The Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA) has announced the formation of its inaugural 11-person National Committee. The panel will drive initiatives to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within Australia’s rapidly expanding space industry.
The panel members are drawn from various sectors, including space, aerospace, research and development, and human resources, and bring onboard a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Eight of the appointees will join three of ASDA’s co-founders, who remain actively involved in the Alliance’s leadership. Together, the team will spearhead efforts to promote greater representation and participation of underrepresented groups in the space sector through programs that educate, inform, and inspire.
Formed in March 2024 by eight co-founders, ASDA is committed to expanding participation for diverse and marginalised groups in space, ensuring a dynamic and innovative future for Australia’s space industry. As a bipartisan, not-for-profit organisation, ASDA remains independent to maintain its neutrality and dedication to its mission.
The National Committee members
The new national committee members include:
– Anntonette Dailey – Manager of Government Relations at Virgin Australia; Board Member, Defence Council of Victoria and Aviation Aerospace Australia; Deputy Chair, National Committee for Space – Engineering; Co-founder, ASDA;
– Deb Travers-Wolf – Founder, I LEAD Consulting; Convenor, Diversity and Inclusion Committee NSW, Australian HR Institute (AHRI); Academic, UNSW;
– Dwayne Fernandes – Co-founder and Director, Minds at Play & IDEA Services; AstroAccess Ambassador and Manager HR Projects, NSW Department of Communities and Justice;
– Eleanor Ingram – Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, CSIRO Space and Astronomy; Director, For Inclusion Consulting; Chair, Disability Advisory Group RTRFM Radio;
– Jacqui Tyack – Marketing Consultant, The Write Space; Mentor, Aviation/Aerospace; Cofounder, ASDA.
– Katie Mouser – Senior Policy Officer, Australian Space Agency;
– Keira Chrystal – Associate, Moonshot Space Co.; Co-President, Space Research Student Committee; Team Manager, Macquarie Orbital, Macquarie University;
– Larry D. James, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret) – Strategic Advisor, SmartSat CRC; Professor of Practice in Space Innovation, Monash University.
– Mei He – Media & Marketing Coordinator, Saber Astronautics; Co-founder, ASDA;
– Mitch Porteous – Business Manager, HorizonOne; Co-founder, Microforest Collective and Queanbeyan Microforest; Board Member, EveryMan Australia; Mentor, Menslink; and
– Dr Sheila Gough Kenyon – Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Starbound Space Solutions.
“We invite all sectors of the Australian space industry to join us in this journey,” said National Committee Interim Chair Anntonette Dailey. “Together, we can create lasting change that will propel the industry forward.”
Research consistently demonstrates that diverse workforces are more innovative, collaborative, and effective in decision-making. Governments, industries, and academic institutions alike are recognising the need for increased leadership in promoting diversity within the space sector.
ASDA’s goal is to create an inclusive and thriving space community that represents the full spectrum of Australia’s talent and potential.
ASDA is a community partner for the 2024 Indo-Pacific Space & Earth Conference (IPSEC) in Perth from November 26 to 28.
