(MENAFN- The Conversation) PhD student, economic opportunities for people with autism, The University of Melbourne Profile Articles Activity

Aleta has dedicated nearly two decades to working on global social challenges-from international poverty and human rights to grassroots issues like disability inclusion and gender equality. She has held senior roles at the United Nations, UN Women, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and within leading global businesses, including Cotton On Group and the Murdoch owned HarperCollins Publishers.

She is an author of eight books, holds a Bachelor's degree from Monash University and a Master's in International Relations from the University of Cambridge. She is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

She is currently CEO of Social Progress AI, where she harnesses cutting-edge technology for social good and was recognized by CSIRO and Google Sprint as a Top 30 AI National Innovator. She also serves as Director of the Centre for Sustainability, advising businesses and governments on human rights and responsible supply chains. In 2024, Aleta worked as a gender and disability expert for UN Women, working on diverse areas from Paralympic inclusion to humanitarian relief in conflict zones. In 2024 she was appointed an examiner for the OECD Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct, evaluating the social and environmental impacts of multinational enterprises.

Aleta's previous roles include Regional Manager of UN Women's Markets for Change initiative (supporting market infrastructure across multiple Pacific nations), one of UN Women's largest global women's economic empowerment initiatives; CEO of the Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (Australia's largest public human rights education initiative), and Program Manager for the International Women's Development Agency (IWDA). She also served on the Australian Government Advisory Group on Business and Human Rights, bringing her expertise to national policy. In the private sector, she was Global Manager for Ethics and Sustainability at the Cotton On Group-experience that underscores her ability to drive meaningful change in diverse sectors.

Experience

• –present Practitioner researcher in human rights, disability inclusion and gender. Completing PhD at University of Melbourne. Twenty years experience working across agencies like the United Nations, UN Women, World Bank , The University of Melbourne

Education

• 2009 University of Cambridge, Masters in International Relations

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