Micaela Drieberg

Biography

Micaela Drieberg is a high energy and passionate presenter who is driven by a simple philosophy – be the change you want to see.

After completing a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Health Promotion Micaela entered the health sector, managing a drug prevention program working with young people to assist them gain work experience. From there she worked across a range of areas within public health including NGOs and government before being sought as an Adviser to a former Victorian Health Minister.

At the age of 29 Micaela was elected as a Councillor at the City of Monash, a council that bucked the norm in terms of the age, gender and ethnicity of its members. She was unanimously elected as Mayor during her second term with the municipality.

Since commencing her career in the health sector and following on to urban planning and local government, Micaela has always worked with communities. It was through this experience that she observed a range of communication challenges which ignited her passion for community engagement.

Micaela shares her expertise on community engagement to demonstrate how gender, where you live, work, play and study can influence your life. She now works as a consultant, university lecturer and trainer helping people to understand how to better engage with their communities.

Topics

• Community engagement
  What is it and how do I do it well?
• The art of engagement
  How to better engage with your communities
• Dealing with apathy
  How to work smart with difficult people and influence positive outcomes
• Gender
  The changing face of leadership, insights from a Mayor who broke the mould

Testimonials

Micaela is hard to recommend, because what's not to love? She's talented, conscientious, hard-working and able to fit in with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Her local government background has given her a solid understanding of complicated processes and involving stakeholders. Her television work has made the most of her natural, likeable style. I'd recommend Michael for anything she has set her mind to... she's just that good.
Troy Swindells-Grose, Humour Australia

Micaela is that unique blend of "can do", never give up and switched on focus to know that she will get the job done. I know I've been impressed with her achievements, clarity and determination.
Jon Yeo, TedxMelbourne

Very informative, good pace, good presentation style and balance of theory & practical tasks. Excellent!
City of Melbourne

Micaela offers great insights in government based community engagement from the perspectives of a leader and decision maker. She has helped my organisation understand the strategic elements of engagement, including how to define and measure success, navigate political issues and manage reputation risk. Micaela is also a great facilitator.
Matthew Gordon, OurSay

Micaela Drieberg is an experienced lecturer and has contributed to the teaching program for the Bachelor of Health Science at Monash University. She has delivered a number of guest lectures in the subjects of Community Development and Partnerships (lecture topi Community mobilisation and advocacy) and Health Promotion in Community and Organisational Settings (lecture topics health promoting hospitals and health promoting cities). Micaela is an engaging speaker and is able to draw upon her extensive experience in local government and health promotion to provide students with compelling examples and stories to illustrate concepts.
Dr Darshini Ayton, Monash University

I was impressed with Micaela’s commitment at such a “young age” to be making a difference in community and how courageous she is to be a Councillor and Community Leader given the reputation many of them come with.
AGL

Micaela loves working in community. She is a big picture person who is a great connector of people to work on common issues, has a fantastic network and knows how to advocate strategically to get the 'job done'. She also has fun and smiles heaps in the process!
John Rogerson, Australian Drug Foundation

The perspectives Micaela shares as a guest speaker provide valuable insights into her previous role as Mayor and her experience with government and planning. Her introductions of other guest speakers at Monash Women's Business Network are always well researched and relevant for the business women like myself who attend and value these events
Karen Hollenbach, Think Bespoke