazing book club which focuses on mindset and personal growth and development. 

An interview with Rebecca Kanoerera, A Business Leader, Coach, Facilitator and Author.

What does it take to thrive as a medical doctor as a woman, as a migrant women practicing medicine in the United States. How does gender, race and the complexities for gross inequities impact women of colour entering the medical profession. How can we get more women into surgical programs and more migrants working in medical field that they are trained in 

TEDx Speaker Nina Concepcion is a Sales Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Author & CEO at the Institute of Conscious Sales. She has supported coaches and entrepreneurs in 12 different countries in building their businesses from zero to multi-six figures. 

Episode 14: Diversity and Inclusion Researcher and passionate advocate for the women of Iran. 

Talking to Fadzai a domestic and family violence lawyer, talking about the impact of domestic and family violence on the multicultural community with a focus on African communities and the CALD communities. If this conversation has triggered anything please seek professional help from the appropriate lines below.  Helplines:  DVConnect Womensline 1800 811 811  DVConnect Mensline 1800 600 636 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

Orode is the current President for Queensland's Chapter of the African Professionals of Australia. She is a Community Engagement Manger for QUT, She owns her own disability support service Jeovic Community Care. She holds a Bachelors of Law. She is a passionate advocate and a brand ambassador for Nigeria, APA and all things that support success and thriving of African women both in Australia and abroad.  

Join Christine with special guest Rebecca Taylor an African American woman working in Australia. She is a driven millennial who is moving and shaking things up in the Human Resources space. She is an HR Executive, she has over 10 years of experience in Global Talent Acquisition, and Human Resouces Consulting. She is one of the few women of colour occupying a senior position in corporate Australia. She is passionate about showing up unapologetically as herself and bringing all of whom she is to the spaces that she occupies. Rebecca has built over the years strong leadership skills which have guided her in attracting and developing high-potential talent and developing senior leaders that drive strategic decisions to improve business outcomes and the enterprise's initiative. Rebecca is born in the United States and has been in Australia for just three months.

Join Christine for another inspiring Sisters in Colour episode this week as she talks to Naseema Mustapha, a Tourism professional and Social Justice. This is a great story on her background through her education, travels and her values in life.

Join Christine and Special Guest Cissy Ma on Sisters in Colour. Be inspired by her wealth of business knowledge, her involvement as an experienced capital raising adviser for business, SheEO Activator and her role as a prominent leadership professional , guest speaker, coach and mentor.

Join Christine with Special Guest from the UK, Entrepreneur Shareen Michopoulos, an international cultural and transitional coach. Hear all about her personal development business success in this informative interview on Sisters in Colour.

Join Christine and Special Guest Jacque Mgido from Los Angeles. Jacque's is an outstanding LA based makeup artist working with A-List celebrities. Sha hails from the continent and is she is a fellow Zimbo who is working doing and building an amazing makeup brand and giving back to our beautiful country Zimbabwe.  

Join Christine with special guest Myrna Widlend for an engaging, life changing and inspiring discussion on being positive in these changing times in business and your personal life. Also, learn about her business interests in vision-boarding and why its growing with participants joining the program from around the world.

Join Christine with special guest Sharon Maji, a medical doctor working in remote indigenous communities of regional Queensland. Listen and learn about her entrepreneurial skills as well as being a philanthropist. It's another amazing story being told on Sisters in Colour.

Join Christine and special guest Rebecca Munyuki from South Africa. An Experienced IT person who has an amazing life-story and a real passion for personal development. Rebecca also has her very own successful platform 'Rebecca Talks' and will talk about that as well in this very inspiring podcast Sisters in Colour.

Join Christine with Special Guest Akua Larbi. Hear about her business success in the field of engineering and being a fly-in, fly-out employee. Besides working long hours hear about her busy lifestyle that includes further study, travel and her small business interests. I'ts another inspiring interview on Sisters in Colour.

Join Christine and special guest for this week Urissa Chinia, the founder of Lovesmiles - Teeth Whitening product. Hear about her business success and her life story.

Join Christine in her very first Sisters in Colour podcast episode with special guest Elena Volkova who will talk about growing up Russian and rising to the very top of her profession under the mentorship of her amazing mother. This is an amazing life story to listen to from her early beginnings to her present day project. You'll be inspired so don't miss it and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast.

Join Christine Mudavanhu for her new podcast called Sisters in Colour from March 2020. This podcast will enable multicultural women to tell their stories of success in business. Through each podcast you will learn and be inspired by their stories and I hope you'll join me on this journey.