Women in Entrepreneurship

Velocity brings you this exciting Women in Entrepreneurship event, featuring a panel of accomplished speakers who will share their journeys, reflect on the highs and lows of founding a business, and offer invaluable advice for emerging entrepreneurs. Discover what it takes to create, innovate, and lead from women founders and innovators who are leading change across tech, fashion, branding, medtech and more.

Tania Bastianello - Co-founder of Astute Access
Tania leads across people, culture, marketing, operations and logistics. Originally from South Africa, her diverse career includes national-level swimming, policing, legal practice, and entrepreneurship. A strong advocate for mental health, she volunteers as an expert panellist for B416 and champions wellbeing, collective strength, and helping others discover their superpowers.

Patrice Green - Managing Director of Wellington Beds Group
Chartered Accountant turned entrepreneur, Patrice transformed her family business into a powerhouse of craftsmanship and innovation. She helps businesswomen master finances, scale sustainably, and grow with confidence. A mother of three, she leads with grit, authenticity, and a commitment to empowering others.

Catherine Harris - Chief Executive of TBWA/New Zealand Group
Catherine leads TBWA\New Zealand with precision, drive and focus, building strong relationships across clients and partners. She sets the tone for success, ensuring teams collaborate effectively and achieve outstanding results.

Chloé Julian - Founder and Creative Director of Videris Lingerie
Chloé redefines lingerie as a vehicle for confidence, comfort and self-expression. With over 20 years of global design experience, she brings a design-led approach to innovation and sustainable, women-focused practices.

Rochelle Moffitt - Founder and Managing Director of Tickled Pink 
Rochelle is a creative strategist and connector, founder of Tickled Pink and co-founder of Revved, building platforms for women-led ventures. She curates events and communities that empower professionals to collaborate, innovate, and grow.

Sarvnaz Taherian - Senior Product Development Manager at Alimetry
Sarvnaz has 15+ years in health and medtech innovation. She has founded a health-tech start-up and led design teams within hospitals, focusing on human-centred solutions that deliver real-world impact.

18 September – 6pm
Unleash Space
20 Symonds Street

The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand-out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.

CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 14 international awards since 2020.