Program Committee

Sam is a seasoned cyber security expert and thought leader with a unique blend of CISO experience and technical know-how.

With over fifteen years of experience in Technology and Security expertise, Sam can switch effortlessly between "tech talk" and "business talk," making her a go-to person for organisations looking to bolster their cyber resilience.

In this fast-paced digital world, it's easy to get caught up in the complexities of technology and processes. However, Sam has learned that the key to true cybersecurity success lies in understanding and empowering the individuals behind it all. By fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication, she has seen firsthand how to build resilient defences against cyber threats.

In Jan 2024 she joined David Jones as CISO to build the security function for this iconic Australian retailer.

Throughout her career, Sam has had the privilege of leading diverse teams, guiding them to achieve remarkable results. Whether managing complex cyber programs or implementing robust security frameworks, she thrives in dynamic environments where she can make a real impact.

My name is Scott Kennewell - Project Manager, Father, and proud Bangarang man!

After spending nearly 30 years in Canberra I have managed to escape to the beautiful Gold Coast, and am enjoying the warmer weather, beautiful beaches, and seafood. Working for Willyama, my goal is to support other Indigenous people in accessing ICT careers and to help evolve our Project Delivery into a more robust, repeatable, and communicative space. In my spare time I am hoping to get back into teaching Swing & Blues dancing, improving my musical skills (piano, guitar, and harmonica), and enjoying the health and fitness culture up here!

Yol Mayar is a seasoned security architect with a background in System Administration, having developed a robust skill set in designing and implementing secure solutions.

He is known for his ability to strengthen cybersecurity defenses, effectively manage risks, and ensure regulatory compliance across diverse organizational landscapes. Yol is skilled in translating complex technical challenges into easily understandable language that resonates with leadership, operations, and technical teams.

Passionate about community impact, Yol engages in regular charitable giving and participates actively in non-professional and professional groups.

Amelia is a skilled cyber security professional with a Bachelor of Information Technology degree. Her educational includes a specialisation in Computer Networks and Security, along with expertise in Cybersecurity, Software Development, and Business Information Systems. Throughout her career, Amelia has achieved many notable accomplishments. She played pivotal roles in delivering business-critical compliance and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by spearheading the security awareness program at our company. This program has consistently improved our company's security culture, as evidenced by tangible metrics and insights. Amelia's expertise also extends to third-party risk management, where she carefully assesses risks associated with various business partners and enhances assessment processes. Her humble yet impactful approach has enabled her to effectively engage with senior business leaders on cyber security matters.

Dr. Raza Nowrozy is an industry expert and an academic with a focus on cyber security, EHR security, and privacy. As the Head of Cyber Security at Untapped Talent, and esteemed professional he has significantly impacted the information technology industry especially with his novel PHD research. Raza has leveraged his industry an academic expertise to train employees with autism, helping them develop neurodiverse skills and fulfill cybersecurity resourcing needs for some of Australia's leading organisations.

Raza's commitment to promoting cybersecurity extends to his authorship of numerous articles and his involvement in the Genius Armoury platform project. As an academic, researcher, and industry professional, Raza has held long-term executive positions in several professional societies. His outstanding achievements were recognized when he won the CSO Australia's 2022, 2023 CSO30 Awards, which honor the nation’s top cyber security practitioners.

Kyle is a self-described “polymath” who, in addition to various retail, hospitality and volunteer roles, has worked in various Technical & Support roles over the last 20 years, in which time he has developed an extensive range of knowledge & training across multiple disciplines, qualifications such as a Cert IV in Cybersecurity, ITIL V3 & V4, CCNE L1 & 2, Cert III training & Mentoring,  And Cert IV Sound & Lighting, to name a few, most of which he undertook while working fulltime in unrelated fields.

He has not only a passion for cybersecurity and technology, but also for Training, Education, Career Development, Youth mentoring (mostly through the Raise Foundation), as well as Child & Youth development / education.

Kyle currently works as a Technical Support Engineer specializing in email security, after leaving his Security Operations role to pursue a cybersecurity career more based around cyber education & awareness training for people both inside and outside of the industry, but also education & awareness training for students at all levels.

Outside of his professional passions, he is constantly tinkering with electronics, designing and 3D printing models, tools & gadgets, or simply he HALO & Star Wars universes, both of which he claims to have an encyclopaedic knowledge.

Akash Mittal works as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) within the industry with 18-years of experience in technology and cyber security.

Akash holds a Bachelor of Technology and a Master of Science in Network Systems, and industry certifications including Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM), SABSA Chartered Security Architect, and Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA).

Andrew was born and raised in the North-West of England. Following school, he successfully joined the Royal Marines and travelled the world for 9 years on active service and training exercises. It was here that Andrew got his first taste of radio, and secure communications in a physical security environment providing effective communications in different (temperate, desert, jungle, arctic) climatic conditions.

A visit to Sydney to see friends was enough to set my ambitions on warmer climates and emigration.

Andrew self-funded and successfully completed a BSc Computer Systems & Networks (Hons) Degree at Plymouth University. This led to work at AT&T

Telecommunications for two years. He then pivoted to a UK Government role to focus on information security, information assurance and cyber security. Over the next 9 years he gained valuable experience in different roles, was promoted twice, completed CISSP, and an MSc IT Security Masters' Degree (part-time).

Andrew joined AISA Melbourne branch as a volunteer when he arrived in Australia and have held all branch roles through to becoming a branch executive and was successfully voted onto the board by AISA members in 2020 and again in 2023.

Andrew is fortunate in his career to benefit from others volunteering time, wisdom and experience and firmly believe in giving back and paying forward for the betterment of society.

Outside of work, he recently moved to rural Victoria and have a small farm where he plans to transition to retirement, living off-grid and sustainably. Andrew enjoys the arts, sketching and painting, has a heathy interest in food, drinks and living a heathy lifestyle (walk, swim, cycle). A fan of architecture including Frank Lloyd Wright and Norman Foster and love to travel nationally and internationally.

Mark Dorset is a seasoned IT professional with over three decades of industry experience. He is a Board Director at AISA and is passionate about making the digital landscape secure and reliable for all Australians. Through his executive management experience, he has built a successful sales and consultancy business, and recently spent over a decade at Apple where he worked on and led privacy initiatives. He is the founder of Australia’s longest running community internet service for non-profit organisations, which has continuously provided services since the early 1990s.