Breaking Barriers: A Look Back at STEM Sisters 2024

2024 has been a groundbreaking year for STEM Sisters, starting with the expansion across Australia and the successful launch of STEM Sisters in NSW. The year was filled with transformative programs and initiatives that have empowered women of colour in STEM. To cap it all off, we ended with a bang by launching the first-ever Women of Colour in STEM Awards, celebrating the exceptional contributions of trailblazing women.

Mentoring Program 2024

STEM Sisters Mentoring Program 2024 was an absolute game-changer! We kicked off with a powerful 12-week initiative that brought together 64 mentors and 64 mentees, creating an unstoppable force of support, growth, and opportunity. This transformative program empowered women of colour (WOC) in STEM, connecting them with one-on-one mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities. Whether they were final-year students, early-career professionals, or STEM returnees, participants from Sydney and Melbourne united online to break barriers, unlock their potential, and chart their own paths to success. The energy was contagious, and the results are nothing short of inspiring.

This program is a shining example of how we can create a ripple effect of success, amplifying the voices and achievements of WOC in STEM.

Ambassador Program

The STEM Sisters Ambassador Program is all about empowering women in STEM, with a special focus on supporting women of color and those breaking through cultural and gender barriers. With 52 inspiring ambassadors, participants have been equipped with critical skills in communication, leadership, and project management through engaging workshops. They’ve connected with industry professionals, built their portfolios, and sharpened their interview skills, creating a vibrant network of passionate women ready to lead in STEM through events like “Leadership Wisdom“ (fostering leadership strategies), “Feminine Power“ (celebrating women’s strength and impact), “Women Like Me“ (connecting with diverse role models), and “Allyship in Networking“ (learning from allies in STEM). Join the movement and be a part of this exciting journey toward shaping the future!

MAGNIFY – Digital Magazine

MAGNIFY is a vibrant digital publication dedicated to amplifying the voices of women of colour in STEM. Through inspiring stories, expert insights, and a focus on diversity, it empowers and connects women across Australia and beyond. MAGNIFY is more than a magazine—it’s a platform driving change and championing representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

check out the latest issues or explore following sections …

Big Sisters STEM Stories: Inspiring journeys of women of colour in academia, industry, and beyond.
STEM Arts Corner: Delve into the fusion of science and creativity, exploring the artistic expressions within STEM.
Cultural Intelligence: Uncover the diverse cultures thriving within the STEM community and their profound impact.
Women of Colour Entrepreneurship: Showcase the entrepreneurial endeavours of women of colour, driving innovation and change within STEM.
STEM Mother: Gain insights from mothers navigating the delicate balance between STEM careers and family life.
Ambassador Spotlight: Recognize the tireless advocates championing diversity and inclusion within STEM.
Volunteer Spotlight: Commend the dedicated supporters and allies fostering a more inclusive environment for women in STEM.
My STEM PhD: Offer personal reflections and insights from women pursuing or completing PhDs, navigating the challenges and triumphs of their academic journey.
Nature and STEM: Explore the intricate connections between the natural world and scientific phenomena, uncovering the wonders of nature’s influence on STEM.
International to Local: Highlights success stories of individuals transitioning from an international context to local impact.

BE YOU

The “Be You” initiative inspires women to embrace their authentic selves, fostering confidence and self-expression through personal style and cultural diversity. This empowering program helps women discover their unique style, build self-esteem, and boldly express themselves in any setting.

Central to the Be You initiative are two key components: the SWOP Sis platform, a digital wardrobe for swapping and lending that promotes sustainable and circular fashion, and the Dress to Express event, a vibrant celebration of individuality, creativity, and cultural heritage.

1. SWOP SIS: Empowering Women in Sustainable Fashion
SWOP SIS is transforming the fashion industry by providing women with a platform to swap and lend clothes, reducing textile waste and fostering a sense of connection within communities. This innovative initiative encourages sustainable fashion choices and challenges the traditional consumer culture of “buy and dispose” SWOP SIS empowers women to take control of their wardrobes while making eco-conscious decisions that extend beyond just fashion. Its impact has earned recognition as a finalist at the Gender Just Climate Solutions Awards 2024, celebrating its role in driving environmental and social change.

2. Dress to Express: A Bold Step Towards Sustainable Fashion and Community Wellbeing
As an integral event of SWOP SIS, Dress to Express brought sustainable fashion to life through workshops, mentorship, and a stunning fashion show. Celebrating cultural pride and individuality, this initiative encouraged eco-conscious choices while fostering community spirit. Its win at the 2024 Tidy Towns & Cities Award for Wellbeing reinforces its impact on promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and creative expression. Together, these achievements showcase the multi-faceted success of SWOP SIS and its efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

FUTURE ME – STEM Outreach

Future Me is an exciting program designed to inspire the next generation to explore the wonders of STEM. Through interactive workshops, hands-on experiments, hosting STEM Events such as Soapbox Science and captivating resources like the STEM Career Comic Book Series, it ignites curiosity in children while promoting inclusivity. From playful learning to empowering talks by STEM professionals, Future Me opens up a world of possibilities for young minds, helping them dream big and discover their potential.

1. Spooky Science at Halloween Workshop
Halloween took on a whole new twist at Library at The Dock, where we brought spooky science to life! Kids and adults alike were fascinated by experiments like flying ghosts, fizzing Jack-o’-lanterns, and the creepy-crawly spider bags. Each activity combined fun with learning, showing how science can be as thrilling as a Halloween mystery. From exploring static electricity to chemical reactions, the workshop proved that science is full of surprises and excitement!

2. Santa’s Lab Sydney: A Magical Day of Science
120 curious kindergarteners at Baulkham Hills North Primary School had an unforgettable experience at Santa’s Lab Sydney! These young minds dove into festive experiments that brought science to life. From jumping tinsel to fizzing Christmas trees and Santa’s magic milk, the kids were hands-on with the wonders of static electricity, chemical reactions, and more. The excitement was contagious, and the future scientists were left buzzing with curiosity and a newfound love for STEM!

3. Soapbox Science Melbourne
Soapbox Science Melbourne 2024 turned the city’s public spaces into vibrant outdoor classrooms, where 12 incredible women in STEM took to their “soapboxes” to share their groundbreaking research with the public. This exciting event made science more accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all who passed by. It was a powerful showcase of how women in STEM are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes. With enthusiasm and energy in the air, the event not only sparked curiosity but also encouraged conversations about the importance of diversity and representation in science.

3. Soapbox Science Sydney
Sydney’s bustling streets became a hub for scientific discovery at Soapbox Science Sydney 2024, where over 200 enthusiastic participants joined the event for a day of learning, engagement, and inspiration. With passionate speakers sharing their innovative research, the event demonstrated the power of blending science with community. The vibrant atmosphere and palpable excitement proved that science is for everyone, and set the stage for even bigger and more impactful events in the future.

4. Future Me AU: Finalist at the 2024 VEYA Awards
The Future Me AU project has been recognised as a finalist at the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA) for its incredible work in inspiring young girls to see themselves as future leaders in STEM. Through initiatives like comic books, hands-on workshops such as Santa’s Lab and Halloween Lab, and Soapbox Science, we’re making STEM more accessible and exciting for girls everywhere. By engaging them in these dynamic activities, we’re empowering them to imagine a future where they’re at the forefront of scientific discovery!

Increase Awareness of Opportunities

STEM Sisters’ LinkedIn group has grown into a vibrant community, now with over 2,644 members dedicated to supporting women of colour in STEM. This network connects students, professionals, and mentors, offering access to job opportunities, scholarships, and awards. Members can share insights, seek advice, and build lasting connections with like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and opportunities in STEM. By joining, you become part of a growing movement empowering women to succeed and thrive.

WOC in STEM Awards

We wrapped up the year with an unforgettable celebration at the Women of Colour in STEM Awards, an electrifying night that honoured the incredible women making waves in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare. This was the first-ever edition of the awards, and let’s just say, the competition was fierce!

Choosing winners wasn’t easy—every finalist was already a winner, showcasing mind-blowing talent, passion, and dedication. Each of these amazing women is a true trailblazer in their own right, and their stories left us all inspired and motivated to keep pushing boundaries. The energy in the room was contagious, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the year.

Thank you for being part of our journey in 2024. Stay tuned for even bigger things in 2025 as we continue to break barriers and inspire change!