STEM Sisters

?? Unlock Your Potential in STEM While Empowering Others! ?? The 2025 STEM Sisters Ambassador Program is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Women of Colour (WOC) in VIC, NSW, and SA! This prestigious program is designed to empower and support WOC in STEM by providing unique opportunities for leadership, professional development, and advocacy. As an ambassador, you’ll play a crucial role in driving diversity and inclusion, serving as a role model and mentor to the next generation of women in STEM. ? Why Join? The STEM Sisters Ambassador Program has a proven track record of success! Many of our ambassadors have thrived in their careers, securing leadership roles, scholarships, and industry opportunities. Spotlight: https://lnkd.in/g_NhBYPK ?? Who Should Apply? We are looking for passionate and dedicated Women of Colour in STEM who are: ? Active in the STEM community ? Committed to advocating for diversity & inclusion ? Ready to inspire and lead by example ?? Apply by 22nd April 2025 and become part of this transformative journey! ?? Tag a WOC in STEM who should apply! Let’s shape a more inclusive and empowered future together. ?? ?? Apply now: https://lnkd.in/g6ShzdUX #STEMSisters #WomenOfColourInSTEM #STEMAmbassadors #DiversityInSTEM #Leadership #WomenInSTEM Amanda Caples Karen Hapgood Alice Tinning (She/Her) Professor Madhu Bhaskaran FTSE, Ian Wong, Dr Priya Subramanian, Elaine Wong, Anne-Marie Hede, Alice Tinning (She/Her), Dr Ruwangi Fernando Department of Industry, Science and Resources

?? IWD 2025: March Forward – Advancing Equity, Empowerment & Inclusion for All! ?? This International Women’s Day 2025, we are not just celebrating—we are taking action. At STEM Sisters, we are committed to driving systemic change to ensure that girls and women of colour in STEM have the opportunities, support, and visibility they deserve. ?? The Challenge: The Chief Scientist’s STEM Workforce (2020) report reveals a concerning reality—56% of STEM-qualified women in Australia are born overseas, yet they face over four times the unemployment rate of their peers, despite a market full of STEM opportunities. These figures highlight the deep-seated systemic barriers that hinder their participation, career progression, and leadership in STEM. ?? Our Mission: Breaking Barriers & Creating Opportunities At STEM Sisters, we are tackling these challenges head-on through our unique initiatives. https://lnkd.in/gW53XuNZ ?? The Impact So Far With over 10,000 women supported through our award-winning programs, we are marching forward towards a future where talent, innovation, and success in STEM are truly inclusive. Here’s what our Ambassadors, Mentors, Mentees, Speakers, Leaders, and Volunteers in 2024 have to say about the impact of STEM Sisters: ?? Join the Movement! This IWD 2025, let's move beyond words, let’s take action. Together, we can create real, lasting change for women of colour in STEM. Will you stand with us? #IWD2025 #MarchForward #STEMSisters #EquityInSTEM #WomenInSTEM #InclusionMatters #DiversityInSTEM #BreakingBarriers Amanda Caples Karen Hapgood Alice Tinning (She/Her) Professor Madhu Bhaskaran FTSE, Ian Wong, Dr Priya Subramanian, Elaine Wong, Anne-Marie Hede, Alice Tinning (She/Her), Dr Ruwangi Fernando Department of Industry, Science and Resources

?? Calling All Women or non-binary person in STEM: Be a Speaker or Volunteer at Soapbox Science Melbourne & Sydney 2025! ?? Are you passionate about science communication, advocacy, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders? Do you want to share your research with the public in a fun, engaging, and impactful way? Soapbox Science is back for 2025, and we’re looking for dynamic speakers and enthusiastic volunteers to be part of this powerful movement! ??? Become a Speaker Are you a woman or non-binary person in STEM with a story to tell? This is your chance to step onto the Soapbox and bring science to the streets! No slides, no lectures—just raw, exciting, and engaging science communication in a public space. Whether you're an early-career researcher, industry professional, or established expert, we want to hear from you! ?? Join as a Volunteer Passionate about STEM outreach, diversity, and inclusion? Help us make Soapbox Science a success by assisting speakers, engaging with the audience, and ensuring the event runs smoothly. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network, gain event experience, and contribute to an initiative driving gender equity in STEM. ?? Event Details: ?? Melbourne – 15th August 2025 ?? Sydney – 9th August 2025 ?? Expressions of Interest (EOI) Now Open! ?? Apply Here: ?? Melbourne – https://lnkd.in/ghmGk3Kn ?? Sydney – https://lnkd.in/gsi9zVvG Soapbox Science is a global phenomenon transforming how the public engages with science—let’s make 2025 bigger than ever! Tag a friend who should apply or spread the word to help us showcase the incredible talent of women in STEM! ?? #SoapboxScience #WomenInSTEM #SciComm #PublicEngagement #STEMOutreach #DiversityInSTEM #STEMSisters

?? STEM Sisters Wins Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year! ?? We are beyond thrilled to announce that STEM Sisters has been named Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year at the International Women’s Day Awards 2025 by The Australia Today ! ?? This incredible recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, volunteers, and the amazing women of colour in STEM who inspire us every day. At STEM Sisters, we are committed to breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and fostering an inclusive STEM community where women from diverse backgrounds can thrive. This award is not just ours—it belongs to every woman of colour in STEM who has faced challenges but continues to rise, innovate, and lead. It reaffirms our mission to build a future where diversity is celebrated, and every woman has the support she needs to succeed in STEM. A huge thank you to The Australia Today for this honor and to our incredible supporters who believe in our vision. Let’s continue working together to create lasting change! Natalie Hutchins MP Office of Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria Natalie Suleyman MP Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj Amanda Caples Karen Hapgood Alice Tinning (She/Her) Professor Madhu Bhaskaran FTSE, Ian Wong, Dr Priya Subramanian, Elaine Wong, Anne-Marie Hede, Alice Tinning (She/Her), Dr Ruwangi Fernando #STEMSisters #IWD2025 #WomenInSTEM #DiversityInSTEM #BreakingBarriers #AustraliaTodayAwards

?? Celebrating International Women of Colour Day – March 1st ?? Today, on International Women of Colour Day, we honour the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Women of Colour (WOC) in STEM who continue to break barriers, innovate, and lead the way. At STEM Sisters, we are committed to amplifying the voices of WOC, creating equitable opportunities, and ensuring that diversity is not just celebrated, but embedded into the fabric of STEM industries. From mentors to innovators, researchers to entrepreneurs, WOC in STEM are shaping the future, yet they remain underrepresented. We see you. We celebrate you. We uplift you. ?? ?? Join us in recognising and championing the incredible Women of Colour in STEM. Tag a WOC in STEM who inspires you and share how they have made an impact! ?? Want to stay updated on mentorship programs, career opportunities, and upcoming events? Join our newsletter and be part of a community that empowers, supports, and uplifts Women of Colour in STEM! ?? https://lnkd.in/g8n5JSr5 #InternationalWomenOfColourDay #WomenInSTEM #STEMSisters #DiversityInSTEM #WOCInSTEM #RepresentationMatters Amanda Caples Karen Hapgood Alice Tinning (She/Her) Professor Madhu Bhaskaran FTSE, Ian Wong, Dr Priya Subramanian, Elaine Wong, Anne-Marie Hede, Alice Tinning (She/Her), Dr Ruwangi Fernando

First magazine feature? Check. ?Thank you, MAGNIFY- WOC IN STEM MAGAZINE! ?? As I wrap up my role as a STEM Sisters ambassador, I’m reflecting on the wild collection of ‘firsts’ this journey brought: ?First time moderating a panel discussion (nailed it, I think ??). ?First time walking the ramp as a model (yes, really ??) ?First time getting rejected by strangers on a busy Friday night while convincing them to listen to scientists (tough crowd) ?First time doing Halloween science experiments with kids (messy but magical ????) But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I can never settle for just one thing. Now, as this chapter closes, I’m reminded that the best is yet to come. Here’s to more firsts, more risks, and more impact. Thank you Dr Ruwangi Fernando ?? for all that you do and all that you are! I am forever in awe of you. #STEMForAll #WomenInSTEM #STEMLeadership #ScienceCommunication #WOCinSTEM #DiversityInSTEM #BreakingBarriers #PublicEngagement #SciComm #STEMAdvocate #FirstsInSTEM #STEMEducation #RepresentationMatters

?? 2024 Recap: Empowering Women of Colour in STEM ?? Last year, STEM Sisters made incredible strides in empowering women of colour through our Mentoring Program, Ambassador Program, MAGNIFY magazine, BE YOU program, Future Me outreach, Soapbox Science events, and the inaugural Women of Colour in STEM Awards. Check out the highlights and dive into our blog post to learn more about these transformative initiatives! ??? https://lnkd.in/gBASDzPc #STEMSisters #WomenInSTEM #DiversityInSTEM #2024Highlights

Warm congratulations to Prof Fariba Dehghani on being honored with the Leadership Award at the Women of Colour in STEM Awards during the Celebrating Excellence event held at University of Melbourne on 5th December 2024.

Pioneering women of colour honoured at STEM Awards 2024 Read here: https://lnkd.in/gwvt5__4 Dr Amit Sarwal Pallavi Jain Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj Paul Watters PhD Shailendra Bahadur Singh, PhD. Sheba Nandkeolyar Dipen Rughani GAICD Irfan Malik (MAICD) Dr Ruwangi Fernando STEM Sisters Professor Asha Rao Indu Bala Chamindie Punyadeera Vivian WY Tam FTSE Catriona Vi Nguy?n-Robertson Harini Hapuarachchi Dr Maria Alejandra Pinero de Plaza, PhD Teresa Cochrane ?? Shama Islam Brenda Denbesten Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi Rashina Hoda Ed Husic MP Anthony Albanese

?? Celebrating Excellence: Women of Colour in STEM Awards Highlights ?? What an unforgettable evening! ?? The inaugural Women of Colour in STEM Awards brought together trailblazing women, allies, and industry leaders to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women of colour across STEM fields. ? From inspiring stories of leadership and innovation to moments of recognition and connection, the event showcased these remarkable women's brilliance, resilience, and impact. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and partners—Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, The University of Melbourne, Deakin University and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for helping make this milestone event a reality. Your support drives the mission to foster diversity and inclusion in STEM. ?? Relive the highlights and explore the event gallery here: https://lnkd.in/gZardmEF Together, we celebrate diversity, amplify voices, and inspire future generations to thrive in STEM! ?? #WOCinSTEMAwards #DiversityInSTEM #WomenInSTEM #STEMSisters #CelebratingExcellence Ed Husic MP Department of Industry, Science and Resources Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Dr Ruwangi Fernando Ankita Ragesh Shaz Sivanesan