Dr Alexia Derbas

In her new role Alexia will guide diversity initiatives and advise staff and students on best practices to foster a diverse, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Alexia was the Research and Policy Manager at Diversity Arts Australia, Australia’s peak body advocating for racial equity in the arts, screen and creative sectors. She has extensive experience advocating for justice and equity to be embedded in workplace practices in the creative industries.

She has also worked with the Australian Human Rights Commission on their Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces and continues to work with the FARE Network in their efforts against discrimination during the FIFA World Cup and other football tournaments.

CEO Liz Hughes said: ‘We warmly welcome Alexia to this significant and pivotal new role. One of our key ambitions is to ensure NIDA is a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and visitors and this new appointment is an important step in our overall strategy. Alexia will work across all areas of NIDA and her experience and expertise will be invaluable to ensure NIDA continues to evolve as a contemporary organisation.’

Alexia said: ‘I’m excited to join an organisation that has demonstrated a commitment to change over the past few years. I’m looking forward to working closely with NIDA staff and students in ensuring the NIDA of the future is representative of the broader community, and that racism and exclusion can continue to be redressed. I welcome the opportunity to centre social justice and equity in improving access to NIDA for historically excluded communities.’

Alexia has lectured and taught hundreds of students at Western Sydney University and the University of Technology, Sydney in media and communications, the social sciences and humanities. She has a PhD in Sociology from Western Sydney University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) from the University of Technology, Sydney. Prior to her research and policy careers, Alexia was a writer and poet.