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Alumni Council welcomes three new members
25 January 2024
Proudly representing University of Sydney graduates for more than 80 years
Meet the newest members of our Alumni Council
Since 1939, the Alumni Council has represented the University of Sydney’s alumni community. During this time, they have helped to build up the Council’s role, developing a support network of more than 30 alumni-led associations that represent faculties, regions and special interest groups.
Made up of members from diverse industries – from medicine and law to tech and marketing – the Council represents the diversity of the University of Sydney Alumni community.
In 2024, public policy and strategic communications executive Ehssan Veiszadeh (BSc (MolecBiotech) ’08) continues his role as Council President, supported by architect, urban designer, and urban development leader Michelle Cramer as the new Deputy President. Council members Mathew Demetriou, Julia Newbould and Dr Michelle Kam will be stepping down from the Council, following the completion of their terms.
Kate May, Director of Alumni and Supporter Experience, is grateful for their contributions to the Alumni Council and the broader alumni community. “It's a pleasure to work with such a diverse and knowledgeable group of people, and we’re so appreciative of our outgoing members’ time and effort on behalf of their community,” she says.
“As we look forward to an exciting 2024, we welcome our newest Alumni Council members. Their voices will be critical additions to the continued development of our Alumni program.”
This year, we have added three new members to the Alumni Council. We caught up with them to get their thoughts on leadership and the value of a University of Sydney education.
Camille Goldstone-Henry (BAnVetBioSc '14), CEO & Co-founder of Xylo Systems
Camille Goldstone-Henry, CEO & Co-founder of Xylo Systems, is a Kamilaroi woman, acclaimed tech entrepreneur, and dedicated conservation scientist. Her passion for wildlife conservation and her belief in collective environmental stewardship led her to establish Xylo Systems, a nature tech startup aiding the world’s top businesses in managing their biodiversity footprint. She has been recognised as one of The Australian’s Top 100 Green Power Players of 2023, Vogue Future Innovator 2022, and Women’s Weekly Woman of the Future Winner 2021. Camille is also a passionate advocate for young First Nations people, mentoring high school and higher education students through CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women in STEM Academy.
'The more people you inspire, the more people will inspire you", in the words of Simon Sinek. In this light, leadership to me is about creating a reciprocal cycle of inspiration. By sharing compelling stories and forging personal connections, a leader can motivate others towards positive action and become a conduit for innovative ideas that emerge within the community or team. By creating a space of inspiration through leadership, individuals feel personally connected to the mission and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. This symbiotic relationship is the essence of transformative leadership.
My University of Sydney education holds deep significance for me, particularly in shaping my leadership approach. This education provided me with not just the scientific knowledge crucial for my career path, but also with the critical thinking skills and a strong ethical foundation necessary for making impactful decisions. A University of Sydney education means being part of a community that values and actively works towards improving the world around us. It’s not just about what you learn, but how you use that learning to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Peter Hartley (BCom '03, LLB '05, EMBA '23) - CEO and Founder, Quick Styx
Peter is the founder of a medical technology start-up company, using innovations from space to improve the current clubfoot treatment process for both patients and parents around the world. He is also a financial markets and banking executive with over 18 years of experience in finance, foreign exchange and digital innovation. He sits on the board of AREEA, a renewable energy not-for-profit, and is particularly passionate about the potential for Hydrogen energy.
Leadership is about identifying, creating, and driving meaningful change. To be an effective leader it is crucial to work with your team to create strategies, outline goals and then identify the steps required to achieve your missions.
For me, the most impressive leaders truly understand their teams, their stakeholders and the contexts in which they operate. But most importantly they deeply understand themselves.
The University of Sydney has provided me with the best educational experience, from one of the very best universities in the world. In addition to the formal education that has created so many career opportunities, my degrees from the University of Sydney, especially the Global Executive MBA, have taught me so much about myself, about the future of innovation and about identifying emerging business opportunities. I am so fortunate to have learnt from some of the most incredible lecturers, been to some of the most incredible places in the world and studied with some of the most incredible cohorts. Many of these incredible humans, I am privileged to now call my friends. With an extensive network of contacts and opportunities, the University of Sydney has the perfect blend of theoretical learning, practical applications and career opportunities.
Dr Maryam Eghtedari (BSc '16, MD '19) - Medical doctor
Dr Maryam Eghtedari graduated from the double degree medicine program in 2019. She received the Outstanding Achievement Scholarship and has trained at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. She has published academically and enjoys teaching. Maryam is an ambassador for the Realise charity campaign at The Women’s College.
Leadership means recognising significant societal issues, building teams to solve them, and investing in the community’s future. For example, in my experience as a junior doctor, some salient issues included the ageing population and access to healthcare in underserved communities. Teams of talents across health, technology and policy are required to address these challenges and invest in prevention locally and nationally.
It means a skilful future and a multidisciplinary community. The excellent medical education prepared me for internships and beyond. I met inspiring academics and was excited to research in cutting-edge labs. On campus, I enjoyed sports, the arts and student leadership opportunities. I also attended The Women’s College from 2013- 16, where I met lifelong friends and wonderful mentors from different fields.
Welcome to our newest Council members. Learn more about the Alumni Council.