From Atlanta to Zephanii: Meet the badass women headlining Myriad 2018
International Womens Day is all about celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Beginning in the early 1900’s, it is now a day marked around the world with arts performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches.
Rarely in history have we seen such powerful momentum to recognise many of the issues uniquely faced by women, from a global lack of female chief executives to the scourge of domestic violence and the fight to eradicate discrimination in the workplace.
So, to celebrate International Womens Day, we thought this would be a great opportunity to share with you some of the amazing female speakers joining us at Myriad 2018 this year — many of whom are playing key roles in the ongoing fight for equality and inclusion.
Annie Parker — is fast becoming one of Australia’s most influential people in startups, having recently taken on the prestigious role of Microsoft’s Global Head of Startups. Although well known for her various roles setting up Telstra’s Muru-D incubator program and as CEO of Sydney-based co-working space Fishburners, our favourite ‘Annie Mission’ has to be the incredible Code Club Australia which has already taught more than 135,000 Aussie kids to code — All for free!
Follow Annie on Twitter here
Atlanta Daniel — is easily one of the most networked people in the Australian startup community. After building one of the very first startup-oriented boutique recruitment firms in Australia and raising her own venture fund, Atlanta is now recognised for her work as an Investment Director with Blue Sky Venture Capital, under the guidance of fellow female VC pioneer Dr. Elaine Stead. And if that wasn’t enough, Lants also takes a mean Lego photo!
Do yourself a favour and follow Atlanta on Twitter here. Srsly
Karla Ballard Williams — has one of the most impressive CV’s you will ever see. A former SVP at the game-changing Participant Media, developing socially driven projects like Syriana and An Inconvenient Truth, Karla has since left to build Ying, a peer-to-peer skill sharing platform, utilising time credits as a form of payment for skill exchanges. In addition, Karla is also an appointee to the US Federal Communication Committee on Diversity in a Digital Age and has previously managed the National Broadband Opportunity Coalition. And if that wasn’t enough, in 2000 Karla made history when she became the first female President of National Urban League Young Professionals. But most importantly, she probably gives the best hugs of anyone on planet earth. We challenge you not to fall in love with KBW!
Taryn Williams — launched her own modelling agency, WINK at the early age of 21. With a strong desire to create an agency that treated everyone — talent and clients — with decency and respect and ensured talent were paid within seven days, irrespective of when clients paid. 9 years later, Taryn has launched TheRight.Fit, an online marketplace for all creative talent (models, influencers, photographers, makeup artists, videographers, stylists etc).
Follow Taryn on Instagram here
Zephanii Smith — was introduced to civil rights & social justice activism in her early student days. Through her role as President of the Stockton Youth Council & California-Hawaii Youth & College Division, she acted on issues relating to education and criminal justice including Lobby Days and protests for the Voting Rights Act. In California, she spearheaded the development of socially-conscious youth leaders and sustainable youth units across the state.
Phew! And this is just a fraction of the extraordinary women involved in Myriad this year. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or accomplished business leader looking to nurture the next generation, there’s someone to inspire and something for everyone to learn at Myriad.
Happy #IWD2018 everyone — we can’t wait to share even more stories of amazing women in Brisbane this May!
Tickets disappearing fast — Grab yours now at www.myriad.live
