Sarah Barter

Background

About Sarah Barter

As Senior Coordinator, Innovation Programs, I plan our calendar of programs and events, from ideation stage startup programs to master workshops and online masterclasses, as well as coordinating the schedule for all our programs and executing our pitch nights. This involves redesigining programs based on participants feedback, engaging mentors, designing masterclasses, and constantly promoting our services among staff and students.I also actively support staff, students and alumni with their pitches and to nurture their startup ideas My passion for political, environmental and social campaigning led me to establish the Sustainability Action Group at Swinburne University.The aim of the group was to share data and bring together key stakeholders to persuade the University to prioritise environmental sustainability with resources, education and definitive targets that all staff and students could connect with to feel part of the University's vision and strategy.My leadership of the group helped force a review of the University’s sustainability strategy and in 2019, the Executive Group did commit to drawing 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources and to achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. It was a significant personal achievement to have been part of the team who negotiated these commitments with the University's Executive Group and Vice Chancellor. I am particularly proud of achieving my two main aims - a greater voice for students and staff in the University's strategy and a recognition by the University that we were in the midst of a climate crisis and action needed to be taken in accordance with this.I was a volunteer in the Voices of Goldstein movement and the election campaign of Zoe Daniel - the area's first Independent MP, and continue to encourage further action and education around the reduction of waste and more sustainable choices at the University and in my local area.My experience coordinating events range from research seminars to International Conferences, and I have also managed the successful election campaign of a Government Minister. With a first-class languages degree, a Masters degree in translation and experience corresponding on behalf of senior politicians and Academics, I have exceptional communication skills. I also have high cultural awareness and language skills including French, Japanese and British Sign Language having worked and studied in various countries and alongside Academics and students from around the world.