The Asia Pacific Women in Leadership (APWiL) Program is delighted to announce the appointment of its new Co-Chairs: Professor Dimitria Groutsis of the University of Sydney and Professor Karla Urriola of Tecnológico de Monterrey. These two distinguished leaders bring a powerful combination of scholarly rigor and transformative practice to the role, united by a shared commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion across higher education in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meet Professor Dimitria Groutsis: An Architect of Inclusive Systems
Dimitria Groutsis is a leading voice in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As a Professor at the University of Sydney Business School and the Academic Director of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Program, her work has consistently informed both policy and practice. With a renowned research portfolio in migration, labor mobility, and cultural diversity, she has forged impactful partnerships with organizations like the Diversity Council Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Professor Groutsis brings this systemic perspective to her vision for APWiL. “My vision is to create meaningful and material impact by building bridges within and across higher education and the broader community—nationally and internationally,” she states. “Together, we can consolidate gender and intersectional equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring transparent pathways and dismantling systemic barriers for future leaders.”
Meet Professor Karla Urriola: A Champion of Institutional Transformation
Karla Urriola serves as the National Director of Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where she spearheads institution-wide strategies to foster gender equity and prevent gender-based violence. Her leadership impacts a dynamic community of over 180,000 students, faculty, and staff. A testament to her effective work is the recent publication of Tec de Monterrey’s 2024 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Report, which showcases remarkable progress in creating truly inclusive academic and professional spaces.
Her vision for APWiL is both aspirational and action-oriented. “My vision for APWiL is one of hope and impact,” says Urriola. “I see a future where women are strategic leaders and decision-makers at every level of higher education. Together, we can empower future generations to step confidently into leadership roles and transform institutions through equality, inclusion, and diversity.”
A Unified Path Forward
With Professor Groutsis and Professor Urriola at the helm, APWiL is poised to enter a new chapter. Their complementary expertise—in scholarly analysis and large-scale institutional change—creates a formidable foundation for the program’s next phase. Their shared focus on dismantling barriers, creating transparent leadership pathways, and fostering inclusive communities will guide APWiL’s mission to cultivate a new generation of women leaders.
We extend a warm welcome to Prof Dimitria Groutsis and Prof Karla Urriola and look forward to their leadership in driving meaningful progress across our network. Please join us in supporting them as they begin this important work.
Stay connected for upcoming programs and opportunities to engage with our new Co-Chairs.
* Read the Tec de Monterrey 2024 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Report [here].
* Learn more about the APWiL mission and programs [here].