Jillian is a passionate, relationship and results driven engineering leader and board director with a proven ability to lead engineers and technicians who design, develop, construct, and operate industry projects and operations. She is experienced in engaging multiple and diverse stakeholders including government and private sectors to produce exceptional results safely and ethically. She is a resilient leader who over the past nearly 30 years has shaped industry in mining and energy construction and brownfields projects, energy distribution and utilisation, mining operations, technical governance, and consulting services.

Jillian received the Professional Engineer of the Year Award at Engineers Australia's Excellence Awards in 2024. 

Bek Pickering currently holds the role of General Manager - Capability Development and is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience across technical, operational, and strategic roles in the 
mining and resources sector. With a foundation in Extractive Metallurgy and an MBA, Bek has led diverse teams through complex challenges 
across multiple commodities, companies, and product groups. 

Her career reflects progressive leadership, ranging from frontline operations and technical leadership to executive strategy roles, culminating in major contributions to pioneering projects like the world’s first autonomous railway. 

Bek’s journey showcases her strengths in team development, organisational change, and inclusive leadership, underpinned by a strong commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainable business transformation.

Professor Sharath Sriram is the current Chief Scientist of Western Australia.  The role of the Chief Scientist is to provide independent, expert advice to the WA Government on topics important to the future of science and technology in the State. 

Professor Sriram, a fellow of Engineers Australia, is a distinguished science and research leader, renowned for creating and delivering breakthrough technologies in the fields of nanoelectronics, sensors, and medical technologies. His work is primarily focused on translating advanced technology for healthcare applications, effectively bringing science fiction to reality. 

Professor Sriram has led and coordinated a $60 million multi-user, interdisciplinary research facility and has led medical device prototyping and scale-up manufacturing initiatives, driving innovation and practical implementation in the medical technology sector. 

In addition to his technical and research contributions, Professor Sriram is an active contributor to science policy, with a particular focus on fostering innovation and developing long-term strategies. He is dedicated to supporting early- and mid-career researchers and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the scientific community. 

Professor Sriram is the current president of the national peak body Science & Technology Australia. 

Professor Sriram began his three-year tenure on 3 June 2025, and is Western Australia’s fourth Chief Scientist. 

Sarah is a dynamic and collaborative leader with over 15 years of international experience in engineering consultancies: supporting the delivery of complex civil infrastructure for clients across the public and private spectrum. She is passionate about change management and developing high-performing teams by inspiring excellence. In her current role as WA State Manager of Mott MacDonald, Sarah is leading the rapidly growing Perth team through a period of transformational change. Sarah is a Graduate of the Australia Institute of Company Directors and serves on the board of HepatitisWA.  

She was a nominee for Young Engineer of the Year in 2021. 

Born and raised in New York City, Henry Cooper has built a career centred on empowerment, equity, and transformation. With extensive experience as a youth worker in high schools, Henry has dedicated himself to inspiring young people to realize their full potential, especially children of colour. His work is deeply rooted in the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to become more than they ever imagined possible.

As the Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager for CEOs for Gender Equity (CGE), Henry collaborates with business leaders to drive meaningful change and create inclusive environments where equity thrives. His commitment to equity is not just professional but profoundly personal, grounded in his understanding of the parallels between the struggles of African American communities and the challenges faced by First Nations peoples—particularly in education.

Henry is passionate about addressing the systemic barriers that hinder access to information, resources, and opportunities. He believes that equity in education is a cornerstone for building a more just and inclusive society. For Henry, the fight for equity is about more than fairness; it’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the tools and support to succeed and become anything and everything they ever dreamed of.

Through his work with youth, Henry has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and representation. He is committed to fostering the kind of change that not only inspires individuals but also strengthens communities. By highlighting the shared struggles of marginalized communities across the globe, he advocates for solutions that are rooted in understanding, collaboration, and a collective desire for progress.

Henry’s work is a testament to his belief that equity is not just a goal—it’s a legacy we leave for the generations to come.