SMBiT Professionals appoints two new board members to foster diversity & growth

SMBiT Professionals has appointed Kayla Ellice, founder and Managing Director of Inception Marketing, and Jess Leong, Co-owner and Operations Manager of Sydney-based MSP A Corp, to its board.

The appointments reflect SMBiT Professionals’ “broader commitment to addressing underrepresentation within the IT industry, particularly for women and younger professionals.”

Ellice has extensive experience helping IT and MSP businesses thrive, and is “passionate about progressing inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of IT professionals”, according to SMBiT Professionals’ announcement.

Leong has more than six years of hands-on leadership experience in IT service management. She has a dual degree in business and IT, and is focused on “driving the diversity of SMBiT Professionals’ membership and creating opportunities for fresh ideas and perspectives that will flourish the association.”

SMBiT Professionals aims to “foster a more inclusive environment where members from all backgrounds can contribute and thrive”, it stated.

“Increasing diversity within our membership and leadership is critical to the growth and sustainability of the IT industry,” said Scott Atkinson, Board Chair of SMBiT Professionals.

“Both Kayla and Jess represent the next generation of leadership in IT, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment to progressing change, inclusivity and collaboration among our membership group.”

Ellice stated: “I know that community engagement and fostering a strong, inclusive culture are both pivotal to SMBiT Professionals’ success. I’m proud to contribute to this in a meaningful way and look forward to helping build a membership base that thrives on both collaboration and diversity.”

Leong said she was “honoured to join the SMBiT Professionals board and look forward to bringing fresh ideas to the table. Engaging younger professionals and fostering diversity within our community is essential for the future of our industry, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”

Ellice and Leong will serve as casual board directors until the group’s next Annual General Meeting (AGM),when their appointments will be subject to election by members.