Diverse Leadership Program 2025 graduation ceremony
Published on: 17 Sep 2025
Our Diverse Leadership Program graduates celebrate at Alanvale Campus.
On 29 August at Alanvale Campus, 24 Tasmanians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds graduated from the Diverse Leadership Program (DLP).
The emerging leaders embarked on the 4-month DLP in May this year – a tailored training program developed by the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT) and TasTAFE.
The learners studied goal setting and planning, communication and conflict management, and negotiation and team building skills – so they are prepared to step into management and leadership roles.
TasTAFE Interim CEO Will McShane congratulated graduates and praised them on setting a positive example to others
“Congratulations to our 2025 Diverse Leadership Program Graduates who are a wonderful example to other emerging leaders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, that they too can embark on a path of further study and succeed.”
Mr McShane said championing diversity and celebrating the richness of human experiences, perspectives and talents is a smart move for any business or organisation.
“Diversity in the workplace is crucial to bringing fresh and different ways of thinking and leadership skills to the table. Organisations and societies can thrive by leveraging the strengths and talents of a diverse workforce, leading to greater unity, collaboration and growth.”
MCOT CEO Andrew Finch congratulated the graduates on completing the program and wished them well for their future endeavours.
“This program is so important to empower emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds to be successful as effective leaders in their workplaces and to make meaningful contributions to the Tasmanian community,” Mr Finch said.
“Many people from culturally diverse backgrounds are still working well below their skill level – and it’s important that cultural diversity in the workforce includes people at all levels, including management and decision-making positions, so that we fully capitalise on the knowledge and skills which cultural diversity brings to our economy and community.”
MCOT and TasTAFE developed the tailored leadership program in 2023, and the program content has been finely-tuned each year based on feedback received by previous participants – making this program truly ‘fit for purpose’.
Minister for Skills and Jobs Felix Ellis and Minister for Community and Multicultural Affairs Madeleine Ogilvie were on-hand to congratulate to this year’s DLP graduates.
DLP 2025 is supported by Skills Tasmania and delivered in partnership between MCOT and TasTAFE, with assistance from Sherlock & Dutta Consulting.
L–R clockwise: MCOT CEO, Andrew Finch; DLP graduate, Zemeany Gebremichael; Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis; TasTAFE Interim CEO, Will McShane; Minister for Community and Multicultural Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie; and DLP graduate, Youyin You, holding her daughter.
