Talk about diversity! The United Nations, Curtin, and a chat show called The Couch

Woman in a red dress, smiling.

Psychology and Business (2005) graduate Neesha Seth.

Neesha Seth enjoyed the good times as a uni student, but she also took her studies seriously – and has a flourishing career to show for it.

“Thinking back to my time at Curtin, I loved the learning environment overall. The culture on campus, the events, lunches at the Tavern after our lectures and tutes … we had a lot of fun,” Neesha says.

While it might sound like a typical student life, Neesha’s uni years were packed with diverse activities – including a volunteer role with the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) and presenting on a local TV chat show.

But she was always focused on studying for her double degree in psychology and business.

“People are the energy that drive life. It’s also important to understanding business and the systems in which humans operate, to have the full picture,” she explains.

“At Curtin, I also gained really important foundational skills for my career – time management, interpersonal skills, diplomacy, for example. Uni was a very comfortable and safe environment to develop these.”

She says it was easy to channel her passion and energy into her studies and the UNAA, because both were about helping people and contributing.

The UNAA works to inform, inspire and engage Australians on the work, goals, and values of the United Nations to create a safer, fairer, more sustainable world. Neesha’s diverse cultural heritage – Greek, Albanian, Indian and Dutch! – added to her passion for the role, and, after 14 years of involvement, she is now president of the organisation’s WA arm of the Young Professionals Network.

Woman behind a podium, speaking into the microphone.

Neesha speaking at a UNAA event.

“It’s a privilege to work with inclusive thought-leaders to progress the greater good. It’s important to acknowledge that humanity lives in a global village and we must face the large challenges together,” she says.

She also has her own consultancy in organisational psychology, working with individuals, teams and organisations to build psychological capital, and to identify and manage psychosocial risk in the workplace.

She also fosters the value of flexibility and diversity, but her focus goes beyond the usual representations and promotes deeper benefits.

“Respect for diversity is integral to humanity progressing. Diversity is multi-layered – race, gender, generational, to name a few – and young people need to leverage the different perspectives that diversity offers, to see different solutions to world challenges.

“Flexibility enables us to deal with our personal challenges. The traditional approach – what I call the ‘single lane’ approach – is dangerous in a world where there is constant change. But if you have a several areas of focus in your life, when one fails you have others to support you.

“We need to support diversity within ourselves as well as outward to the world.”

Oh, and the chat show?

“I’ve actually been a presenter for 14 years on The Couch! It is produced locally and airs on Foxtel, and has a range of segments, from entertainment news and reviews to live music and political debates.

“It’s been a great opportunity to meet exceptional community leaders and to help build social capital.”

Two women sitting on a couch smiling and filming a TV show.

Neesha on the set of The Couch.

Congratulations to Curtin graduate Dr Sandy Chong on being inducted into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame! 👏🎉

A trailblazer and champion of women’s empowerment, Sandy’s journey to leadership is a testament to resilience and dedication to dismantling barriers for migrant women in Australia.

As the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association in WA, Sandy works tirelessly with local communities, civil society groups, and governments to promote peace, social justice, and inclusion.

Beyond advocacy, Sandy is a passionate mentor for countless young women and migrants through organisations like UN Women, Cherie Blair Foundation and Zonta House Refuge, to name a few.

“This award holds profound significance for me, not only as a woman but also as a migrant in this country. Living in Australia for nearly 30 years, I've encountered and witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face - battling hardships, dealing with both societal and cultural stereotypes, and overcoming systemic barriers. 

“The award is not just a personal achievement for me but also a testament to the resilience and strength of all migrant women everywhere,” Sandy says.

We are so proud of you Sandy, and your unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Australia and across Asia! 💛🌏

Read Sandy’s powerful story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WAWomensHallofFame #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #DiversityandInclusion #Changemakers #GenderEquality #Community #Inclusion #Leadership #FemaleLeaders

Congratulations to Curtin graduate Dr Sandy Chong on being inducted into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame! 👏🎉

A trailblazer and champion of women’s empowerment, Sandy’s journey to leadership is a testament to resilience and dedication to dismantling barriers for migrant women in Australia.

As the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association in WA, Sandy works tirelessly with local communities, civil society groups, and governments to promote peace, social justice, and inclusion.

Beyond advocacy, Sandy is a passionate mentor for countless young women and migrants through organisations like UN Women, Cherie Blair Foundation and Zonta House Refuge, to name a few.

“This award holds profound significance for me, not only as a woman but also as a migrant in this country. Living in Australia for nearly 30 years, I`ve encountered and witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face - battling hardships, dealing with both societal and cultural stereotypes, and overcoming systemic barriers.

“The award is not just a personal achievement for me but also a testament to the resilience and strength of all migrant women everywhere,” Sandy says.

We are so proud of you Sandy, and your unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Australia and across Asia! 💛🌏

Read Sandy’s powerful story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WAWomensHallofFame #IWD2024 #WomenEmpowerment #DiversityandInclusion #Changemakers #GenderEquality #Community #Inclusion #Leadership #FemaleLeaders
...

We had a blast at Curtin Open Day on the weekend! 🎉📚

Thank you to all our amazing alumni volunteers who spent their Sunday with us at our Curtin Alumni Human Library stall!

It was great to see the campus buzzing and have so many people visit our stall to chat to the team and write their very own ‘Future Me’ postcards - we hope you enjoy reminiscing and reading them in the years to come! 

These amazing events don’t come together without our alumni volunteers, so a big thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with our future graduates! 💛

Want to volunteer at future Curtin events and connect with fellow alumni? Express your interest via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #CurtinOpenDay #Thankyou #Alumni #Volunteers #Opportunity #Event #PopUp #Volunteering #Community

We had a blast at Curtin Open Day on the weekend! 🎉📚

Thank you to all our amazing alumni volunteers who spent their Sunday with us at our Curtin Alumni Human Library stall!

It was great to see the campus buzzing and have so many people visit our stall to chat to the team and write their very own ‘Future Me’ postcards - we hope you enjoy reminiscing and reading them in the years to come!

These amazing events don’t come together without our alumni volunteers, so a big thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with our future graduates! 💛

Want to volunteer at future Curtin events and connect with fellow alumni? Express your interest via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #CurtinOpenDay #Thankyou #Alumni #Volunteers #Opportunity #Event #PopUp #Volunteering #Community
...

What motivates Curtin graduate Tara Jeisman to start her day at 4AM? ⏰🤯

As the Founder of @_seagals_ , Tara is passionate about waking up at the crack of dawn to create a safe space for women to swim in the ocean and feel comfortable in their own skin. 🌊🏊

What began as an opportunity to seize the day and feed her soul soon became a body-positive movement, with over 125 girls of all ages around the world now following Tara into the surf each week.

That’s not all, Tara is now incorporating her Curtin Psychology Honours degree into her swims by adding self-reflection and mindful moments. As the movement continues to grow, Tara hopes to continue to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and women of all shapes and sizes. 💙 

Dive into Tara’s day above. 👆 

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #Alumni #SeaGals #Movement #BodyPositivity #Women #Swimming #Beach #BodyImage #Community #MentalHealth #PerthisOk #PerthLife #PerthToDo #Scarborough

What motivates Curtin graduate Tara Jeisman to start her day at 4AM? ⏰🤯

As the Founder of @_seagals_ , Tara is passionate about waking up at the crack of dawn to create a safe space for women to swim in the ocean and feel comfortable in their own skin. 🌊🏊

What began as an opportunity to seize the day and feed her soul soon became a body-positive movement, with over 125 girls of all ages around the world now following Tara into the surf each week.

That’s not all, Tara is now incorporating her Curtin Psychology Honours degree into her swims by adding self-reflection and mindful moments. As the movement continues to grow, Tara hopes to continue to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and women of all shapes and sizes. 💙

Dive into Tara’s day above. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #Alumni #SeaGals #Movement #BodyPositivity #Women #Swimming #Beach #BodyImage #Community #MentalHealth #PerthisOk #PerthLife #PerthToDo #Scarborough
...

From the age of 17, Curtin Finance and Marketing graduate Ligwina Hananto took an interest in finance, helping her grandmother manage household bills. 💼📈

Fast forward to 2024, she is the Founder and CEO of her own independent financial planning and consulting company, QM Financial which assists corporations, small businesses, and individuals with all their financial needs.

Outside of work you’ll find the mum of three making people laugh as a popular stand-up comedian in her home country of Indonesia. 

From balancing cheque books at day to creating belly laughs at night, Ligwina shares how she has been able to make a living doing what she loves.

Read the full story via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons  #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #Connection #Business #Leadership #Finance #Comedian #Indonesia #Global #Alumni

From the age of 17, Curtin Finance and Marketing graduate Ligwina Hananto took an interest in finance, helping her grandmother manage household bills. 💼📈

Fast forward to 2024, she is the Founder and CEO of her own independent financial planning and consulting company, QM Financial which assists corporations, small businesses, and individuals with all their financial needs.

Outside of work you’ll find the mum of three making people laugh as a popular stand-up comedian in her home country of Indonesia.

From balancing cheque books at day to creating belly laughs at night, Ligwina shares how she has been able to make a living doing what she loves.

Read the full story via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #Connection #Business #Leadership #Finance #Comedian #Indonesia #Global #Alumni
...

From a young age, Curtin graduate Dr Marnie Gibson was curious about the world around her. 💭

Fast forward to 2024, the Global Director of People for popular tea brand @t2tea hasn’t stopped asking questions. ☕

Not one to shy away from new experiences, Marnie also competitively roller-skates with hopes of joining the national skating team in the future.

The highly professional Human Resources and Engagement leader is encouraging young girls to embrace leadership roles and know their worth.

Discover more of Marnie’s fascinating career journey and side hobby via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #HumanResources #Connection #Business #Leadership

From a young age, Curtin graduate Dr Marnie Gibson was curious about the world around her. 💭

Fast forward to 2024, the Global Director of People for popular tea brand @t2tea hasn’t stopped asking questions. ☕

Not one to shy away from new experiences, Marnie also competitively roller-skates with hopes of joining the national skating team in the future.

The highly professional Human Resources and Engagement leader is encouraging young girls to embrace leadership roles and know their worth.

Discover more of Marnie’s fascinating career journey and side hobby via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #HumanResources #Connection #Business #Leadership
...

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of an international award-winning author, financial educator, speaker, and mentor involves? 👀🤔

One of our most inspiring Curtin Ignition graduates, Co-Founder & Director of Money School, Lacey Filipich shares some of the exciting things she does each day to help create a more equitable future for women.

Whether she’s attending a keynote, recording a podcast, working hard behind the scenes on Money School, or meeting friends for a coffee – no two days are the same for this busy woman! ☕️💻

Dive into a Day in the Life of Lacey above. 👆 

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of an international award-winning author, financial educator, speaker, and mentor involves? 👀🤔

One of our most inspiring Curtin Ignition graduates, Co-Founder & Director of Money School, Lacey Filipich shares some of the exciting things she does each day to help create a more equitable future for women.

Whether she’s attending a keynote, recording a podcast, working hard behind the scenes on Money School, or meeting friends for a coffee – no two days are the same for this busy woman! ☕️💻

Dive into a Day in the Life of Lacey above. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality
...

Curtin graduate Dikshita Awotarowa is already creating spaces where women can thrive in the finance industry. 🙋‍♀️

For Dikshita, embarking on a career in the male-dominated finance industry did come with its challenges, as she often found herself part of a minority in various investor meetings and conferences.

Determined to bridge the gender divide, Dikshita founded the Women in Finance and Investment Network. 

The platform is dedicated to influencing emerging markets by providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women to share their experiences, and ideas and empower each other to reach new heights in their careers and beyond. 💜

This International Women’s Day, Dikshita shares how we can pave the path forward toward a more equitable future via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestinWomen #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality #GenderEquity #Diversity #Inclusion

Curtin graduate Dikshita Awotarowa is already creating spaces where women can thrive in the finance industry. 🙋‍♀️

For Dikshita, embarking on a career in the male-dominated finance industry did come with its challenges, as she often found herself part of a minority in various investor meetings and conferences.

Determined to bridge the gender divide, Dikshita founded the Women in Finance and Investment Network.

The platform is dedicated to influencing emerging markets by providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women to share their experiences, and ideas and empower each other to reach new heights in their careers and beyond. 💜

This International Women’s Day, Dikshita shares how we can pave the path forward toward a more equitable future via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestinWomen #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality #GenderEquity #Diversity #Inclusion
...

Curtin Commerce graduate Brett Marris understands how daunting it can be trying to land your dream role once you’ve completed your studies. 🎓💼

Since graduating from Curtin, Brett has found himself loving life at Rio Tinto as part of their People Experience function, managing the recruitment of a variety of senior leadership and technical positions around the business.

Brett shares below his top three tips for fellow graduates looking to start their career off on the right foot.

𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. This can be something as simple as volunteering your time after hours or helping at an event. Doing this allows you to meet and get to know people you would otherwise not regularly interact with.

𝟐. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. Just because something doesn’t tick every box at a certain point in time, don’t let this deter you from taking a chance or trying something new. You may surprise yourself.

𝟑. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. You never know when you may need to leverage these or when the opportunity to assist someone else will arise.

Thanks for sharing, Brett!

Looking at pursuing a career in mining? Learn more about Rio Tinto's 2024 Intern Program and 2025 Graduate Program, and other great opportunities at Curtin's UniHub here 👉  https://bit.ly/3wyxTky

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Careers #Advice #RioTinto #CareerTips #Graduates #Alumni #HumanResources #Mining

Curtin Commerce graduate Brett Marris understands how daunting it can be trying to land your dream role once you’ve completed your studies. 🎓💼

Since graduating from Curtin, Brett has found himself loving life at Rio Tinto as part of their People Experience function, managing the recruitment of a variety of senior leadership and technical positions around the business.

Brett shares below his top three tips for fellow graduates looking to start their career off on the right foot.

𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. This can be something as simple as volunteering your time after hours or helping at an event. Doing this allows you to meet and get to know people you would otherwise not regularly interact with.

𝟐. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. Just because something doesn’t tick every box at a certain point in time, don’t let this deter you from taking a chance or trying something new. You may surprise yourself.

𝟑. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. You never know when you may need to leverage these or when the opportunity to assist someone else will arise.

Thanks for sharing, Brett!

Looking at pursuing a career in mining? Learn more about Rio Tinto`s 2024 Intern Program and 2025 Graduate Program, and other great opportunities at Curtin`s UniHub here 👉 https://bit.ly/3wyxTky

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Careers #Advice #RioTinto #CareerTips #Graduates #Alumni #HumanResources #Mining
...