Jamila Gordon

Jamila Gordon arrived in Australia from Kenya at the age of 18 and learnt English before commencing her studies at LA Trobe University. Her passion for advocating diversity and helping refugees integrate and find employment in Australia is one factor that drives her aptitude and determination. She has worked alongside some of the biggest brands such as Group CIO of Qantas, CIMIC and IBM Europe. She is currently the non-executive director of Jayride. Her struggles of searching for water with her family and surviving off little food, being amongst one of sixteen children are just some struggles that drive her passion. Her early days in Australia started off with her learning English as a second language and living off a $5 per hour job washing dishes. Meeting people on the way inspired Jamila to move ahead with her education and graduate from a tertiary course. Jamila graduated with an IT degree and even joined the La Trobe University Board fifteen years after graduating. She then began her corporate career that took her worldwide. Her past has brought her to be a member of the board of CareerSeekers; a non for profit that assists refugees in finding employment within the corporate industry of Australia. Jamila's engaging topics range from the importance and power of a dream and gaining the courage to venture out and actually achieve them, utilising the challenge and complexity of leadership to effectively build a career and bring groups of people together and the crucial role of resilience and positivity especially when facing adversity.