I’m incredibly honoured and excited to step into the role of CEO of Professional Migrant Women (PMW).
First of all, I want to acknowledge and thank Fabiola for the extraordinary work she has done over so many years building PMW into the strong, supportive and inspiring community it is today. Her passion, leadership and commitment have impacted the lives of countless women, including mine. And the best part of all is that she’s not going far — she has only stepped down as CEO, but will continue serving on the Board!
For those who don’t know me yet, I’m Diana, originally from Chile, and I’ve called Australia home for the past 12 years. I’m an economist by profession and have spent most of my career working in the investment industry. More recently, I found my passion in the sustainable investment space, where my investment knowledge and my desire to contribute to a better and fairer world come together.
I joined PMW in 2023 as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development, and from day one I felt deeply connected to the mission and the incredible women behind this community. I’m also a proud mum of two daughters, a devoted runner, and someone who genuinely loves meeting new people and learning from different experiences and cultures.
One of the reasons why PMW’s mission resonates so deeply with me is because, through both my personal and professional journey, I’ve seen how much potential, talent and leadership exists within women from diverse backgrounds — and how often that potential is still overlooked. The more I observe what’s happening around the world, the more convinced I become that we need more women in positions of influence, decision-making and leadership. We need more female voices shaping the future. Supporting that change is deeply personal to me, and I want to contribute to it with everything I can.
And while I feel incredibly passionate about this mission, I’m also learning every day as I navigate this new role. Leading an organisation like PMW is both a privilege and a huge responsibility, and I approach it with humility, passion and so much love for this community. I also feel incredibly lucky to have learned from the best (and yes, of course I mean Fabi!) and equally lucky to continue this journey alongside Lina Orozco Munera, our wonderful Director of Communications, Engagement & Program, and Deputy CEO.
We are also very well supported by our amazing volunteers, community members, allies and friends. Together, we will continue growing this beautiful community, strengthening connections, creating opportunities, and making PMW even more impactful for migrant women across Australia.
One thing I want our community to know is that my door is always open. PMW is a community built by women, for women, and I truly believe collaboration makes us stronger. I would love to hear your ideas, suggestions and feedback, and I’m always open to exploring partnerships and collaborations aligned with our mission.
If you’d like to personally connect, please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn — I’d genuinely love to hear from you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m very excited for what’s ahead.
Warm regards,
Diana Santibañez
What we've been up to
LAUNCHING | PMW Ascend program!
This month, we proudly launched Ascend — a program that is both deeply impactful and very much needed.
Ascend was created for migrant women who are ready for the next step in their careers, but who often find themselves navigating progression, visibility, leadership pathways and sponsorship in Australia without the support or guidance they deserve.
This program became possible thanks to the generous support of Scanlon Foundation, whose funding helped us bring this vision to life. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in this work and, most importantly, in the potential of migrant women across Australia.
A very special thank you goes to our Director of Communications, Engagement & Program, Lina Orozco Munera, who has poured so much heart, strategic thinking, lived experience and dedication into designing and building this program from the ground up. Ascend carries so much of her passion and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for migrant women.
And of course, thank you as well to our incredible volunteers, Kelly Fernandez and Fatemeh Amin, for supporting the implementation of the program and helping us create such a meaningful experience for our first cohort.
If you’d like to learn more about the inspiration and process behind Ascend, we invite you to read Lina’s reflection.
INTRODUCING | Our Ambassadors
At PMW, community is at the centre of everything we do — and our Ambassadors play a vital role in bringing that community to life across Australia.
Based in five different cities, our Ambassadors host Connecting Circles Meetups: welcoming spaces where migrant women can connect, share experiences, build friendships, and feel supported in their journeys. These gatherings help create a sense of belonging and remind women that they are not alone.
Read our latest blog to meet our eight incredible women behind these spaces and sharing, in their own words, what led them to PMW and what being an Ambassador means to them.
Upcoming Training and Events
GATHERING | She-Suite Gala | Friday 19 Jun 2026 | 5.30-9.30pm AEST
You belong at the table.
Not someday. Not when you feel “ready enough”. Now.
And yet, for so many migrant women, stepping into leadership can still feel out of reach.
The networking circles that seem closed.
The invisible rules no one explains.
The feeling of having so much potential… but not always the visibility, support, or connections to match it.
That’s exactly why we created the She-Suite Gala.
On 19 June, we’re bringing together professional migrant women, allies, and senior female leaders for an evening designed to create meaningful conversations, genuine connections, and real opportunities.
This is not just another networking event.
It’s a chance to sit at the table with a C-Suite Executive. To ask questions, to be seen, to connect with women who understand the journey and want to help open doors for others.
We’re also incredibly proud to have JANA Investment Advisers as our Key Partner, alongside the support of Mercer Super and City of Melbourne as sponsors of this special evening.
If you’ve been craving connection, inspiration, community, or simply a reminder that your ambitions are valid and possible — this evening is for you.
WEBINAR | Ever wanted to pick a recruiter’s brain? | Wednesday 20 May 2026 | 6-7pm AEST
You’ve updated your resume, applied for roles, prepared for interviews, and still…sometimes it feels like there’s a part of the recruitment process no one really explains.
What are recruiters actually looking for?
Does local experience really matter that much?
How can you stand out in such a competitive market?
This month’s Ask a Recruiter session is your chance to get honest answers directly from someone inside the industry.
Join us online for an interactive conversation with Pri Gillett from PRIMA Recruitment Solutions, who will share insights into the current job market, hiring trends, and what employers are really paying attention to right now.
And most importantly — you’ll have the opportunity to ask your own questions in a supportive, migrant-women-led space where no question is too small or too bold.
Whether you’re actively job hunting, thinking about your next career move, or simply trying to better understand recruitment in Australia, this session is for you.
Come ready to learn, connect, and leave with more clarity and confidence in your career journey.
Limited spots available — register now to secure yours.
- Where: Via Zoom
- Cost: $25 or Free for PMW Level Up Members!
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
WEBINAR | What Happens When No One Talks About It? | Friday 22 May 2026 | 12noon-1pm AEST
There are some topics women are expected to navigate quietly. Menopause is often one of them; the changes, the emotional impact, the way it can affect confidence, identity, energy, and even how we experience work and leadership.
And for many migrant women, these conversations can feel even more isolating. That’s why this month’s In Conversations With… session matters so much.
Join us online for a thoughtful and honest conversation with Maggie Hsu, a member of our PMW Level Up community, who will share her personal and professional reflections on navigating menopause while continuing to show up in life and work with clarity, confidence and authenticity.
With more than 15 years of experience across multiple industries and a deep passion for culturally inclusive coaching, Maggie brings both lived experience and practical insight to a conversation that is rarely spoken about openly — but deeply needed.
This session is an invitation to reflect, connect, ask questions, and remind ourselves that we do not have to navigate these transitions alone.
Come as you are, and join us for a meaningful conversation in a supportive, migrant-women-led space.
Limited spots available — register now to secure yours.
- Where: online Event
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
What's New
PUBLISHING | Activate Her Skills Report
A new report released through the Activate Australia’s Skills campaign highlights the experiences of migrant and refugee women navigating Australia’s system for recognising overseas qualifications and professional skills.
Led by the Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance (AMWA) in collaboration with Settlement Services International, the report explores the barriers many women continue to face in rebuilding their professional careers and contributes to the growing national conversation around recognising and valuing migrant talent in Australia.
Our Recommendations
GATHERING | Resilient Futures. Cultural Confidence & Connection for Migrant Women | Saturday 13 June 2026 | 10am-3pm AEST
What becomes possible when migrant women feel truly seen, supported, and connected?
Join us for a powerful one-day program designed to help migrant women build confidence, strengthen resilience, and connect with a supportive community.
Delivered in partnership with City of Yarra, Professional Migrant Women, The Resilient Journeys and Wellbeing Face, this program creates a culturally safe space for women to learn practical tools for leadership, wellbeing, and community engagement while building meaningful connections with others who understand the journey.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, grow your confidence, and connect with a community that uplifts and empowers women, this program is for you.
- Where: Mercy Hub, Carlton North VIC, Australia
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online via Humanitix
READING | Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones
Regine Andersen wrote this book as a memoir and tools to transform mental blocks into positive steps.
SPOTLIGHTING | ECCWA Community
Ethnic Communities Council of Western Australia (ECCWA) is Western Australia’s peak ethnic umbrella organisation. It is a non-government, non-profit community-based organisation, taking an interest in all aspects of multiculturalism and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) affairs.
REPORTING | Australia’s Untapped Teaching Talent
While Australia faces a critical teacher shortage, thousands of qualified migrant teachers remain underemployed or unable to work in the profession due to complex recognition processes and systemic barriers.
REPORTING | Why More Women Are Walking Away from Traditional Networking
More and more women are choosing authentic, friendship-based professional communities over traditional networking spaces that often feel performative, transactional, and emotionally draining.
WALKING | For Good Moonee Ponds | Sunday 17 May 2026 | 10am-12noon AEST
Join Walk for Good at Queens Park for a relaxed community walk designed to support wellbeing, connection, and movement.
- Where: Queens Park, Moonee Ponds VIC, Australia
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: register online via Humanitix
WRITING | Stories Between Lands
Free writing program in Banyule exploring migration, identity, and belonging.
Across five workshops in 2026, participants will be guided by migrant writer Ana Asanovic to reflect on memory, culture, and what “home” means – no writing experience needed.
WANTING | To Level Up Your Career?
Join a community of migrant women growing, connecting, and advancing together by exploring PMW Level Up
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Professional Migrant Women (PWM)
PMW acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Diversity, advocate for Inclusion and foster a sense of Belonging.