An all-star line-up of CEOs, senior executives and rising star leaders in industry, business, politics, media and science have signed up to mentor Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM.
The high-powered collection of mentors – announced today – includes highly-experienced CEOs, top senior executives, Parliamentarians, Chief Scientists, company directors, and media broadcasters.
Over the next 18 months, they will share leadership insights and practical advice – and open doors and contact books – to help the Superstars step further into the media spotlight.
Superstars of STEM is a game-changing Australian initiative to transform the visibility of women and non-binary talent in STEM – and smash gender assumptions about who can work in science.
It is making a powerful contribution to tackle the serious under-representation of women in STEM.
Every two years, this program equips 60 brilliant women and non-binary people with advanced communication skills and opportunities – in the media, on stage and in schools. The result: we’re growing a critical mass of diverse, high-profile scientists inspiring our next generations.
In the program, each Superstar is matched with an impressive mentor. Mentors come from a wide array of backgrounds and careers. All are accomplished leaders who have forged their own path to success.
Each mentor will meet regularly with their Superstar of STEM to give support and advice as they navigate growing their public profile. This crucial connection supports Superstars to strive for the next level of success in their own careers and shine brilliantly across the media.
The Superstars will be mentored by exceptional leaders including former Science and Industry Minister Hon Karen Andrews MP, Independent MPs Allegra Spender and Zoe Daniel, leading company director and high-flying CEO Sally Loane, iSTEM Co. Founder Dr Morley Muse, top broadcasters and media executives Jo Stanley, Rae Johnston and Michelle Ainsworth, New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor Dame Juliet Gerrard and South Australian Chief Scientist Professor Caroline McMillen.
Mentors also include Australia’s first Defence Space Commander Cath Roberts, CSIRO senior executive Elanor Huntington, Engineers Australia’s Chief Engineer Jane MacMaster, leading STEM CEOs Catriona Jackson, Kylie Walker and Anna-Maria Arabia, inspiring AFL senior executive and changemaker Tanya Hosch, and brilliant scientists Dr Vanessa Pirotta and Karlie Noon – both 2021-2022 Superstars of STEM.
“These diverse, highly accomplished star leaders give our Superstars of STEM such valuable, real-world support and advice as they step into the media and public spotlight,” said STA CEO Misha Schubert.
“The Superstars of STEM program is a shining success story. It is transforming the idea of what scientists and people in STEM careers look like, and powerfully shifting the dial on expert diversity in the media.”
Superstars of STEM is an initiative of Science & Technology Australia funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, which began in 2017.
The complete list of 2023–2024 stellar mentors can be found here.
The complete list of Australia’s current Superstars of STEM can be found here.
Featured image: Superstar of STEM Neelima Kadiyala with her stellar mentor – senior business leader Kat Henaway.
