Our Speakers
Renee Bogatko
Master of Ceremonies
Renee Bogatko’s media career spans more than 18 years, with experience in print, television and radio. Having worked at AmplifyCBR for 13 years, her heart is in all things radio! She currently works as a Senior Journalist in the newsroom and has a lot of fun co-hosting the MIX106.3 Real Estate Show and the Cam and Renee Show on Saturday mornings. Renee also enjoys hosting a range of community and corporate events around town. When she’s not in front of the mic, Renee is engaged in all things mum life! She has three daughters aged 13, 5 and 2 who keep her on her toes. But she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Sharon Bessell
Professor of Public Policy, Children’s Policy Centre, The Australian National University
Sharon Bessell is a Professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University. She is the Director of the Children’s Policy Centre and co-host of Policy Forum Pod. Sharon’s research focuses on social policy, social justice, and the human rights of children, particularly the generational and gendered nature of poverty. She has published widely on these issues; her new book Understanding Child Poverty will be released in November 2026. She is currently leading More for Children, a program of transformative research that aims to understand and respond to children’s experiences of poverty. Sharon is internationally recognised as an award-winning leader in rights-based research methodologies and ethics. She teaches into the Crawford School’s Master of Public Policy.
Simon Vaughan
BA, Grad Dip Education, PhD Education, ACT Education, Canberra College
Dr. Simon Vaughan is Principal of Canberra College and an experienced ACT public education leader with more than three decades of service. His career spans teaching, deputy principalship, school principalship, system leadership and national board roles. Simon is recognised for his advocacy for equitable, inclusive and well-resourced public education, and for developing innovative approaches to student engagement, workforce capability and school improvement. A lifelong member of the Education Union, he has held leadership roles within ACTPA, ASPA, AAFIE and AITSL. Simon brings extensive experience in governance, policy, negotiation, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, underpinned by a strong commitment to professional voice and student agency.
Susan Johnson
SLC of Learning and Wellbeing at CCCares, Canberra College. ACT Teacher for over 20 years. Cert 4 in Youth work, Community Service and Community Development.
I began my teaching career as a teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Drama. Through my teaching practice I became passionate about the support students required outside of the classroom. I facilitated the student leadership group and moved into the role of Student Advisor. This experience enriched my understanding of the challenges young people face and the depth of support that schools need to offer students for them to succeed. I went to CIT to retrain in Community Services and Youth Work. When the opportunity came up to work within the CCCares program at Canberra College I felt a strong affinity with the young parents there and the challenges they face, due to my own experience of becoming a stepparent at an early age.
