Chair – Professor Betty Leask
South Australia
Emeritus Professor of International Education, La Trobe University, Melbourne
Professor Emeritus at La Trobe University and Visiting Professor at Boston College Centre for International Higher Education, Betty Leask, is an internationally renowned researcher, educator and thought leader on internationalisation of the curriculum and higher education. Professor Leask has led multiple national research projects on teaching and learning, and has recently worked on projects in Brazil, Chile and Mexico.
Mr Ignacio Hernandez
New South Wales
Chief Executive Officer of HIF Asia Pacific
Mr Ignacio Hernandez has more than thirty years' experience in the banking, finance and energy sectors in Australia, Asia and Latin America. Mr Hernandez is CEO of Asia Pacific for HIF Global, the world's leading e-fuels company, which is developing large scale, green hydrogen-based plants located in Australia, Latin America and the US. Before HIF, Mr Hernandez spent over 18 years as an investment banker in Australia and Chile, with a focus on the infrastructure and energy sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Economics from The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ms Mara Bún
Queensland
Company Director and advisor to sustainable finance, climate technology and carbon/nature markets
Co-Founder and Board Director of “The Conversation Brasil”
Ms Mara Bún specialises in sustainable finance and innovation to drive decarbonisation and nature restoration. Following a high-profile executive career across finance, non-profit and R&D sectors, Ms Bún now serves as a Company Director and advisor in civil society, sustainable business and research sectors to drive lasting commercial, social and environmental impact. Throughout her career, Ms Bún has fostered Australia-Brazil collaboration, including at the CSIRO, where she facilitated biofuel R&D with Brazilian R&D agency Embrapa. Ms Bún is a dual Brazilian/Australian citizen.
Mr Ben Poveda-Alfonso
Northern Territory
Senior Policy Officer, Northern Territory Government
Co-Founder, Kindness Shake
Mr Benjamin Poveda Alfonso is the co-founder and Chair of the multi-award-winning not-for-profit organisation, Kindness Shake, which provides support to migrants, refugees, international students and temporary visa holders in the Northern Territory. Mr Poveda was raised in Villavicencio, Colombia and moved to Australia in 2015 as an international student to study English and accounting. Two years later, he was elected as the National Secretary of Australia's peak national student body for international students (Council of International Students Australia). Mr Poveda has held numerous board roles with community and education organisations, including with Melaleuca Australia.
Ms Irma Enriquez Thompson
New South Wales
Artistic Director, Cultural Promoter and Pianist, Music from IberoAmerica in Australia (MIA)
Ms Irma Enriquez is a Mexican-Australian pianist and awarded cultural promoter with over 30 years' experience in the industry. Ms Enriquez has performed across the globe and has been a guest speaker at conferences including Contemporary Latin American Music, International Women’s Day, Women in the Arts, and Hispanic Culture Heritage. Ms Enriquez holds accreditations earned in both Mexico and Germany in Governance, Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations. Ms Enriquez is a Board Director of the Music Teachers Association of NSW and was previously Associate-Professor at the Australian National University’s Centre for Latin American Studies.
Ms Christine Gibbs Stewart
New South Wales
Chief Executive Officer, Austmine Ltd
Ms Christine Gibbs Stewart is a business and community leader with over 35 years of experience in senior management, industry development, and international business. Ms Gibbs Stewart is currently CEO of Austmine, the leading industry association representing Australia’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. Ms Gibbs Stewart brings deep expertise in international markets, with a strong focus on Latin America, where she has worked extensively across diverse industries. In addition to her role at Austmine, Ms Gibbs Stewart holds board positions with two other organisations and is a former director of the Australia–Latin America Business Council (ALABC).
Dr Erin Watson
Victoria
Co-founder and Chair, Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue
Managing Director, Baker & York Public Policy and Strategy
Dr Erin Watson PhD is Managing Director of Baker & York, an international public policy consulting firm where she advises companies, governments, and international organisations on emerging political and economic trends across the Indo-Pacific. Dr Watson is Founder and Chair of the Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue, Australia's preeminent youth organisation to strengthen relations between the regions. Dr Watson has represented Australia at eight G20 summits, including in Argentina.
Mr Carlos Colina
Victoria
Executive Producer SBS Spanish
Mr Carlos Colina is a seasoned journalist and radio broadcaster. Mr Colina currently serves as the Executive Producer of SBS Spanish, overseeing a diverse range of programs covering news, current affairs, sports, health, community issues, and migration. Mr Colina is renowned for in-depth interviews with high-profile guests, including presidents, government ministers, leading scientists, celebrated artists, and prominent athletes. Mr Colina holds a Master’s Degree in Communication, alongside Diplomas in Radio Broadcasting and War Journalism, reflecting a commitment to excellence and versatility in media.
Ex-officio Members
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ex Officio - Mr George Mina
Deputy Secretary, Trade and Investment Group
Austrade Ex Officio - Elizabeth Fells
General Manager, Government and Policy Division
Department of Education Ex Officio - Ms Vanessa Lapthorne
Assistant Secretary, Engagement Branch, International Division