Speakers

Abby Kempe is a nationally recognised expert in workplace equity and gender diversity strategy, with deep expertise across high-risk, male-dominated sectors including construction, infrastructure, utilities, and defence. She has led major transformation programs spanning government and industry, and is known for bridging complex organisational challenges with practical, high-impact solutions.

Abby recently delivered the first ever gender diversity strategy for a Tier 1 infrastructure client, overseeing policy reform, workforce diagnostics, and national stakeholder engagement. She also hosted the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ inaugural national forum for Women Apprentices — convening leaders across education, trades, and government to influence systemic change.

Holding an MBA and as a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia (MICDA), Abby brings board-level insight and applied reform leadership to every engagement. With a background in organisational psychology and justice, she designs and delivers original research pilots and capability-building programs for leading contractors, state agencies, and multinationals. Her work is known for driving measurable change in inclusion performance, retention outcomes, and leadership accountability.

At the Construction Workforce Development & Innovation Summit, Abby will moderate the panel discussion ‘Developing a Construction Workforce of the Future: Skills, Training, and Diversity’, bringing expert insight into future-proofing workforce design, attracting the next generation of talent, and embedding inclusion at scale.