Canberra leaders pursuing a more diverse STEM sector for a better future
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The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) sector has a gender diversity issue.
More than 7 out of 10 employees in the STEM workforce overall are men. More than 9 in 10 CEO positions are held by men and almost 9 in 10 STEM academics at the professorial level are men.
While awareness, the number of vocal advocates and the attention of government policies and efforts are growing, how quickly is the STEM industry going to change?
Claire Harris, Founder of Innovate Communicate, says that evidence shows diversity in teams and STEM sectors is critical for success. She also says that there are many Canberrans, often unseen, leading the way and creating better work environments for current and future STEM professionals.
“From CEOs and people in formal diversity roles to individuals working in science laboratories or private company offices, everyone has a role to play as a diversity champion. It’s the only way we’re going to change the STEM workforce for the better rapidly,” says Claire.
As a local business owner who started her career in science, Claire now helps organisations communicate their impact. She’s inviting Canberrans to the Advancing the Future: Gender Equity in STEM Workshop to share their ideas, get inspired and help document what’s working to achieve greater diversity.
The workshop will be held on Tuesday 15 August at the Canberra Innovation Network.
Claire, who won a Great Ydeas grant from YWCA Canberra and Canberra Innovation Network in 2022, says that the workshop aims to attract a diverse group of participants and show how Canberrans are cracking the diversity code.
“Incredible Canberra-based leaders are participating and I want everyone in the room to be able to share their ideas and experiences,” says Claire.
“I’m excited by the potential of bringing a group together who are focusing on solutions and I’m determined to publicise their efforts and stories,” she said.
Leaders speaking as part of the formal workshop program:
- Anna-Maria Arabia, Chief Executive, Australian Academy of Sciences
- Alana Lundy, Executive Branch Manager, ACT Government
- Dr Merryn McKinnon, Associate Professor, Australian National University
- Hala Batainah, Principal Coach, Humanosity
- Dr Susan McGinty, Director, Aya Leadership
- Mat Franklin, Managing Director, MF & Associates
- Dr Chloe Lim, Science Storyteller, Twisty Science.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Advancing the Future: Gender Equity in STEM Workshop, including talks and a workshop + networking (coffee and snacks provided)
When: Tuesday 15 August, 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Canberra Innovation Network, 5/1 Moore Street, Canberra
Register: bit.ly/AdvancingFuture
Feature image: Claire Harris. Credit: Canberra Innovation Network
