Equinix recently hosted its third annual Women in Tech Luncheon across Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, Australia. The event serves as a platform for Australian partners, customers, and global women in tech to build connections, share knowledge, and inspire each other through candid conversations.

The Sydney event was graced by the presence of prominent figure Tracey Spicer AM GAICD - a multiple Walkley Award-winning author, journalist, broadcaster, and women's advocate. Spicer used the platform to discuss her groundbreaking new book, "Man-Made", and led a pertinent panel discussion on the theme: "Beyond the Bias: How Women in AI Can Create an Equitable Future for All". The stimulating conversation addressed global challenges and proactively put forth potential solutions.

An engaging panel consisting of Guy Danskine, Managing Director Equinix Australia, Natasha Skinner, Head of Business Sales, Telstra Business, and Helen Fridell, Senior Director, Chief of Staff, and Strategic Programs, Cisco, shared valuable insights into the implications of AI and the role we all play in reducing negative bias in it. They also explored fostering allyship and inclusivity within the tech space, with a final note of optimism concerning the role of technology in shaping a better future for everyone.

Guy Danskine, Equinix Australia's Managing Director commented, "Our Women in Technology luncheon is foundational to our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) commitments. We know many of our women customers and partners eagerly anticipate this event which is brought to life by our WomenConnect community at Equinix. This year was larger than ever, and the theme of AI potentially reinforcing bias could not have been more timely."

Amid the exchange of wisdom and ideas, the events also played a part in a philanthropic cause. Serving as a fundraiser, they successfully raised close to $3,000 for Sisterworks, a renowned non-profit organisation that is committed to empowering refugee, asylum-seeking, and migrant women in Australia.

Equinix continues its work in demonstrating a true commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) through its annual Women in Technology Luncheon. By creating a platform that supports important dialogue and exchange among women in tech, the company outlines its role in elevating women’s position in the industry and potentially influencing the future of an equitable tech space.

Natasha Skinner, Head of Business Sales, Telstra Business (Left), Guy Danskine, Managing Director Equinix Australia (middle), and Helen Fridell, Senior Director, Chief of Staff and Strategic Programs, Cisco (right) discuss how women in AI can create an equitable future.