Nafiza Edds is passionate about helping people find their next role and helping hiring manager’s find the right match for their roles. She been working in the employment industry for 15 years in both NZ and Australia. Her experience includes working in government and corporate roles. She is currently working as a Talent Partner for a Victorian Statutory Government Authority, Workplace Injury Commission, which our purpose is to help injured worker’s of Victoria reach a resolution on disputes on their worker’s compensation. She leads the recruitment for all roles within her organisation.

Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva has been a scientist in the US and the Philippines and a lawyer in Australia and the Philippines. Celia has a PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Massachusetts, set up her own DNA vaccine research lab in the Philippines, and then went to evening law school in the University of the Philippines while raising three children and working full-time as an academic, researcher, and as Associate Dean and then Vice Chancellor for Research and Diliman in UP.

She transitioned from molecular immunologist to lawyer and is currently pursuing multiple careers simultaneously: she is a full-time special counsel; part-time Board Chair of a 140-year-old social enterprise; part-time impact entrepreneur; and an emerging author. She is a passionate volunteer for AMES Australia and Refugee Legal. Celia was awarded the EY Oceania Social Contributor Leadership Award in 2023 in recognition of her activities to promote social justice, was a finalist for the 2023 Corporate Legend Award from the Australian Professionals of Colour, and was recognised by the Philippine Consulate in Melbourne in 2023. Celia set up her social enterprise, Career Transformation Ventures, to empower those from diverse backgrounds for positions of leadership and influence.

Florence Dato is a leader and advocate for multicultural communities and social justice. She is dedicated to influencing policy and promoting social cohesion through her membership on key advisory committees, including the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Regional Advisory Council, the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria’s New and Emerging Policy Advisory Committee, and the Wyndham People’s Advisory Panel. She serves the Filipino community as Vice-President of The Empowered Australian Multicultural Society, President of the Association of Filipino-Australian Generation of Inspiring Leaders, and member of Kababaihang Rizalista Inc., Victoria chapter.

Florence champions workers' rights and safety through her roles with the Victorian Trades Hall Council, the Migrant Workers Centre, and the WorkSafe Multicultural Consultative Group. With 9 years of work experience in fostering continuous improvement in the warehousing and automotive industries, she now empowers migrant workers and their families as a Program Organiser at the Migrant Workers Centre, advocating for dignity, respect, and fairness in the workplace.

Alex is responsible for building relationships between Leo Cussen and various stakeholders in the legal profession including law firms, universities, law students and alumni.

He also manages the Professional Placement Program and the Careers Office.

Alex has delivered a number of presentations to law graduates and experienced lawyers in relation to job-seeking skills and career paths. He also regularly publishes career-related articles for media outlets and websites.

Jacinta Foley is Leo Cussen’s Careers Advisor. Jacinta’s role is to support Leo Cussen grads with career planning and advice. She is an experienced coach, trainer and leader who has worked in recruitment and HR across a variety of sectors, including legal services. Jacinta has managed recruitment at Victoria Legal Aid – so she knows exactly what employers are looking for in new lawyers!  

Johanna Nonato is a migration lawyer and has a special interest in the intersection between migration and employment law