Say Our Names: Documentary and panel on identity & belonging

What’s in a name? You're invited 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.

In a vibrant, multicultural society like Australia, names hold deep personal, cultural, and historical meaning. Yet too often, names from different cultures are mispronounced, altered, or avoided—contributing to the marginalisation of diverse identities in workplaces, schools, and community life.

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 by UTS and the City of Sydney. It is part of the City of Sydney's 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 First Nations cultural educator, entrepreneur, and storyteller from the Gadigal-Darug, Murramurang/Budawang Dhurga-Yuin, Kooma, Wiradjuri, and Ngemba nations. As CEO of Jie Pittman Pty Ltd, he leads nationally recognised programs such as the 10 Elements Cultural Exchange and the Liven Deadly Program, which embed Aboriginal cultural identity and healing into education, government, and corporate spaces. Jie brings lived experience and a deep understanding of the power of names as anchors of belonging, resilience, and intergenerational strength.

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.