About the Founder
Founder of Ellect, Sandra D’Souza, is a dynamic force in business and a passionate advocate for gender equality. Renowned for her Amazon No. 1 Bestseller “From Bias to Equality,” Sandra has shaped a career that is as varied as it is impactful. With two decades in corporate leadership at MTV Europe, Telstra, News Corp, and UBS, and a decade in entrepreneurial ventures including growing an international digital marketing agency she successfully sold in 2018, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as an entrepreneur and author. Celebrated for her achievements, Sandra was named Most Influential CEO 2023 by CEO Monthly.
In her trailblazing efforts with Business and Professional Women (BPW), Sandra moved up from Vice-President roles in Sydney to State President for BPW NSW and then to Executive Director on BPW International, reinforcing her commitment to advancing professional women. Her voice also resonated within the Commonwealth Business Council as one of the Australian leaders.
Sandra’s venture, Ellect, stands as a testament to her vision, driving forward a platform that challenges the corporate gender gap and champions equitable leadership. Her initiative Ellect Star recognises companies exemplifying gender balance, in line with her drive to foster inclusive corporate environments. This commitment to equality was internationally spotlighted when she was featured on the NASDAQ Tower as the only Australian in Nasdaq’s Spring 2021 Milestone Makers Program, focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goal #10, Reduced Inequalities.
Sandra’s advocacy work has not gone unnoticed, earning her the Edna Ryan Award for Mentoring in 2008 and a finalist position for the NSW Women Awards in 2018. Her direction of Ellect aligns with her lifelong mission, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals no. 5 – Gender Equality and no. 10 – Reduced Inequalities.
Latest Achievements:
Sandra D’Souza’s latest book, “From Bias to Equality,” has been recognized with prestigious accolades. It was awarded as a finalist in the Australian Business Book Awards 2023 for the category of Social Responsibility. Additionally, the book achieved finalist status in The Leadership Awards 2023 by The Institute of Leadership, specifically in the Leadership Book of the Year – Author category.
To learn more about Sandra’s inspiring journey and her ongoing projects, visit her LinkedIn profile.
Sandra D’Souza
Founder, CEO