Overview

You are warmly invited to join us in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day with a special lunch dedicated to this year’s theme, Engineering Intelligence.

Engineering intelligence goes beyond technical expertise. It's the combination of knowledge, judgement, and leadership that women bring to solve the world's most complex challenges. It's the ability to see connections others miss, to apply ethical frameworks to emerging technologies, and to lead with both precision and empathy. From AI ethics to space sustainability, from infrastructure resilience to sustainable aviation, engineering intelligence is what transforms technical capability into meaningful impact.

This event brings together engineers, innovators, and allies to recognise the remarkable contributions of women in shaping intelligent systems, smarter solutions, and a more equitable future.

Enjoy a guest speaker presentation, great food, meaningful conversations, and the chance to connect with colleagues who are driving progress across our industry.

Presentation

We are excited to welcome Brenda Denbesten as our official International Women in Engineering Day speaker.

Translate Your Brilliance: Getting the Recognition Your Work Deserves

Engineering trains you to think rigorously, solve intelligently, and deliver results. It doesn't train you to translate all of that into influence - to walk into a room, make your ideas land, and have them actually drive the decisions that follow. That gap is real, it's common, and it has nothing to do with how capable you are.

Brenda spent 18 years in mining, manufacturing, and heavy industry before founding Speakworthy, where she works with technical professionals across Australia on exactly this. In this keynote she brings that experience directly to IChemE's community with practical insight for women and professionals who are ready to make their expertise work harder for them.

About Brenda Denbesten

Brenda is an engineer, leadership communication specialist, and keynote speaker who helps technical professionals translate expertise into influence, collaboration, and leadership impact.

Before founding Speakworthy, Brenda spent more than 15 years working across mining, manufacturing, and heavy industry in operational and leadership roles. She has managed teams in major hazard facilities, facilitated HAZOP studies, and led operations in environments where clear communication, safety, and decision-making are critical.

Today Brenda works with organisations across Australia to strengthen leadership communication, team alignment, and professional influence. Her programs help technical professionals speak up with confidence, communicate complex ideas clearly, and lead teams more effectively.

Brenda is known for combining practical operational experience with clear communication frameworks that resonate with engineers and technical leaders. Her work focuses on helping professionals move from technical capability to leadership influence – enabling individuals and teams to collaborate, make better decisions, and drive stronger organisational outcomes.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

11:45–14:00 AEST.

Price

Bookings are now available for the IChemE International Women in Engineering Day lunch in Melbourne.

Price includes GST.

• IChemE Member: $85.00
• Non-member: $105.00
• Student: $50.00
• Table of 10: $800.00