Five IPEd volunteers have been selected for the Emerging Leaders Program, a new initiative that will provide opportunities for skill development, collaboration and networking.
The five selected members are:
- Sophie Chan, Editors Victoria’s professional development officer, Standing Committee on Professional Development.
- Kayt Duncan, Editors Queensland committee and events team, formerly a member of the IPEd Accessibility Initiative Working Party.
- Thirangie Jayatilake, Editors Victoria’s access and inclusion advisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Party.
- Lee Lockyer, Editors South Australia’s events officer, Standing Committee on Academic Editing, Standing Committee on Professional Development.
- Gemma Nardone, Editors Western Australia’s communications officer.
“I’m thrilled to have been accepted into this new program,” Thirangie Jayatilake said.
“I’d love to further develop my editorial skills and connect with more industry bodies and professionals. I’m interested in having more conversations with industry leaders on the future of editing and how IPEd can develop and provide for those needs. I think it would also be interesting to connect to other publishing industries around the world.”
Gemma Nardone said she felt incredibly lucky to have been selected.
“Being nominated for and then accepted into IPEd’s Emerging Leaders Program has been such a delightful surprise,” Gemma said.
“As someone who’s a bit older and only now focusing on my editing career and formalising my skills, the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and shape the industry’s future alongside peers and mentors whose insights blend new perspectives with deep experience is a privilege.”
Chair of the Board Stephanie Holt AE said the Emerging Leaders Program was prompted by IPEd’s first face-to-face conference in six years, and the Board’s desire to support and recognise volunteers, especially those who represent the next generation of editors and potential new members.
“The Board is delighted to welcome these volunteers into the new Emerging Leaders Program,” Stephanie said.
“Their proven enthusiasm and initiative working with IPEd is greatly valued by the Board and their peers. The program will encourage their continued involvement, help them deepen their understanding of IPEd, and provide opportunities to extend their networks and collaborations.
“The Board looks forward to them sharing fresh perspectives, offering new ideas, and undertaking new projects over the coming year.”
Board member Melanie Dankel AE said that IPEd has always had a wealth of talent among its ranks, and the Emerging Leaders Program provided an opportunity to shine a light on those members.
“We hope these emerging leaders use their collective strengths and different areas of interest to develop their skills and confidence as active members of IPEd,” Melanie said.
“The fact that directors and chairs of IPEd’s standing committees, branches and working groups nominated members means we have a diverse group who are already contributing to a wide range of initiatives. I am excited to see what the group achieves at the conference and beyond.”
This first cohort of emerging leaders will be supported to attend the 2025 IPEd Conference and to contribute to conference work in a range of ways.
The 2025 IPEd Conference will be held in Adelaide from 23 to 25 July. Registrations are open now.