At TechDiversity, we were honoured to be invited by our partner Westpac to participate in the Westpac/Infosys Upstander Raise Your Hand event, an inspiring gathering dedicated to reinforcing the importance of being an #Upstander to support greater #Diversity, #Equity, and #Inclusion (DEI) across workplaces and communities.
Luli Adeyemo, our Executive Director, attended on behalf of TechDiversity, joining industry leaders in meaningful discussions that promote inclusivity.
Pictured: Jessica Magro, Executive Manaer, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Technology, Human Resources at Westpac and Cathy Freeman, Olympics Gold Medallist – Sydney 2000
One of the highlights at the event was Cathy Freeman, who shared not only her Olympic story but also the mindset behind her success. She reflected on the calm she felt stepping up to the start line of her final race, a moment rooted in years of preparation and a strong connection to the land and universe, which she described as profoundly humbling. Cathy’s unique perspective on handling pressure—seeing it as a privilege to have so many people rooting for her—resonated deeply with the audience. Her insights into teamwork, the innovation behind her custom-designed skin suit, and the powerful relationship between athleticism and resilience were reminders of the strong parallels between high-performing athletes and high-performing workplaces.
The event panels delved into critical topics like “AI and DEI: With Great Potential Comes Great Responsibility” and “Continuous Improvement: A Journey to Awareness and Inclusivity.”
Pictured: Mel Doyle Moderator; Pieter Vorster, General Manager Data Platforms at Westpac; Luli Adeyemo, Executive Director of TechDiversity; Ankur Chandra, Vice President, Client Partner at Infosys
Luli contributed to the conversation and mentioned TechDiversity’s most recent study called Tech Reflects, emphasising the need for a mission-driven approach to DEI in tech. She highlighted that while TechDiversity and partners like Westpac have championed these values for over a decade, the industry still faces challenges in achieving true representation and inclusion. Luli pointed out that broadening the talent pool beyond traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) roles is crucial to addressing skill gaps, as diverse perspectives are essential to building a well-rounded workforce.
Addressing the role of AI in DEI, Luli emphasised that representation is crucial in the development of AI solutions. Without a diverse design team, AI can perpetuate biases, posing significant risks to business and society. She encouraged a shift in perspective, urging businesses to recognise the value of differing viewpoints as an asset for innovation and inclusivity.
“AI can perpetuate biases, posing significant risks to business and society”, Luli Adeyemo, Executive Director, TechDiversity
The event served as a powerful reminder of the work ahead and the importance of continuous, intentional action in fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. At TechDiversity, we are proud to be part of this journey alongside committed partners, advocating for positive change and raising our hands to support a more inclusive future.
