Meet ASDA’s First Board Observers

At the Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ASDA), we are committed to strengthening Australia’s space sector by fostering a competent and diverse workforce at every level—from entry positions to the executive suite. As part of this mission, we recently launched the ASDA Board Observer Program, a six-month pilot initiative offering emerging leaders a unique opportunity to develop governance skills and observe strategic decision-making in action.

Following a highly competitive selection process, we are proud to introduce the first two participants in our pilot program:

Anne Bettens – CEO of Deneb Space, a startup pioneering autonomous satellite manoeuvring technologies. While completing her PhD in vision-based navigation at the University of Sydney, Anne leads a growing team and is now seeking boardroom experience to support Deneb’s growth and her own evolution as a leader in the space sector. Anne will observe the Aviation/Aerospace Australia board.

Anupam Kumar Pilli – Strategic Projects Manager at ANU Institute for Space, where he is advancing Australia’s testing capabilities through the National Space Qualification Network (NSQN). Anupam brings significant experience in program management and is preparing for future executive and board roles. This observership will help him deepen his governance capabilities and strengthen his strategic leadership. Anupam will observe the EveryMan board.

From a high-calibre pool of applicants, Anne and Anupam stood out for their clear commitment to inclusive leadership and proactive desire to build governance skills. Their selection underscores the value of creating structured pathways for future board members in the space sector.

Why It Matters

Board experience is often a prerequisite for leadership, yet it remains one of the hardest experiences to gain without an existing network or opportunity. The ASDA Board Observer Program addresses this gap by offering participants a chance to observe real-world governance, attend board meetings, gain insights into organisational decision-making, and connect with experienced mentors.

Each Observer is matched with a dedicated board member for support throughout the program, ensuring they gain the most from this hands-on learning experience.

Looking Ahead

The strong response to this pilot highlights the demand for industry-specific development programs that promote inclusive leadership and open new doors for emerging talent. In the coming months, we’ll continue to refine and grow this initiative with the goal of establishing the Board Observer Program as ASDA’s flagship leadership pathway.

Stay tuned for updates, reflections from our Observers, and future opportunities to get involved.

Program Partners

Participating organisations include EveryMan Australia and Aviation Aerospace Australia (A/AA). Thanks to National Committee member, Mitch Porteous for bringing this pilot program to the industry.

If your organisation is interested in partnering with ASDA to support this program or contribute to future initiatives, please contact us.