Panellists | Perspectives on Inclusion

Danielle Heard — Head of School, Nashoba Brooks School, and President of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools

Danielle graduated from Williams College and holds an M.Ed. from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. She was a Klingenstein Institute Fellow at Columbia University Teachers College, and completed the Program for Leadership Development at the Harvard Business School. Danielle has enjoyed working in three ICGS member schools, and has served as head of Nashoba Brooks School since 2012. As a volunteer, Danielle has enjoyed serving as a Trustee of the Association of Independent Schools of New England, Belmont Hill School, advisor to The Chewonki Foundation, and a member of the founding Board for Bridge Boston Charter School.

Rana Hussain — Founder, Good.Human, Consultant, Writer, Broadcaster

Rana Hussain, the founder of her organisation, Good. Human is a pioneering force in sports administration, media and beyond. A fervent advocate for social inclusion, she stands as a distinguished Inclusion and Belonging leader, driving change with passion and purpose. Rana leverages her expertise to advise on leadership, culture, inclusion and belonging. Her impactful contributions extend beyond organisational realms, encompassing Board roles with the Victorian Women’s Trust and Reconciliation Australia. As a consultant and administrator, Rana has worked with major brands the likes of Coles, the Prince’s Trust, Cricket Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the AFL to name a few. A regular presenter on the ABC, Rana’s multifaceted talents in writing, presenting, and broadcasting make her a dynamic and influential figure, bringing humour, kindness, and thoughtfulness to every endeavour.

Djapirri Mununggirritj — Yolngu Elder from Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land

Djapirri is a Gumatj senior leader, who is widely respected for her deep understanding of culture, language, and commitment to her people. She has consistently worked to balance relationships between Yolŋu and Näpaki (non-indigenous). Djapirri is part of the Indigenous Engagement team for the Prime Minister and Cabinet and was the lead board member of Reconciliation Australia for over 20 years. Djapirri was also instrumental in establishing the Yirrkala Women’s Patrol to address domestic violence, alcohol abuse and other community safety issues. In 2011 she received the Northern Territory Australia’s Local Hero Award. Djapirri is a powerful educator advocating for Country as Teacher. She is well-known and respected for her work across the political and education arena.

Dr Nira Rahman — Teaching Specialist, University of Melbourne

As an academic in Arts Teaching Innovation at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Arts, Dr Nira Rahman is working towards a more inclusive, applicable, transformative and internationalised education. Her passion for her work in education, music and community inspires her to find ways to start and continue the robust discussion around the various diverse and intersectional identities present within school community.

Her specific interests lie in co-creation, student voice and agency, connecting learning outcomes to employable skills, intercultural competencies and better communication and inclusion in diverse classrooms.