From advocacy to action: how we can all champion refugees

Hear University of Sydney researchers, academics and alumni share their big ideas at Raising the Bar.

Refugees who arrive in Australia bring a wealth of skills and fresh perspectives that are in high demand. There’s no question that local Australians benefit from the experiences and perspectives migrants bring to our communities – but many people from refugee backgrounds face barriers to employment.

In this talk, intercultural workplace expert Betina Szkudlarek shares why refugee workforce integration matters—not just in the context of workplaces, but more broadly for economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation. Whether you're an employer, a colleague, or just someone passionate about positive change, you’ll learn practical tips and discover easy ways to make a meaningful impact.

About the speaker

Betina Szkudlarek is Professor of International Management at the University of Sydney and consultant with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Her work focuses on intercultural training, global leadership and refugee workplace integration. A passionate advocate for change, Betina has taught, consulted and trained across four continents and has worked with several multinational corporations and not-for-profits. Betina is an expert in building inclusive workforces, developing intercultural competence and fostering global leadership excellence. Awarded with multiple national and international awards, her work has been featured in media outlets across the globe, including SBS, BBC and the Wall Street Journal.

Supported by City of Sydney.