ABOUT US

Careers in Colour emerged as a grass roots response to the continued, and well-documented under-representation of people of colour and cultural diversity in Australia’s senior leadership.

Since launching in late 2021, we’ve run a range of community building events across a range of sectors focused on fostering dialogue around the lack of racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity in a range of workplaces, as well as mobilise people to create change in their own spheres.

Our Mission

TO BUILD A FUTURE WHERE WORKPLACES REFLECT AND MAXIMISE THE POTENTIAL OF multicultural workforce.

why do we exist?

  • 24% > 5%

    People of Colour/Multicultural Australians continue to be significantly underrepresented in Australia’s senior leadership.

    While those with non-European backgrounds make up to 24% of Australia’s population, these backgrounds only account for 5% of senior leaders.

  • The causes are layered, intersectional

    Racialised employees are more than twice as likely to report racism being ‘common or very common’ in the workplace.

    2 out of 3 Women of Colour report experiencing discrimination in the workplace.

  • The issue is under-addressed

    While 93% of employees believe Australian organisations should take action to address racism, only 27% believe their organisations are proactive in preventing workplace racism.

  • Progress is slow, and in recent years has backslid

    In ASX201-300 companies, the percentage of directors from non-European backgrounds almost halved in 2024, compared to 2022.

what we do

We create safe, inclusive spaces where our communities feel valued and seen. Through our events and initiatives, we help connect individuals with others through shared experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.

BUILD COMMUNITIES OF SUPPORT

Education is a powerful tool for change. Through campaigns, storytelling, and visibility initiatives, we raise awareness about the challenges faced by people of colour and multicultural Australians in the workplace. By amplifying marginalised voices, we inspire organisations to reflect and act.

DRIVE AWARENESS AND VISIBILITY

We believe in equipping emerging leaders of colour and multicultural Australians with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to excel and lead. We support the next generation of changemakers through partnerships (e.g., MindTribes, Multicultural Leadership Initiative) and initiatives.

EMPOWER EMERGING LEADERS

Change happens when voices come together. We bring together employee-led networks from the public and private sectors, fostering collective action. By working collaboratively, we advocate for policies and practices that address structural inequities, ensuring a more inclusive future for all.

FOSTER COLLECTIVE ADVOCACY

Our partners