In partnership with Advance, EY hosted the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, and the 2021 Advance Education & Research Award winner, Prof. Patricia Davidson in Sydney for an intimate boardroom lunch. An acclaimed leader across health and education, she was previously Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore, and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of health professionals and scientists.

At a time of urgent conversations around skills, staff retention and changes in the workplace, Prof. Davidson shared her experience in motivating teams and driving workforce development, and her insights on actions to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.

ABOUT: Professor Patricia M. Davidson is a global leader in cardiac health and a trailblazer when it comes to the care of vulnerable populations, person-centred care delivery and evidence-based teaching. A registered nurse since 1980, Patricia spent 23 years as a frontline clinician and nurse manager before shifting her focus to research and teaching, and becoming Dean and Professor of Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, USA. Today she serves as the first woman and first alumna to become Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, returning home after many years influencing health education globally. She is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and workforce development and interdisciplinary practice, having co-chaired the Johns Hopkins Roadmap 2020 Task Force. The group was charged with examining and renewing the goals of the institution’s roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion and deepening efforts to advance equity and access.