Watch out for the next Backpack to Briefcase career breakfast series in 2010.

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Our Panel Speakers 


Alissa Phillips
Social Entrepreneur, Director and Creator of Not-for-Profit Organisation s.p.a.c.e;  
2009 The Weekend Australian and Microsoft Australia Emerging Leader "Society"
2008 UQ Young Alumnus of the Year

Alissa Phillips holds a Bachelor’s degree of Creative Industries and a Masters in Music Therapy. This dynamic UQ alumnus has applied her educational qualifications to create a not-for-profit centre offering young people with disabilities and their families a meeting place for services such as physiotherapy, music and speech therapy, winning several awards for her work in improving the lives of people with a disability. Alissa believes that disability and the differences in our communities can be embraced through education, social responsibility and the provision of positive experiences of youth and community. 



Michael Rodgers-Bell 
New Enterprise Incentive Scheme Trainer/Mentor, Sarina Russo Job Access

Michael Rodgers Bell is a psychologist with specific training in counselling. He started his professional career working with families and soon developed a passion for business – an arena where Michael could draw upon his extensive training. Michael has 18 years experience working with NEIS – The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme where he is a professional business coach, trainer and mentor. Michael has worked to develop in excess of 4,000 new businesses of which, 15 grossed 1 million dollars within their start-up year. To date, Michael counts a total of 50 businesses which continue to generate in excess of a 1 million per annum turnover. Michael cites mentoring as key to building entrepreneurial skills and creating a valuable network of contacts with venture capitalists and successful business people.





Paul Sernia 
Commercialisation Associate - UniQuest Pty Limited.

Dr Paul Sernia is an Associate with UniQuest, the research commercialisation company of The University of Queensland.  In this role he works with researchers and technologies from a broad range of University faculties and institutes to realise the commercial benefits of research.  Prior to joining UniQuest he worked in business and analytical roles locally and overseas in finance, transport and policy.  He is also a founding director of a technology start-up company specialising in the sustainable transport and renewable energy markets.  Paul is a graduate of UQ in engineering and science, and has a PhD in electrical engineering.