Speakers

Saraya O’Connell is the General Manager of Hotel Etico Australia, the country’s first not for profit social enterprise hotel dedicated to inclusive employment and training for people with disabilities. A passionate advocate for diversity in hospitality, Saraya is committed to driving systemic change in disability employment, ensuring workplaces are not only accessible but truly inclusive.

With over 16 years of experience in the disability sector and a background in hospitality, Saraya brings a unique blend of expertise, leadership, and innovation to her role. She has played a pivotal role in expanding Hotel Etico’s reach, spearheading initiatives that empower trainees to transition into open employment while challenging industry standards.

Saraya’s leadership has helped shape Hotel Etico into a model of inclusion, proving that social enterprises can thrive while making a lasting social impact. She is an engaging speaker on inclusive employment, social enterprise sustainability, and the intersection of hospitality and disability inclusion.

Through her work at Hotel Etico, Saraya collaborates with industry partners to champion employment pathways for people with disabilities, advocating for change at both corporate and policy levels. She also co-hosts Room for All, the Hotel Etico Australia podcast, where she shares insights on inclusive leadership and the evolving landscape of social impact in hospitality.
Saraya’s unwavering commitment to innovation and inclusion continues to inspire the hospitality sector to embrace the full potential of diverse workforces, setting new benchmarks for accessibility and opportunity in Australia’s employment landscape.