The AWNY Team has been focussed on connecting the incredible talent within the Australian community in New York this year. So, the decision to host our very first New York Tech Week event was an easy one, and we were thrilled that we had the opportunity to spotlight some of the amazing Australian women launching, scaling and leading tech businesses in New York.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday 5 June, at the American Australian Association. It was an inspiring morning of conversation, movement, networking and fresh ideas, bringing together Australian women from across the tech ecosystem to explore women in leadership, the future of growth, and how technology can strengthen connection and community.
Sponsor Highlights
Bluestone Lane
A huge thank you to Bluestone Lane for keeping everyone fueled throughout the morning with exceptional coffee, fresh pastries (including our much missed Lamingtons).
Airtasker
Thank you to Airtasker for supporting this year’s event and providing us with paid freelancers to work this event. Special shout out to Alice Kennedy who is championing the growth of Airtasker in New York City. In her words: “As an Australian brand entering the US market, networks like this are invaluable. They help us understand how New York works, connect with incredible people across industries, and build relationships that matter.” Alice Kennedy | Growth Partnerships Lead – Emerging Markets Airtasker
To learn more about Airtasker click here.
Event Highlights
We kicked off the morning with an energizing Sanctum experience led by Luuk Melisse. Through intentional movement and mindfulness, Luuk created the perfect atmosphere for connection before our panel conversations began. Sanctum has recently launched in New York City and the room was energized by this group experience.
“The future of wellness isn’t optimization. It’s the ability to feel human again. In the world of AI – the urge for connection becomes more relevant.” Luuk Melisse, Founder Sanctum
Panel Discussions
We then moved into two panel discussions. Each panel offered practical insights and honest conversations from Australian women helping to shape the future of technology and business. Topics ranged from female leadership, to scaling companies, and leveraging technology to build stronger communities. We can’t wait to share video highlights across our social channels soon.
“Who is willing to take the leap and be brave, will be the winner. Big or small. Be willing to take risks. And be organized without being distracted by all the noise.” Maggie Zhou | Managing Director, Alpha Square Group
“This is a moment when everyone has to have a growth mindset. No matter how good you are at what you do. Having humility and bravery, to see things as an opportunity to learn, taking it as a moment of reinvention.” Marianna Lopez-Schab | Global Head, Digital Partnerships, BNY Mellon
“Choosing to be optimistic, choose a lane of forward thinking. We maybe don’t need more tools, but we do need more solutions.” Liz Walsh | CMO, Neta
“The paradox of AI is that we need to embrace innovation and continuously up-skill, while also ensuring we have the right governance and security in place. The future belongs to those who can do both.” Lyndal Davis | Director of Engineering, IBM
To Meet The Panelists, click here.
This event reminded us that the most exciting innovations happen when ambitious people come together to share ideas, challenge perspectives and support one another. We’re excited to continue these conversations at future events and look forward to welcoming you to the next one.
Thank you again to our sponsors, speakers, committee members and every attendee who helped make Tech Week such a memorable event. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering.
Thank you!
