Brenda Gaddi (she/her/siya) is a Filipina settler living, working, and raising her family on the sovereign lands of the Wallumattagal Clan of the Darug Nation. Born and raised in Manila during the Martial Law era, Brenda migrated to Australia in the late 1990s with her mother and young family — an experience that continues to shape her lifelong commitment to equity, belonging, and shared humanity.

As the Founder and Executive Director of Women of Colour Australia, Brenda leads a national movement dedicated to centring the leadership and lived experiences of Women of Colour across all sectors. Under her guidance, WoCA has become a trusted voice in racial justice and gender equity — delivering evidence-based leadership programs, advocacy, and research that influence systems and create structural change.

Brenda’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the Filipino concept of Kapwa — our shared humanity — and in the belief that true leadership is collective, relational, and transformative.

Brenda is frequently invited to keynote and contribute to panels on topics including intersectionality, racial equity, gender justice, inclusive leadership, and cultural safety. Her storytelling and thought leadership have been featured in national conversations exploring how workplaces and systems can better reflect and support Australia’s diversity.

Brenda was featured in LinkedIn’s inaugural Changemakers Program, celebrating individuals using their platform to drive genuine change in the world of work.

Brenda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and is completing a Master of Public and Social Policy at Macquarie University.