Meet the team behind Future Makers

At the heart of Future Makers is a passionate and experienced team committed to advancing and empowering women entrepreneurs across Australia. Meet the people driving this national initiative forward: 

Dr Jodie Trembath 
Director, Skills, Employment and Small Business, ACCI 
Project Lead, Future Makers 
Jodie leads ACCI’s policy and advocacy work across skills, employment, migration, tourism, and small business. She is a strong voice for small business in national policy debates, contributing to initiatives such as the Bunnings Green Shoots Fund, which supports small business recovery and resilience. Jodie also represents ACCI on several government advisory groups focused specifically on small business policy and regulation, including forums led by the ACCC, ATO, and the national small business ombudsman, ASBFEO. Alongside her small business advocacy, Jodie is Co-Chair of the Jobs and Skills Australia Education and Training Reference Group and sits on the Jobs and Skills Australia Ministerial Advisory Board and the Manufacturing Skills Australia Board. 

As Project Lead for Future Makers, Jodie is focused on building inclusive pathways for women in small business and ensuring policy reflects the realities of their entrepreneurial journeys. 

 
Sushmitha Kasturi 
Senior Policy Advisor, ACCI 
Project Manager, Future Makers 
Sushmitha is an economist with a strong background in public policy, having worked across small business, employment, financial services, and health in both government and academia. Her global perspective, shaped by her upbringing in India and studies in the USA and Australia, gives her a unique lens on the cultural barriers women face in business. As Project Manager of Future Makers, she leads strategic delivery and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the initiative is responsive, inclusive, and impactful. Sushmitha is also a passionate advocate for equity and mentors emerging leaders in her local Canberra community. 

Natasha Kie 
Policy Adviser, ACCI 
Project Officer, Future Makers 
Natasha works across small business, skills, and employment policy at ACCI, bringing expertise in research, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive policy development. As Project Officer for Future Makers, she supports the design and implementation of resources and programs that reduce barriers for women entrepreneurs. Natasha is committed to fostering inclusive growth and ensuring small businesses, especially those led by women, have the tools and support they need to thrive. 

Together, this team is shaping Future Makers into a transformative initiative that not only supports women in small business but also drives cultural change across Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape.