Workplace Gender Diversity Specialist
Dr Paula Fernandez Arias is an accomplished social scientist with over 15 years of academic and applied research experience, and a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications, public speaking, and policy-relevant knowledge translation. Her doctoral research on African refugee resettlement under Australian multiculturalism was awarded the Professor Leon Piterman Prize for outstanding PhD work addressing the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged populations. Paula is a co-convener and researcher with the Monash Deakin Filicide Research Hub, where she has co-authored influential papers and reports on filicide, gender-based violence, and the intersection of the criminal justice system with vulnerable communities. In 2018, she was awarded the APEC-Australia Women in Research Fellowship- an initiative of the Australian Government to support economic and technical cooperation in the region, which enabled her to undertake a research project on Victoria’s 2008 Abortion Law Reform, contributing to women’s economic empowerment and knowledge exchange across borders.
In addition to her academic achievements, Paula has five years of senior leadership and NGO management experience, where she has led complex programs and partnerships focused on equity, access, and systems change. She brings lived and professional expertise working alongside LGBTIQA+, migrant, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Known for her engaging communication style and strategic mindset, Paula is a sought-after educator and knowledge translator who bridges research, advocacy, and community-led practice to advance social justice.
