Helen Conway
CEW President
Helen Conway is an experienced leader, director, senior executive and lawyer who has worked across commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors. Helen spent 10 years in private legal practice, including seven years as a partner in a major Sydney law firm, before moving into the corporate sector. She has extensive board experience across health, transport, energy, housing, education, financial services and family violence.
Helen was previously Judicial Head of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal and founded the Australian Government's Workplace Gender Equality Agency. She is currently Chair of KU Children's Services, Australian Business Volunteers and Mary's House, and a Non-executive Director of the NSW Energy Security Corporation and Youth Off The Streets.
Lisa Annese
CEO, Chief Executive Women
Lisa Annese commenced her role as CEO of Chief Executive Women in January 2025. Prior to this, Lisa spent 10 years as CEO of Diversity Council Australia, where she led groundbreaking evidence-based research including Australia's first national workplace diversity and inclusion index.
Lisa was appointed to the NSW Women's Advisory Council in 2024 and reappointed to the Respect at Work Council by the Attorney-General. In 2018 she was named in the AFR's 100 Women of Influence. She is also a member of Chief Executive Women.
Linda Brown
Founder and former CEO & President, Torrens University Australia
Linda Brown founded and led Torrens University Australia before scaling it and completing a $1 billion exit. She is an EY Entrepreneur of the Year and — for the third consecutive year — one of six global judges evaluating 46 country winners, making her the first Australian winner to become a global judge in 25 years.
Li Cunxin
Former Artistic Director, Queensland Ballet; author and speaker
World-renowned ballet dancer and author of Mao's Last Dancer, Li Cunxin shares one of the most remarkable stories of hardship and courage of our time — from rural poverty in China to global stages and his dramatic defection in the United States.
Sara James
Emmy Award-winning journalist and author
Emmy Award-winning journalist Sara James joins us for a powerful conversation that goes beyond inspiration. By attending the dinner, you share an unforgettable experience with colleagues, clients and emerging leaders — while directly supporting CEW Scholarships.
