IWD will be returning in 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to our nationwide celebration.
To be notified when registrations open or to explore opportunities for your company to get involved, submit an expression of interest.
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Mona Shindy and Brenda Denbesten at IWD 2025 Sydney
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IWD 2025 Perth attendees
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Mona Shindy photographed with staff and students from St Hildas Anglican School for Girls at IWD 2025 Perth
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IWD 2025 Melbourne
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Natasha Schneider from ADF at IWD 2025 Sydney
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IWD 2024 Perth
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IWD 2025 Sydney
IWD 2025 was made possible with the support of
Keynote speaker
Captain Mona Shindy CSC
Strategic Leader and Retired Naval Officer, MSC
Captain Mona Shindy CSC is a retired Naval officer with more than 30 years of military and business experience. Drawing upon strong academic credentials and the lessons and skills gained throughout a truly inspiring career, Captain Shindy now imparts knowledge to others as an international keynote speaker and strategic leadership and management consultant.
With degree qualifications in engineering, commerce (Advanced Major in Organisation and Management Studies) and arts (Masters in Politics and Policy), Mona has been a trailblazer in male-dominated environments, consistently delivering outstanding organisational outcomes.
Her story is one of forging new paths never before traversed, with courage, integrity, resilience and grit. Through measured risk-taking, systems thinking and reliance on strong emotional intelligence, Mona has been a highly successful, project director, change agent and organisational leader.
She has championed significant cultural and organisational reforms relating to the adoption of innovative best practices supporting a healthy work-life balance and many initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In 2015 she was recognised as the National Telstra Business Woman of the Year and was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the Australia Day honours list for outstanding service as a strategic intercultural advisor.
Captain Shindy is now a highly sought-after author, speaker and strategic business, leadership and management consultant.
Master of ceremonies
Brenda Denbesten – Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney
Brenda Denbesten is a renowned leader in the mining and manufacturing industries, with more than 15 years of experience across technical, operational and functional leadership roles. She is recognised for her expertise in managing large-scale change and influencing critical stakeholders in some of the world’s most male-dominated sectors.
Driven by her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, Brenda is dedicated to creating workplaces where women can thrive.
Brenda’s contributions to the industry have earned her widespread recognition. She was honoured with the Multicultural Business Excellence Award by AusMumpreneurs, acknowledging her advocacy for inclusion and leadership, and is the best-selling co-author of The FIFO Wives Tales and Secrets of the Construction Industry.
Susan Kreemer Pickford FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER – Perth
Susan studied civil engineering in Scotland and then emigrated to Australia in 1999. She worked in consulting engineering and led transport projects before moving into senior roles in client management, business development and industry liaison. Susan is the Engineers Australia General Manager WA and the Acting Deputy Chief Engineer. She joined Engineers Australia in 2015 and represents Engineers Australia on a number of government and industry advisory committees.
Susan was the Chair of the National Science Week WA Coordinating Committee and is currently the Chair of the Curtin University Science and Engineering Faculty Advisory Council and member of the Circular Economy Steering Committee. Last year she was appointed Co-chair of the Gravity Discovery Centre Board. In 2018 she won a Women In Technology WA “20 in 20” award for her commitment to advancing the engineering profession.
Sponsorship
Play your part in building more diverse engineering
International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world.
Our IWD event series has grown in popularity since its inception in 2001, with thousands of engineers and professionals attending every year. IWD celebrations provide the perfect platform to engage with industry and discuss the real ways we can address the challenges facing modern women in the workforce.
Sponsor IWD 2026 and demonstrate your commitment to increasing the diversity of the profession on a national stage.
How sponsorship can help your brand
- Demonstrate your commitment to making the profession a better place for women to work.
- Provide an opportunity for the women in your workplace to grow their supportive network.
- Show that diversity and inclusion is a priority for your leadership.
- Take advantage of promotional opportunities through a multi-channel marketing campaign.
- Gain exposure to Engineers Australia’s 130,000+ members and key stakeholders.
Interested in sponsoring IWD 2026?
For more information about sponsorship opportunities or tailored packages, contact: