Melbourne International Women’s Day

Join us in Melbourne for the 3rd annual Brown Boss Babes Australia International Women’s Day event, proudly hosted by Brown Boss Babes Australia (BBB) and the South Asian Foundation of Australia (SAFA). We are proud to say we are Australia’s only line up representing South Asian Women on this day.

The day is about celebrating South Asian women’s leadership, creativity, resilience, and ambition, and creating a space where meaningful connections can happen across business, careers, community, and culture.

Expect an uplifting program featuring an inspiring keynote speaker (to be announced), real conversations, and the kind of room that reminds you what’s possible when women come together with intention. Whether you are building a business, growing your career, exploring a creative path, or simply looking to reconnect with community, you are welcome here.

Come as you are. Leave with new connections, fresh perspective, and the energy to keep backing yourself and the women around you.

What’s included

• Gift bag worth over $100 containing products from South Asian Women Owned Businesses

• Access to the BBB Bazaar to support local South Asian Women Business Owners

• Opportunity with like minded women that understand you

• Hear from 4 amazing local women who have become household names in their industries

The Speakers Prerna (Founder, Shaadis and More)

Prerna is the founder of Shaadis and More, a South Asian wedding and celebrations vendor directory connecting the community with businesses across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. After moving to Australia in 2008 and completing a Masters in International Business at Monash University, she spent almost a decade in fashion retail product buying before pivoting into entrepreneurship. Launched in July 2023, Shaadis and More now showcases 175+ businesses, many female-led, and has become a go-to platform for young South Asians planning milestone events with a true Desi flavour.

Angelica Silva (ABC)

Angelica Silva is a multiplatform reporter and presenter with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Her work exploring racial discrimination, the migrant experience and women’s health has reached millions across ABC platforms. Half Malayali and half Tamil with parents from Singapore, she is passionate about challenging conventional narratives through her reporting. In 2023, she received the Stellar South Asian Woman Award for Journalism and continues to advocate for greater media literacy and representation for the South Asian community in Australia.

Dr Sarah Arachchi (Paediatrician, Author, AMA Victoria)

Dr Sarah Arachchi is a General Paediatrician working across Monash Children’s Hospital and private practice in Melbourne, with a strong focus on advocacy, equity and inclusion in medicine. A Monash University graduate and Fellow of the RACP, she is the current Chair of the Women in Medicine Group at AMA Victoria and co-convenes Victorian paediatric education sessions. Her memoir Brown. Female. Doctor. was published by Monash University Publishing in May 2025, and she regularly contributes to media and public discussions on health and women in medicine.

Uppma Virdi (Founder, Chai Walli)

Uppma Virdi is the founder of Chai Walli and a multidisciplinary entrepreneur known for blending culture, creativity and business. Born in Chandigarh and raised in Melbourne, she trained as a fintech lawyer before turning her love of authentic masala chai into an acclaimed brand rooted in tradition and integrity. Uppma has been recognised in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, named Business Woman of the Year at the Indian Australian Business Community Awards, and featured as The Project’s “Woman to Watch.” She is also a sought-after speaker, cultural advisor and writer on identity, diversity and sustainability.

For sponsorship opportunities please email office@brownbossbabes.org