Emma Elder
Pronoun
Vice President
Diversity Practitioners Association
Emma Elder is the Vice President of the Diversity Practitioners Association and Senior Business Partner – People and Culture at OceanaGold Corporation.
Over a 15‑year career in human resources, she has worked across industries including retail, recruitment, finance, insurance, disability, government and utilities. Her earlier experience in frontline and leadership roles in sport, fitness and hospitality shaped her commitment to exceptional customer service, grounded in the belief that true organisational success stems from engaged and supported employees.
A founding member of the DPA, Emma joined its committee in 2018 and has been instrumental in driving initiatives that foster inclusive cultures and diverse workforces. Her expertise spans employee engagement, cultural transformation and strategies linking diversity and inclusion to business outcomes and societal impact.
Drawing on her experience navigating complex organisational dynamics, Emma brings valuable insights into leading through resistance, building trust and sustaining momentum for inclusion – even when the path forward is challenging.
SESSIONS
Day 2
9:20
Scenario-Based Session: Leading Through Equity Pushback
What happens when your commitment to inclusion is tested? In this interactive session, you’ll step into a leadership scenario where equity efforts are facing resistance, whether it’s subtle discomfort, overt backlash, or behind-the-scenes disengagement.
How to lead when inclusion efforts are questioned or politicised
Navigating pushbacks tied to intersectional identities, including race, gender and culture
Tools to hold steady, keep people engaged, and model inclusive leadership under pressure
Andrea Smith, President, Diversity Practitioners Association
Emma Elder, Vice President, Diversity Practitioners Association