Emerging Leaders Alumni Awards

The Emerging Leader Alumni Awards recognise outstanding Monash graduates in the early stages of their careers who are already making meaningful contributions across their fields. Celebrating leadership, innovation and impact, the awards highlight the vital role alumni play in shaping a better future locally and globally.

Every year, each faculty Dean and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) is invited to nominate one outstanding Monash alumni who demonstrates emerging leadership and a strong contribution to the Monash community. All nominations are reviewed and approved by the Vice-Chancellor at the end of the year, with awards conferred early in the following year.

2026 View

Dr Ilianna Ginnis is a pioneering neuro-inclusive designer and access consultant. Her work centres people with intellectual disabilities and non‑verbal communication needs in design processes they are often excluded from. Her work is guided by her award‑winning PhD framework “Me in Mind”. Ilanna’s innovative work and advocacy for neuro-inclusive design inspires students to think beyond conventional boundaries and pursue meaningful, socially responsive careers. Ilianna graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture with Honours in 2019 and Doctor of Philosophy in 2025.
Amy Goldenberg is a nationally recognised commercial leader specialising in eMobility and clean energy infrastructure. Her work addresses one of our most urgent global challenges - climate change. A recipient of the AFR BOSS Young Executive Award, Amy drives Australia’s transition to low‑emissions transport through her leadership Ampol’s AmpChange. Throughout her global career, Amy has drawn on the strategic mindset and intercultural capability developed through her humanities education. Amy graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts in 2013.
Eliza Li is a business leader whose career unites corporate strategy with social impact. Eliza leads strategic global expansion at T2 as the youngest member of the Executive Leadership Team. Beyond her corporate achievements, Eliza is the Founder of Halad to Health, a nonprofit delivering health education in the Philippines. Eliza continues to contribute to Monash as an industry mentor and guest speaker. She graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2019.
Tayla Marshall is an educator dedicated to making STEM accessible, exciting and inclusive for students. Tayla leads innovative in-class and extracurricular programs at Hampton Park Secondary College and creates opportunities for students through university and industry partnerships. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of female scientists and mathematicians. The impact Tayla has made exemplifies how research-informed practice can transform learning environments and empower students. Tayla graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Science in 2019 and a Master of Secondary Education in 2021.
Emily Qiao is an engineer and technology leader passionate about using AI and innovation to drive positive change. As Founding CEO of Monash Carbon Capture and Conversion, she led the development of award-winning microalgae biotechnology for carbon removal, securing a US$250,000 XPRIZE Student Award. Now a Customer Engineer and AI Specialist at Google Cloud, Emily supports digital-native organisations across the Asia-Pacific. A strong advocate for diversity in STEM, she has held global leadership roles with Robogals and currently serves as a Board Member of ReachOut Australia. Emily graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce in 2022.
Terence Huynh is a software engineer and technology community leader, creating valuable opportunities for students and early career technology professionals. As the founder and chair of UNI HACK, and as an organiser for Junior Dev Melbourne, Terence has provided hundreds of students with hands-on opportunities to build products, collaborate with peers, and connect with industry mentors. These initiatives enrich students’ learning experiences and support their emerging careers. Terence graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Software Engineering in 2016.
Lara Howden is an award-winning corporate lawyer, leading in risk management, supply chain and transformation. Now Group Head of Legal for Asahi Beverages, Lara was a 2022 finalist in the Lawyers Weekly ‘30 under 30’ Awards. She continues to contribute to Monash through the Faculty of Law’s clinical placement program, and Alumni to Alumni mentoring. Lara graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Science in 2013 and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Diploma of Languages (Japanese) in 2016.
Hannah Humphries is a Clinical Midwife Specialist and Registered Nurse contributing significantly to maternal care across our region. As a board member of the No Roads Foundation, she provides strategic leadership and has completed two periods of clinical work in Papua New Guinea, including delivering a baby named in her honour. Alongside this and her work at Monash Health, Hannah mentors rural youth through You-thrive Victoria. Hannah graduated from Monash University with Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) in 2020, and has returned to undertake a Master of Advanced Nursing.
Diana Sandulache is advancing pharmacy care and education through her work at Alfred Health. Diana currently leads pharmacy workforce and culture, creating innovative models that strengthen patient care and workforce wellbeing. Her pioneering work developing the SHPA Residency Program in 2017 has shaped national standards for pharmacist training. Diana continues to contribute to pharmacy education as a Teaching Associate, and Examiner. Diana graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours in 2011 and a Master of Pharmacy Practice in 2015.
Isobel Campbell is leading climate solutions at the intersection of science and business strategy. Her contributions to deeptech and the circular economy have been recognised through multiple awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship, the 2023 Hult Prize, and the Wege Prize for Circular Economy. Isobel co-founded the Let’s Torque STEM public speaking competition for undergraduates, providing development opportunities for students beyond the classroom. She currently leads innovative programs to fund and scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Isobel graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges (Honours) in 2018.
Indi Clarke is a Mutti Mutti, Wemba Wemba, Boon Wurrung, Trawlwoolway and Lardil man, and a committed advocate for Indigenous peoples. He is a champion of Aboriginal knowledge systems and holistic community healing and empowerment. Indi is advancing First Nations self-determination as an elected representative to the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, playing a pivotal role in Victoria’s Treaty process. Indi also supports the preservation and celebration of Aboriginal culture and heritage as Co-Chair of the Koorie Heritage Trust. Indi graduated from Monash University with a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership in 2023.

2025 View

Giselle Osborne is a dedicated urban planner focused on equitable and sustainable communities. Since 2023, she has been a Senior Planning Advisor to the Victorian Government, contributing to climate action through planning reform. Her career began at Hume City Council, where she was inspired by Victoria’s grassy plains and her student project, "Rewilding industrial land," won a national award. Giselle graduated from Monash University with a Master of Urban Planning in 2021.
Ashleigh Streeter-Jones is a passionate advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment. Over a decade, she has spoken globally alongside leaders like Anthony Blinken and Julia Gillard, and contributed to organisations such as the World Economic Forum. She founded Raise Our Voice Australia in 2020, mobilising young women and gender-diverse people in politics and also co-founded Girls Takeover Parliament and has advised many global organisations on youth leadership. Ashleigh graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in 2015.
Michelle Akhidenor is an entrepreneur and global business leader, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Peers Project, an award-winning podcast agency headquartered in New York. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, Michelle has scaled the business to work with leading global brands including Shopify and Alibaba. She is also the host of PEERS, a global podcast featuring conversations with emerging founders and innovators. Michelle’s work has been widely recognised across media and industry. She graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce in 2018.
James Desmond began his teaching career at Mac Robertson Girls’ High School as a senior VCE and IB History and Politics teacher and Humanities Domain Leader. In 2025, he joined the Victorian Academy’s Impact Emerging Leaders program and is an advocate for equitable education and staff rights, aiming to influence education policy. James graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Education Honours in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in 2021.
Georgina Catto-Smith is a water engineer dedicated to delivering sustainable infrastructure and strengthening community resilience. Her work spans major water treatment projects, resilient supply strategies, and wastewater systems in remote Aboriginal communities. Alongside her engineering career, Georgina is an active leader and mentor, contributing to organisations including the Australian Water Association and Engineers Without Borders. Recognised as a 2024 Emerging Engineer of the Year, she is committed to creating positive social impact through engineering. Georgina graduated from Monash University with a double degree in Pharmaceutical Science and Chemical Engineering in 2018.
Tim Chong is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yonder, a London-based fintech transforming consumer experiences. Under his leadership, Yonder has grown rapidly, with members spending over £320 million and the company raising significant venture capital from leading global investors. Previously, Tim was Head of Product at ClearScore, launching products across international markets. He began his career in management consulting at Accenture. Tim also serves on the boards of Spur Afrika and World Vision UK. He graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Business Information Systems in 2010.
Joseph Friedman is a lawyer and founder of About Time, Australia’s national prison newspaper. Since its launch in 2024, the publication has provided incarcerated people with a platform to share their stories, access vital reintegration information, and connect with the wider community. Joseph is passionate about the intersection of law and journalism, using storytelling to foster empathy and support evidence-based criminal justice reform. Through his work, he seeks to improve outcomes for one of society’s most disadvantaged populations. Joseph graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws in 2020.
Dr Naba Alfayadh is a General Practice Registrar and social global entrepreneur. She founded Rahma Health, supporting Arabic-speaking families, and has volunteered at refugee camps in Iraq, Jordan, and Uganda. Naba is incredibly passionate about addressing upstream social determinants of health, equitable access to healthcare for all. She is a proud mother to 4-year-old Aayah and has co-authored a sexual health textbook for multicultural communities. Naba graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Medical Science Honours and a Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery in 2017.
Georgie Percival is the founder of Mamave, a skincare brand for Australian mums and bubs with a focus on gentle nourishment and hydration for delicate skin. She combines her expertise in cosmetic chemistry with a passion for science to create safe, natural products. Georgie champions transparency and Aussie-made innovation, making her a key voice in cosmetic development and maternal wellness. Her work blends evidence-based science with heartfelt care. Georgie graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2021.
Elly Hanrahan is the Chief Executive Officer of Global Voices, amplifying young voices on global policy topics. She led the Victorian branch of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and interned with various environmental organisations during her studies. She worked as a firefighter and Policy Advisor at the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action before leading Global Voices full-time and is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders. Elly graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Advanced Science with first-class honours in 2018.
Zali Mifsud, a proud Peek, Kirrae, and Djab Whurrong woman of the Maar Nation, is the First Nations Lead at Banyule City Council. With over five years of experience in local government, she specialises in strategy development, policy, and community engagement. Zali has been instrumental in advocating for Indigenous rights, leading Banyule to endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and developing the council's first Aboriginal Self-Determination Strategy. Her work focuses on empowering First Nations communities and fostering meaningful partnerships. Zali graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Business in 2021.