Say Our Names: Documentary and panel on identity & belonging

What’s in a name?

In a vibrant, multicultural society like Australia, names hold deep personal, cultural, and historical meaning. Yet too often, non-Anglo names are mispronounced, altered, or avoided—reflecting lingering colonial legacies and contributing to the marginalisation of diverse identities in workplaces, schools, and community life.

Say Our Names invites you to an evening of reflection and conversation on the power of names, and what they reveal about culture, identity, respect and belonging. This event features the screening of a mini documentary followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion, bringing together community voices, academics, and thought leaders to explore how respectful name recognition can foster deeper inclusion.

The Say My Name initiative developed by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) seeks to decolonise name recognition through correct pronunciation, cultural understanding, and everyday respect. This event is presented in partnership with the City of Sydney as part of our social cohesion program, which aims to build a more inclusive and connected city.

Panel facilitators

Dr Elaine Laforteza has a PhD in Cultural Studies. She is the Equity and Diversity Project Officer (Cultural Diversity) at the UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and community media. Elaine hosts SBS’s award-winning podcast, ‘My Bilingual Family’, and is also an emerging playwright, producing plays for various festivals in Sydney.

Dr Zozan Balci is an academic and sociolinguist in the School of Communications. An expert in life history interviewing, she excels at transforming research into powerful storytelling that resonates with a broad range of audiences.

Panel speakers

Jie Pittman is a proud Aboriginal man, a devoted husband, a father to five sons, a cherished grandfather, a carer for his beloved grandmother and a beacon of hope for his community. His journey from adversity to empowerment is a source of inspiration for all who encounter his story. As he continues to navigate his multicultural journey, Jie remains steadfast in his commitment to enriching the lives of others, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who have the privilege of crossing his path. Born and bred in the vibrant suburbs of Blacktown, Western Sydney, Jie Pittman's life narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance, the pursuit of purpose, and a profound dedication to community upliftment.

Koon Lai is an executive coach and leadership facilitator with over two decades of experience with PwC. A leading voice on cultural inclusion, Koon’s thought leadership has resonated with millions on LinkedIn. Beyond her work, she is a proud mum of three boys and deeply connected to her Malaysian-Chinese heritage.

Kyriakos Gold is one of Australia’s leading voices in social enterprise, platform strategy, and inclusive public design. Kyriakos was inducted into the Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll and received a commendation from the NSW Parliament. A former journalist and non-practising lawyer, he translates systems thinking into visibility, policy impact, and nationally recognised change.