Last Thursday, we officially kicked off 2025 with a bang at the MiF Launch Event, and what a night it was! It was the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together, share the new initiatives, programs, cohorts and community-building efforts ahead, and celebrate the journey so far.
Where better to do it than at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA HQ? Our go-to venue, thanks to the incredible support from CCIWA, who went above and beyond to make the event seamless. From setup to logistics, they opened their doors (and hearts) to our community, ensuring everything ran smoothly.
The Build-Up
Let’s be honest—pulling off this event was no small feat. The logistics were complex, but thanks to the dream team—Jaywen, Amy, Mariama, Anish, and Dorit—who ran around making sure everything was in place, we nailed it. Huge shoutout to them for their dedication!
We made a small but meaningful move toward sustainability by encouraging everyone to "tag it, wear it, return it." Instead of taking them home (or, let’s be real, tossing them in a drawer never to be seen again), guests left them behind so we can reuse them at future events. A simple change, but every step counts!
The Evening Unfolds
By 5:00 PM, guests started rolling in, and before we knew it, the room was packed. A mix of professionals, mentors, industry leaders, and changemakers, all mingling, enjoying a drink (or two), and making new connections. The energy was just right—lively but relaxed, with conversations flowing effortlessly.
Our fantastic MC, Rukie Jayasekera, took the mic to officially kick things off. After some quick house rules and well-deserved thank-yous, we dived straight in.
The Speakers: Inspiration, Balance & Inclusion
First up, Charlie Blake from Neon Leadership set the tone with a powerful talk on Leading with Resilience. He reminded us that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with purpose and strength. A key takeaway? “Excelling in self-leadership” is at the core of everything we do, wrapping around our goals, potential, and teams.
Next, Ming Johanson from Jumpstart Marketing took the stage with Finding Balance in a World That Doesn’t Stop. Ming shared practical strategies for managing the chaos of work and life, emphasizing the importance of identifying our non-negotiables—because too often, we treat them as negotiable. A much-needed reality check!
Closing out the speaker lineup was Clare Gibellini, who led an unfiltered, open discussion on disability inclusion. She invited people to ask the uncomfortable questions that are often avoided, making space for an honest and powerful conversation. It was refreshing, eye-opening, and exactly the kind of dialogue we need more of.
Big Announcements: What’s Coming in 2025
Of course, it wouldn’t be a launch event without some exciting announcements.
Diana Goh from LoanSupermart introduced the MiF IWD2025 Talk Series, set to take place in March. She shared her personal and professional journey, reminding us that if we want to see change, we have to be the change—no shortcuts.
Then, Haim Oz (MiF) and Doug Robertson (DR Analytics) took the stage to announce an exciting new mentoring cohort launching in March. This collaboration between Mentor it Forward and the InnerJoin community will connect data specialists, mentors, and mentees, creating opportunities for growth and professional development in the data space.
Wrapping Up with Good Food & Great Conversations
By this point, our brains were full of insights, and it was time to fill our stomachs too. Food, drinks, and plenty of networking followed, with conversations continuing well past the official wrap-up.
As the evening wound down and we packed up, there was already talk of the next event. Because, well, with food comes appetite—both for more gatherings and for the big things ahead in 2025.
And that’s a wrap. Thank you to everyone who joined us—here’s to an incredible 2025 ahead!
Opmerkingen