International Women’s Day 2026 – SA | In Balance
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2025
Time: 12–2PM ACDT
Venue: Bloom, 38 Winwood Street, Thebarton SA
Disclaimer: This event is set to sell out. If you'd like to be added to the waitlist, please contact the SA Chapter.
OVERVIEW
In Balance - Lunch at Bloom brings together members of Adelaide’s architecture and
design community to mark International Women’s Day 2026 through conversation and shared
reflection. Framed around the global theme "Balancing the Scales", the afternoon will explore
equity, leadership, and cultural contribution across architecture and the arts.
Through an informal conversation with guest speaker Elaine Chia, CEO of the Naomi Milgrom
Foundation, the discussion will reflect on her lived experience, professional trajectory,
and the influences that have shaped her role over time.
Conversation will be steered by Jasmine Placentino, co-chair of the Australian Institute of
Architects Committee for Gender, Equity, Diversity & Impact, alongside founding Adelaide
Design Week board member Hannah White.
Lunch at Bloom will include three shared courses from the Chef’s Selection menu along with
wine and non-alcoholic beverage options, followed by tea and coffee.
Guest Speaker | Elaine Chia | CEO of Naomi Milgrom Foundation
Elaine Chia is the CEO of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which
champions art, design and architecture that improves Australian lives.
Elaine has led arts festivals, international tours and cultural infrastructure projects.
Notable among her past roles are Executive Director at the Adelaide Festival, CEO at Sydney’s
City Recital Hall and Director, International Signature Projects at the Australia Council for
the Arts.
As a jack of all trades Elaine actively cultivates collaboration and pooling of diverse talents
and perspectives.
MC | Jasmine Placentino | Director of PARABOLICA
Jasmine Placentino is an architect and director of architecture studio PARABOLICA, practicing
across Adelaide and Melbourne.
Jasmine is the founding co-chair of the AIA Committee for Gender, Equity, Diversity & Impact,
co-chair of the AIA EmAGN Committee, and an elected member of the AIA SA Chapter Council in 2026.
Her leadership reflects a belief that architectural practice is defined not only by what we
design, but by how we engage, listen and contribute.
MC | Hannah White | Lecturer - Interior Architecture, University of Adelaide
Hannah White is a core committee member of Adelaide Design Week, working as an event organiser and program contributor to create platforms that foster creative exchange and invite public engagement with design. She is a Lecturer in Interior Architecture at the University of Adelaide, where she champions the role of craft, making and conceptual thinking as fundamental to design practice.
Passionate about supporting emerging designers and creatives, Hannah develops learning environments that encourage experimentation, industry connection and storytelling through design. A strong commitment to community sits at the heart of both her teaching and her involvement with Adelaide Design Week.