Dr. Theresa Ruig is the Diversity and Inclusion Lead with BHP, previously holding this role at OZ Minerals. Her career has spanned the University, NFP and corporate sectors. Prior to her current role, Theresa was a member of the senior management team at Vision Australia, a large disability services organisation supporting people who are blind or have low vision.
Theresa is extremely passionate about diversity and inclusion given her lived experience of disability, having been blind since the age of 10. She has taken this passion for promoting inclusion throughout her career.
Theresa graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (1st class) and University Medal from the University of New England in 2000 and a PhD from the same university in 2006. Theresa was awarded the Young Distinguished Alumni award in 2008 from her university for her contribution to the not-for-profit sector. Some of Theresa’s volunteer roles have included:
- Director on the board of Blind Citizens Australia from 2003-05 (including one year as Vice President),
- Australian delegate to the World Blind Union (2004)
- Board Director for Vision Australia from 2007-17, including Deputy Chair from 2014-17 and Chair of the People & Culture Committee from 2014-17
- Board Member Australia & New Zealand Academy of Management 2018-19
Prior to joining the NFP sector, Theresa spent 15 years as an academic in the Higher Education sector at the University of New England in Armidale NSW. There she served as Program Director for all undergraduate and postgraduate business and management degrees, and also served as Deputy Head of the Business School. She has been published widely in a range of book chapters, national and international journal publications, and has been cited in national press in the areas of career management, diversity, gender and leadership.
