Meet The Team

DAWN EMSEN-HOUGH (she/her) GAICD

Director, ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs

Academic & Professional Qualifications:

  • B.Ed (Adult Ed) – Major HR – UTS
  • Masters – Cognitive Science – UNSW ; Four years pre-doctoral work in Cognitive Psychology, UNSW
  • Appointed Adjunct Senior Fellow, University of Queensland, December 2022
  • Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Accreditations:  Professional Speaker APS (NSAA); Accreditation Training Professional (MAITD); Accredited Prince2 Practitioner;
  • Psych / Behavioural Instruments: MBTI, DiSC, TMS, NLP.

Recognitions and Awards

  • 2014 100 Women of Influence Award – Australian Financial Review/Westpac;
  • Australia’s Outstanding 50 LGBTI Leaders (2018) – Deloitte / Google

Dawn Emsen-Hough is the Director of ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs (Pride in Diversity, Pride in Sport, Pride in Health + Wellbeing, Pride Training). All programs provide employer support for all aspects of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) inclusion.

Dawn started within ACON in 2009 specifically to develop and establish a national Pride in Diversity Program and to develop the Australian Workplace Equality Index (national benchmark on LGBTQ workplace inclusion). Since that time, the program has grown substantially and gained an international reputation for its leading practice and gold standard index.

Dawn now heads up a team of 45+ with dedicated teams focused exclusively on the inclusion of LGBTQ people within workplaces, sports and health and wellbeing services; in addition to a team offering bespoke LGBTQ+ inclusion training across a variety of industries and sectors.  In 2022, Dawn established a specialist team within the division to increase focus on data, academic publications and research.

Dawn currently participates on Corporate Diversity Boards and has spoken both nationally and internationally (UK, US, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, Amsterdam) on LGBTQ inclusion. She meets regularly with international counterparts in order to monitor, gauge and shift practice in LGBTQ inclusion gauging best practice internationally and contributing to international recommendations and discussions on future trends.  Dawn is passionate about the utilisation of indices and data to measure and drive practice.  She has co-authored several academic publications and written 5 publications on aspects of LGBT+ workplace inclusion.  Dawn lives with her partner of 40+ years, Judy and their border collies in Sydney’s inner city.

CHRIS KEELY (he/him)

Deputy Director – Pride Inclusion Programs

Chris Keely joined Pride in Diversity after an extensive career in senior roles in media, telecommunications and Government.

This includes roles in major content corporations such as Paramount International, SingTel Optus and SBS Australia, as a commercial and media lawyer, an advisor to Federal and State Ministers and in the NSW public sector. His career has spanned the private sector, Government, and not for profits, across the Asia Pacific with roles in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

In recent years Chris prioritised LGBTQ Diversity and Inclusion as a co-founder of SBS Pride and Allies, SBS’s Employee Resource Network and a foundation member of SBS’s Diversity Council. He has been named as one of Deloitte’s 2020 Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders, a member of Australian Pride Power List 2019, and a member of the Australian Press Council Round Table on reporting of LGBTQ people and issues.

ELAINE CZULKOWSKI (she/her)

Associate Director – Operations, Events and Partnerships, Pride Inclusion Programs

The former Fundraising Manager for the successful Marriage Equality Campaign, Elaine is now the Associate Director for Operations, Events and Partnerships for Pride Inclusion Programs at ACON.

She also has over 20 years experience  in a number of senior roles in the management consulting industry including Head of Recruitment APAC and Head of Business Development at L.E.K Consulting and a global role in Enablement with The Boston Consulting Group.

As an accomplished professional, Elaine has used her many years of corporate experience to support a number of NGOs and community groups as she is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion:

  • Sydney Woman of the Year (2017)
  • ACON Honour Awards Community Hero 2017
  • Former Chair of the Events and Fundraising Committee for Australian Marriage Equality
  • Former Non-Executive Director at Out For Australia, a mentor program for young LGBTQ professionals transitioning into the workplace
  • Former Board Associate with Queer Screen who celebrate the diversity of sexualities and gender diversity through the power of storytelling on screen.
  • Volunteer for the Bingham Cup, Australia
  • ACON Rover
  • Deloitte Outstanding 50 LGBTI Leaders 2020
  • Member of Inner City Legal Centre (ICLC) Foundation Board
  • Chair of Qtopia Board – Sydney’s first Queer Museum

 

NICKI ELKIN (they/them)

Associate Director, Quality, Training & Research, Pride inclusion Programs

Nicki has over 15 years’ experience in a number of commercial roles across a wide range of sectors, both in the UK and Australia.

Nicki has a strong corporate background, is skilled at the development and implementation of sales and marketing strategies, and is passionate about creating and managing relationships with industry KOLs and stakeholders, to achieve mutual goals.

A committed advocate for inclusion and diversity, Nicki was a foundation member of the Medtronic LGBTQ network, Pride.

Nicki has a BEng (hons) in Mechanical Engineering from University of Leeds, an MBA from Leeds University Business School and a Master of Marketing Communication from University of Canberra.

Nicki’s experience in strategy development, stakeholder engagement and project delivery will add value to our members.

CHRIS NELSON (he/him)

Associate Director People, Pride in Diversity

Chris Nelson is a senior Human Resources leader with over 20 years’ experience in the finance and insurance industry across both specialist and generalist areas, including talent management, succession planning, remuneration strategy, engagement, leadership, change and building diverse and inclusive businesses.

Chris was a foundation committee member of the Commonwealth Bank’s LGBTQ network, Unity.

Prior to his career in Human Resources, Chris worked in various leadership business operations roles and as a project manager.

He is also an experienced executive coach and LGBTQ counsellor.

Chris is a Certified Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute (CAHRI), a member of the Australian Institute of Management, a member of the Ethics Centre, and has been a NFP Board Director. Chris has a Bachelor of Theology, a Graduate Certificate in Adult Education and an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

Chris is known for his ability to keep Human Resources practical and human-centred. He has a strong corporate background and has a great passion for coaching executives to influence not only their leadership capability, but also to impact the business more broadly by changing the thinking on employee engagement and building the sort of culture that supports a great business.

TIDGE BACKHOUSE (they/them)

Relationship Manager, Health – Pride in Diversity

Tidge joined the team with a background of being an advocate, consultant, and trainer with lived experience as a gender diverse, neurodiverse, sexuality diverse and often othered individual. Their experiences and passion have led them to develop a strong expertise and ability to engage with organisations to build awareness, capability, and empathy whilst working to critically consider how their systems may have inherent barriers to inclusion.

Tidge joined ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs after most recently working in the NSW Health system and is passionate about seeing meaningful change in health and human service organisations. Their major achievements whilst working at Northern Sydney Local Health District were: planning and hosting the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Health Symposium as part of World Pride 2023; leading a large organisation through the Australian Workplace Equality Index; growing and leading the Pride+ Employee Network as co-chair; and contributing to their Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging strategy and associated initiatives.
Tidge has studied Diversity & Inclusion with The Culture Ministry and they bring with them a confident, professional and flexible engagement style that aims to support, respect and empower whilst striving for inclusion, safety and support.

JB BENINATO (she/they)

Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

JB joins the Pride Inclusion Programs team with over seven years of HR experience. They previously worked with Chemist Warehouse as Senior HR Advisor – Diversity & Inclusion, where they led initiatives to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion and fostered a strong partnership with the Victorian Pride Centre.

As an organisational change specialist, JB brings a unique perspective informed by their lived experience as a neurodivergent and queer person. They are passionate about creating inclusive workplaces that celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels valued and supported.

JB holds a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management), a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Change and is currently completing their final assessment for a Graduate Certificate in Workforce Diversity and Inclusion.

Dedicated to driving meaningful change, JB is committed to supporting individuals and organisations in their journey in LGBTQ+ inclusivity. JB is based in our Melbourne/Naarm office.

 

CB BONNAR (she/they)

Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

CB Bonnar is a strategic leader and passionate advocate for fostering inclusive environments. After transitioning from their role at Officeworks to join Pride in Diversity two years ago, CB has been instrumental in guiding and supporting organisations to develop comprehensive inclusion strategies. With a deep understanding of corporate dynamics and a robust background in community engagement, CB leads initiatives that significantly impact industries. Their expertise in crafting programs aligns organisations with the Australian Workplace Equality Index, fostering a truly inclusive corporate culture.

As a neurodivergent individual, CB thrives on developing complex and dynamic strategies that integrate diverse perspectives. Their leadership extends beyond compliance, driving policy change and promoting sustainable, inclusive practices that benefit all stakeholders.

Skilled in event coordination, fundraising, and stakeholder management, CB adeptly promotes social, economic, and environmental issues, thereby influencing positive impacts within and beyond the workplace. Their approach ensures genuine engagement and innovation, with a clear goal for advancing true workplace inclusivity.

BENJI BROWN (he/him)

Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

Benji Brown (he/him) joined us after a 15+ year career at QBE where he held a range of roles, including being responsible for the firm’s organisational development strategy, digital learning design and early talent programs. Benji played a critical role in QBE’s Pride committee and as such, was instrumental in progressing QBE’s LGBTQ inclusion work, resulting in the company achieving gold status in the last four AWEI benchmarks. Benji was also the AWEI Network Leader of the Year in 2020.

ANDREW GEORGIOU (he/him)

Senior Relationship Manager, State Lead VIC, Pride in Diversity

Andrew joined Pride in Diversity from Telstra, where he not only excelled as a leading change specialist but was also instrumental in driving Telstra’s LGBTQ diversity and inclusion work, as one of the leaders of their employee network. The success of his work can be seen reflected in Telstra’s sustained leadership in LGBTQ inclusion, dating back to before it was a founding member of Pride in Diversity.

Andrew has also played a key committee role in GLOBE, the Victorian LGBTQ Organisation of Business and Enterprise and is a graduate of Deakin university with a Bachelor of Commerce (Commercial Law and Marketing). Andrew’s passion and organizational expertise is of great value to Pride in Diversity and our member organisations and reaffirms our commitment to truly be our members’ trusted advisor.

ELISABETH LANE (she/her)

Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

Elisabeth has a very impressive work history at the Tertiary Education Quality & Standards Authority, ATO, Fair Work Commission and the Queensland University of Technology. She is an IT professional with extensive experience in data management, data analysis, data warehousing and full programming lifecycle. She has skills in team leadership, strategic planning, training, and IT (obviously).

Elisabeth has been the co-chair of the ATO’s ATOMIC network (when they won the AHRI – Michael Kirby LGBTIQ+ Inclusion award), so is well versed in all things LGBTQ inclusion and is currently working in a volunteer capacity as secretary for Seahorse Victoria.  Her passion is in LGBTQ education and understanding, for only with that will the community be seen for what we are – human beings.

ZACHARY LOPEZ (he/him)

Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

Zac joined us from the Department of Home Affairs with over 14 years experience in a variety of roles in the Australian Government.

His past roles include Senior Instructor with the Australian Border Force College, Training Officer with the Department of Defence and more recently Learning Practitioner with the Department of Home Affairs. He has also been involved with large organisational change projects such the national rollout of automated passport control at our major airports.

His passion and purpose is to foster LGBTQ inclusion and awareness and he has been an active member of the Department’s LGBTQ network.

NITA MANNERING (she/her)

Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

Nita joined Pride in Diversity after 7 years in the Life Insurance sector. She was actively involved in Pride network activities at MetLife and MLC, which included fundraising and spreading awareness for days of significance. She also co-authored the MetLife Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy in collaboration with colleagues from other streams of the DE&I committee. She has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and later completed a Certificate of Leadership Essentials from Harvard Business School.

Nita’s corporate experience, tertiary qualifications and passion for workplace diversity gives her the ability to deliver meaningful, practical, and engaging training to her members, as well as assist organizations to embed LGBTQ inclusion strategies. As a bisexual woman, she strongly asserts that the benefits of an LGBTQ inclusive workplace extend beyond employees feeling safe and valid at work as businesses also benefit in terms of productivity and profitability.

In her personal time Nita has a keen interest in electronic dance music and frequents music festivals here in Sydney, interstate and abroad.

JESS MAYERS (she/her)

Senior Relationship Manager, Sapphire Lead, Pride in Diversity

Jess joined Pride in Diversity after 17 years in the hospitality and entertainment industry. Most recently, she was the Business Improvement Manager for The Star Entertainment Group, where she was responsible for the evaluation and implementation of new gaming products and strategies.

Jess was a member of The Star’s LGBTQ network, Spectrum, where she worked with the team to formulate and  implement the group’s strategy to foster an awareness of the experience of LGBTQ employees and the benefits of creating an inclusive and accepting workplace for all employees.

After her experiences and successes working with Spectrum at The Star, and the impact they had on the culture and lived experience for its team members, Jess decided that a career change was in order and made the move over to Pride in Diversity. She has a passion for inclusivity and human-centered policies and initiatives that will bring a valuable awareness and central understanding to the work she undertakes with her members.

MARK POWELL (he/him)

Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

Mark is a seasoned business leader, consultant, coach & facilitator with a unique mix of experience. He spent 19 years living and working in Asia across leadership & talent consulting and executive coaching. He has led international consulting & coaching practices combining business development & client relationship management, with the delivery of various talent & leadership programs to international corporates and NFP organisations. He has a demonstrated commitment to D&I and its power to create high performing teams and sustainable organisations. Earlier in his career he held corporate sector senior roles in banking & hospitality.

Mark has qualifications in Economics, Education, Finance & Coaching Psychology and is a current 4th year student of psychodrama (experiential psychotherapy) . He is committed to his mindfulness practice and overall self-development. He is a former international rugby union referee and maintains his interest in rugby and other sports, along with most things that fall under “art”. He has recently returned to Brisbane and lives in Ascot.

Headshot of a smiling white woman with long blond hair and glasses

ALYCE SCHOTTE (she/her)

Senior Relationship Manager, Pride in Diversity

Alyce came to Pride in Diversity from the Australian Taxation Office after four and half years in the Perth office supporting agents, businesses and individuals in all aspects of the Superannuation system. In her time there she also worked with the ATOMIC network to continue to educate internally and grow diversity support for staff and clients, leading the formation of their Gender Diverse Think Tank and working with National Leadership on policy and process improvements.

Alyce has also had a long standing connection to Transfolk of WA in roles including Chair and Treasurer, supporting initiatives and education from within the premiere support organisation in the state and connecting work on a national level.

Her exposure to the lived experience of a gender diverse history and visibility in the corporate and community spheres enables her to connect people and organisations with storytelling and strategic education and assist our clients to build awareness and understanding of the challenges and value in doing better.

FRANCISCO LOPEZ (he/him)

National Health Lead – Pride Inclusion Programs

Francisco supports health and human service organisations with their LGBTQ inclusion efforts across workforce and service delivery.

Francisco joined ACON’s Pride Inclusion Programs with over ten years of experience working in the healthcare sector across clinical operations, service redesign and health system reform. His past roles include Senior Manager Primary Care and Community Engagement at MQ Health, Manager Improvement and Integration at Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network, Redesign Facilitator at Eastern Health, and Manager Redesigning Care at Alfred Health.

Francisco holds a Master of Health Administration from La Trobe University, is a Fellow and Certified Health Executive with the Australasian College of Health Service Management and serves as an Adjunct Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University, focusing on health systems research in primary care. Recent publications include ‘The journey to a learning health system in primary care: a qualitative case study utilising an embedded research approach’ in BMC Primary Care and ‘High performing primary care: reinvigorating general practice as a learning health system’ in the British Journal of General Practice.

FRANCISCO (PACO) PERALES (he/him)

Academic consultant

Dr Francisco (Paco) Perales is Adjunct Associate Professor at The University of Queensland and The Australian Research Awards 2023 ‘Best in the Field’ for the discipline of Sociology.

Paco has a background in applied quantitative Sociology and holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from London Metropolitan University, a Masters degree in Sociology and Panel Data Analysis from the University of Essex, and a PhD in Social and Economic Research from the Institute for Social and Economic Research. His methodological expertise is on the analysis of complex survey and administrative datasets, and he has worked extensively using the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Employee Surveys.

Paco has a long-standing track record of academic work in the space of gender and sexuality. He has developed and taught courses on gender and sexuality and has led large-scale projects in this space. This includes a prestigious Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award on ‘Sexual Orientation and Life Chances in Contemporary Australia’. Paco’s research on gender and sexuality is recurrently published in leading international scientific journals. Amongst others, he has developed research on topics such as:

  • The role of ally groups and diversity training in enhancing the workplace wellbeing of LGTBQ+ employees.
  • How correct pronoun use matters for gender-diverse employees.
  • How prejudice and stigma drive health disparities by sexual orientation.
  • Differences in wellbeing across subgroups within the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
  • The outcomes of children raised in same-sex-parented families.
  • The biological origins of sexual orientation and individuals’ experiences of sexual-identity change.
  • The value of administrative data to advance research on LGBTQ+ issues.
  • The family lives of sexuality- and gender-diverse people.
  • Which socio-demographic factors that predict support for equality and diversity amongst the general public.

Paco’s research has been featured in media outlets across the globe and incorporated into policy documents by national and international government agencies.