STEM Sisters Mentoring Program

Mentorship for Success in STEM

The STEM Sisters mentoring program (STEM SIS) is dedicated to supporting women of colour (WOC) in pursuing careers in STEM fields. Our program provides tailored mentoring support and networking opportunities to help our mentees achieve their professional goals and thrive in their careers.

At STEM SIS, we believe mentoring is a powerful tool for supporting career development and growth. Our program is designed to facilitate meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that allow mentees to learn from the experiences of their mentors, gain valuable insights into the STEM industry, and develop the skills needed to succeed in their careers.

We are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our program. We believe that supporting WOC in STEM careers can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities: A Unique Mentoring Program for WOC in STEM

By WOC for WOC

We take pride in offering a mentoring program exclusively by women of colour (WOC) for women of colour in STEM. We understand that the representation, support, and guidance from individuals who share similar experiences will be transformative. Our program is designed to provide a safe and empowering space where WOC in STEM can connect, learn, and grow.

Customized Matches

Our program offers customized mentor-mentee matches based on areas of interest and career goals. We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and we strive to create meaningful connections between mentors and mentees who share similar passions and aspirations. This tailored approach ensures that mentees receive targeted support and guidance that aligns with their specific needs and ambitions.

Three categories to choose from

We understand that different individuals have unique needs and goals at various stages of their STEM careers. That’s why our mentoring program offers three distinct categories tailored to meet the specific requirements of our mentees. Whether you are a current student, recent graduate, early career professional, STEM returner, or considering a career shift, we have a mentoring stream designed just for you.

Revitalized and Resilient: STEM Sisters Mentoring Program Returns with Strong Sponsorship Support

After a successful launch in 2019 and a positive response from the STEM community, the STEM Sisters Mentoring Program is coming back in 2023. We are excited to announce that, with our sponsors’ generous support, we can once again offer this transformative program to women of colour in STEM.

In 2019, the program was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, connecting WOC mentees with experienced mentors who shared their passion for advancing diversity in the STEM fields. The program continued its mission in 2020, witnessing the growth and achievements of its participants. However, due to insufficient financial resources, we were unable to offer the program in 2021 and 2022.

Now, we are proud to return in 2023 stronger than ever, thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors and partners. Their commitment to empowering WOC in STEM has made it possible for us to revitalize the program and continue making a lasting impact in the lives and careers of our mentees.

We are grateful to the following sponsors and partners for recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM and partnering with us to make a meaningful difference. Their support enables us to offer a comprehensive program that addresses the specific needs and aspirations of WOC in STEM, empowering them to excel in their chosen fields.

Mentoring Program Categories

Regardless of your category, the STEM Sisters Mentoring Program is committed to providing the tools, knowledge, and network you need to thrive in the STEM industry. We believe in the power of mentorship to empower women of colour and promote diversity and inclusion within the STEM fields.

Attention current STEM students who are women of colour! Are you seeking an opportunity to connect with experienced STEM professionals who can help guide your career journey? Look no further than the STEM Sisters Mentoring Program!

Our 12-week mentoring program is designed specifically for women of colour studying STEM subjects. We believe that mentorship is crucial for career development, and our program allows mentees to connect with mentors with experience in their field of interest.

As a mentee in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the STEM industry, develop professional skills, and build your network. You’ll be matched with a mentor with experience in your field of interest who can provide guidance and support throughout the program. Plus, you’ll have access to customized mentoring matches based on your areas of interest and career goals.

Our program is open to women of colour from all STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whether you’re just starting your career path or looking to take your skills to the next level, our program can provide the support and resources you need to succeed.

Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! Apply now to become a mentee in the 2023 STEM Sisters Mentoring Program. We can’t wait to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential in STEM.

  • Career direction
  • Personal Brand
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Improving career connections
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Enhancing leadership capability – University
  • 12-week program
  • Mentor-Mentee orientation and training
  • Clear defined goals
  • Strong mentor-mentee matches
  • Measurable results
  • Access to a fully integrated mentoring platform

This will be an opportunity for mentors, mentees, members and supporters of the STEM Sisters to meet each other.

Mentees are the ones who “steer the ships” of their lives and careers. Through this training, mentees will acquire useful skills to benefit from the valuable experience of the paired mentor. The techniques on how to better identify and achieve your personal and professional development goals are discussed (GROW model).

Mentor-Mentee introductory meet-up (arranged independently by participants).

The networking event will provide an opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and also an opportunity to listen to industry speakers and networking opportunities for industry, education, STEM outreach, STEM marketing and research.

Do you know what you want to do with your career?

 This week, work with your mentor to define your career goals, small and large. Break these goals into achievable actions with your mentor to get you to your desired profession.

What is your brand? Have you thought about your branding? 

A well-defined personal brand is about making you stand out in the crowd of recruitable current postgraduate and final-year undergraduates. Work with your mentor on how a well-defined personal brand can assist you in succeeding in your career.

There are many types of communication. What is your communication style? What communication style do you struggle with?

This week, work with your mentor to discuss what communication styles or types you find the easiest and whether there is anything you could improve on from a communication point of view. Consider whether you practice active listening or nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, a friendly tone, a simple smile, etc.

Have you ever thought about building your network? Networking in Australia is the way to secure career connections. Discuss with your mentor how to make connections in your desired career direction. Ensure you have a LinkedIn profile and ask your mentor to review and connect with you. Put a plan together to reach at least two new connections this week.

The networking event will provide an opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and also an opportunity to listen to industry speakers and networking opportunities for industry, education, STEM outreach, STEM marketing and research.

What professional skills do you need to work on? 

Discuss with your mentor other development opportunities that could assist you in moving closer to your goal, big or small. Do you need to work on writing professional emails? Or wanting to upskill in something more technical. 

Leadership isn’t just about being a manager. Explore different types of leadership and their capabilities with your mentor, from accountability, creativity or innovation, self-leadership, servant-leadership, collaboration, motivation, empowerment, and many others.

The closing of the mentoring program is just as important as the opening. It’s a chance to celebrate the learnings and achievements of mentees, thank the mentors for their energy, share what has been learned, and discuss the next steps.

Recent STEM graduates who are women of colour, are you feeling lost or uncertain about your next steps? The STEM Sisters Mentoring Program is here to support you!

Our 12-week program is designed specifically for recent graduates who are women of colour interested in pursuing a career in STEM. Our program allows mentees to connect with experienced STEM professionals who can provide guidance and support throughout the program.

As a mentee in our program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the STEM industry, develop professional skills, and build your network. You’ll be matched with a mentor who has experience in your field of interest and who can provide guidance and support throughout the program. Plus, you’ll have access to customized mentoring matches based on your areas of interest and career goals.

Our program is open to women of colour from all STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whether you’re just starting on your career path or looking to take your skills to the next level, our program can provide the support and resources you need to succeed.

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back! Apply now to become a mentee in the STEM Sisters Mentoring Program. We can’t wait to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential in STEM.

You’ll be mentored on the following:

  • Profiling yourself  
  • Improving career connections
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Job interview guidance
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Enhancing leadership capability – Volunteer

Mentoring Program Features:

  • 12-week program
  • Mentor-Mentee orientation and training
  • Clear defined goals
  • Strong mentor-mentee matches
  • Measurable results
  • Access to a fully integrated mentoring platform

This will be an opportunity for mentors, mentees, members and supporters of the STEM Sisters to meet each other.

Mentees are the ones who “steer the ships” of their lives and careers. Through  

this training, mentees will acquire useful skills to benefit from the valuable experience of the paired mentor. The techniques on how to better identify and achieve your personal and professional development goals are discussed (GROW model)

Mentor-Mentee introductory meet-up (arranged independently by participants).

The networking event will provide an opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and also an opportunity to listen to industry speakers and networking opportunities for industry, education, STEM outreach, STEM marketing and research.

Deep-drive with your mentor regarding your skills and improvement points. Put together a plan to enhance your best skills and improve your weak points. 

Have you ever thought about building your network? Networking in Australia is the way to secure career connections. Discuss with your mentor how to go about making connections in your desired career direction. Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and ask your mentor to review and connect with you. Put a plan together on how you can reach out to at least 2 new connections this week. 

There are many types of communication. What is your communication style? What communication style do you struggle with?

This week, work with your mentor to discuss what communication styles or types you find the easiest and whether there is anything you could improve on from a communication point of view. Consider whether you practice active listening or nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, a friendly tone, a simple smile, etc.

Let’s work on your resume, cover letter, key selection criteria, and interview skills. Everyone has different approaches, learn from your mentor what is key to get noticed in the job application process in your STEM field.

The networking event will provide an opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and also an opportunity to listen to industry speakers and networking opportunities for industry, education, STEM outreach, STEM marketing and research.

What professional skills do you need to work on? 

Discuss with your mentor other development opportunities that could assist you in moving closer to your goal, big or small. Do you need to work on writing professional emails? Or, wanting to upskill in something more technical.

How do you make yourself stand out from the crowd of those recent STEM graduates? One particular way is to enhance your current skills through real-world experience. Volunteering can assist in showcasing that learnt knowledge and skills from your degree.  

The closing of the mentoring program is just as important as the opening. It’s a chance to celebrate the learnings and achievements of mentees, thank the mentors for their energy, share what has been learned, and discuss the next steps.

Are you an early career STEM professional, a STEM returner, a STEM career shifter, and a woman of colour? Do you need additional support and guidance to reach your career goals? The STEM Sisters Mentoring Program is here to help!

Our 12-week mentoring program is designed specifically for women of colour who are looking to advance their careers, gain new skills, or transition into new areas of STEM. Our program provides an opportunity for mentees to connect with a group of mentors and peers who can offer valuable insights and perspectives.

As a mentee in our program, you’ll have access to regular group meetings, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and professional development workshops. You’ll be matched with a mentor who has experience in your field of interest and who can provide guidance and support throughout the program. Plus, you’ll have access to customised mentoring matches based on your areas of interest and career goals.

Our program is open to women of colour from all STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, transition into a new area of STEM, or advance your career, our program can provide the support and resources you need to succeed.

Don’t let the challenges of early career STEM life hold you back! Apply now to become a mentee in the STEM Sisters Mentoring Program. We can’t wait to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential in STEM.

You’ll be mentored on the following:

  • Professional Development Opportunities  
  • Career Growth 
  • Enhancing leadership capacity – Workplace 
  • Securing Promotions 
  • Career Connections 
  • Overcoming Obstacles  

Mentoring Program Features:

  • 12-week program
  • Mentor-Mentee orientation and training
  • Clear defined goals
  • Strong mentor-mentee matches
  • Measurable results
  • Access to a fully integrated mentoring platform

This will be an opportunity for mentors, mentees, members and supporters of the STEM Sisters to meet each other.

Mentees are the ones who “steer the ships” of their lives and careers. Through this training, mentees will acquire useful skills to benefit from the valuable experience of the paired mentor. The techniques on how to better identify and achieve your personal and professional development goals are discussed (GROW model)

Mentor-Mentee introductory meet-up (arranged independently by participants).

The networking event will provide an opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and also an opportunity to listen to industry speakers and networking opportunities for industry, education, STEM outreach, STEM marketing and research.

What professional skills do you need to work on?  

Discuss with your mentor other development opportunities that could assist you in moving closer to your goal, big or small. Do you need to work on writing professional emails? Or, wanting to upskill in something more technical.  

Most of the time, there is more to one’s career than a linear upwards trajectory. Brainstorm your career goals with your mentor, and discuss how your mentor is where they are now. Think about small frequent steps that could assist you in the long run, what comes to mind for your particular STEM field? 

There are multitudes of different types of leadership capabilities. From accountability, creativity or innovation, self-leadership, severt-leadership, collaboration, motivation, empowerment and many others, explore with your mentor how these capabilities can assist you in stepping up to management levels.   

Brainstorm how promotions work in your particular STEM field with your mentor, and discuss how to embed those skills and strategies into your current work. 

The networking event will provide an opportunity to network with other mentees and mentors and also an opportunity to listen to industry speakers and networking opportunities for industry, education, STEM outreach, STEM marketing and research.

Have you ever thought about building your network? Networking in Australia is the way to secure career connections. Discuss with your mentor how to go about making connections in your desired career direction. Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and ask your mentor to review and connect with you. Put a plan together on how you can reach out to at least 2 new connections this week.  

What has been coming up at work that stops you from progressing? Discuss your work environment with your mentor to figure out the elements of your career that could be holding you back. Remember to focus on what you can do to improve things. 

The closing of the mentoring program is just as important as the opening. It’s a chance to celebrate the learnings and achievements of mentees, thank the mentors for their energy, share what has been learned, and discuss the next steps.

  • Developing an entrepreneurial mindset  
  • Identifying market opportunities 
  • Validating business ideas
  • Building a startup strategy 
  • Product and service development 
  • Startup funding and investment pathwaysg Obstacles 
  • Pitching and storytelling
  • Building industry networks and partnerships
  • Leadership as a founder
  • Scaling impact through innovation
  • 12-week structured mentoring program 
  • Mentor–mentee orientation and training 
  • Clear entrepreneurial development goals
  • Strong mentor–mentee matches with startup mentors 
  • Measurable outcomes and progress tracking
  • Access to a fully integrated mentoring platform
  • Networking with founders, investors, and innovation leaders

This launch event brings together mentors, mentees, STEM Sisters members, entrepreneurs, and supporters to introduce the program and build the community.

Mentees are the ones who “steer the ships” of their lives and careers. Through  

this training, mentees will acquire useful skills to benefit from the valuable experience of the paired mentor. The techniques on how to better identify and achieve your personal and professional development goals are discussed (GROW model)

Mentees meet their mentors to discuss goals, interests, and entrepreneurial aspirations.

An opportunity to connect with founders, innovators, and industry professionals.

Work with your mentor to explore real-world problems and identify opportunities for innovation and business development.

Learn how to test and validate your idea through market research, user feedback, and early prototypes

Define the value your product or service provides and identify your target market.

Understand the different funding options available including grants, investors, accelerators, and venture capital.

Build relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem.

Learn how to communicate your idea clearly through pitch decks, storytelling, and presentations. 

Discuss strategies for growth, partnerships, and scaling your innovation.

Participants present their ideas and reflect on their entrepreneurial journey. This event celebrates achievements and strengthens the STEM Sisters entrepreneurial community.

Program Timeline

  • Application EOI start – 5th June 2023
  • Application EOI close – 30th June 2023
  • Matching is done between 1st July to 10th July 2023

STEM Sisters Mentoring program begins on the week starting from 10th July 2023 (week 1) and ends on the week ending on 29th September 2023 (Week 12)

  • Week one – Program Launch 12 noon to 1pm 11th July 2023 (online) In-person event 10th July from 5pm to 7pm, Melbourne CBD
  • Week two –Mentee Training 5pm to 6pm 18th July 3023 (online)
  • Week four – In-person Networking event 5pm to 7pm on 3rd August 2023, Melbourne CBD
  • Week nine – In-person Networking event 5pm to 7pm on 7th September 2023, Melbourne CBD
  • Week Twelve – Program End 29th Sep 2023 12 noon to 1pm (online)

As a mentee, committing dedicated time and effort to the program is important. Please review your schedule and ensure that you have the availability to actively engage in mentoring sessions, meetings, and related program activities before you submit your EOI.

2023 Mentees

Pragya

Pragya Gautam

Deakin University

Preetha Ravi

Deakin University

Natasha Lai

Monash University

Ajani De Vas Gunasekara

Monash University

Jaspreet Kaur Sandhu

University of Adelaide

Rimpal Kaur

Holmesglen University

Sruthi Chandrasekharan

RMIT University

Ishani Majmudar

Deakin University

Mitra Ashayeripanah

Monash University

Sanjeevini Babu Reddiar

Monash University

Shrivarshini Vasudevan

University of Melbourne

Arthe Raajendiran

Monash University

Andionne Parlade

Monash University

Fateme Akhlaghi

RMIT University

Tanisha

RMIT University

Feyleen Chrisella

Monash University

Milindi Kodikara

RMIT University

Natalia Rosas Bastidas

Monash University

Pat Chen

Monash University

Sally Chen

University of Melbourne

Jacinta Patel

University of Melbourne

Nomun B

Swinburne University

Adsheaya Vasakan

Victoria University

Nuresha Kumarasinghe

RMIT University

Yesha Desai

RMIT University

Cindy Shi

University of Melbourne

Pooja Ganger

Victoria University

Amy Deuja

Federation University

Karishma Aashcharya Hanwellage Don

Federation University

Meghana Kulkarni

Monash University

Sirui (Annie) Fang

Monash University

Peravina Thergarajan

Monash University

Manika Saha

Monash University

An Tran

Swinburne University

Nafisa Khan

Swinburne University

Safina Batool

Sukkur Iba University

Garima Sharma

Monash University

Sylvia Yacoub

La Trobe University

  • Application EOI start – 22nd May 2024
  • Application EOI close – 23rd June 2024

STEM Sisters Mentoring program begins on the week starting from 15th July 2024 (week 1) and ends on the week ending on the 6th October 2024 (Week 12)

  • Week one – Program Launch 12 noon to 1 pm 15th July 2023 (online) for all mentors and mentees from both Melbourne and Sydney
  • Week two –Mentee Training 5 pm to 6 pm 22nd July 2024 (online) Mentor Training 12 noon to 1 pm 24th July 2024 (online) 
  • Week four – Networking event details are yet to be finalized.
  • Week nine – Networking event details are yet to be finalized.
  • Week Twelve –  Program End 2nd Oct 2024, 12 noon to 1 pm (online)

2024 Mentees

Celine Prasad

University of Sydney

Artika Kumari

La Trobe University

Harley Ngo

Deakin University

Pooja Rao

Deakin University

Naomi Liu

Macquarie University

Lea Lim

University of Melbourne

Juliet Doling

Deakin University

Sampurna Shrestha

University of Canberra

Sukhmanpreet Kaur

Federation University

Anjalee Senarath

University of Melbourne

Poonam Sood

Mp bhoj university india

Madhu Mithraa Prabakar

Deakin University

Phavithra Manoharan 

Victoria University

Sheida Shadani

Monash University

Gem Phan

Swinburne University

Shashi Bahuguna

La Trobe University

Mrunmayi Patil

RMIT University

Zoe Tong

Monash University

Javiera Olivares-Rojas

Monash University

Balqes Alatawi

University of Melbourne

Nisha Nehra

La Trobe University

Amy Jennings

Victoria University

Mithra Kaipravan

Incheon National University

Jasmine Nguyen

La Trobe University

Seohyun Baek

University of Melbourne

Fariha Jaigirdar

Deakin University

Jananipriya Sivamani

Monash University

Mina Al-Khafaji

Monash University

Laura Rey Gomez

Macquarie University

Ayesha Ali

Monash University

Chaitanya Arora

University of Melbourne

Imarsha Pathirana

University of Melbourne

Gaihong Wang

University of Technology Sydney

Karunya Radhakrishnan

Deakin University

Amani Jaha

RMIT University

Jinnat Hasan

Holmesglen Institute

Yanyi Huang

RMIT University

Shahenaz Chaudhari

Holmesglen Institute

Alina Lam

Monash University

Madhuri Edla

RMIT University

Nimali Lakmini Munasinghe

Monash University

Emily Peng

RMIT University

Garima Sharma

Monash University

Rebecca Wu

University of Melbourne

Sisara Siriwardana

Monash University

Asmaa Hussein

University of Melbourne

Kajal Khodaskar

Monash University

Beauty Paradzayi

Victoria University

Chimi Wangmo

Melbourne Institute of Technology

Ying Tai

Monash University

Senani Rathnayake

University of Technology Sydney

Angel Wu

Monash University

Despina Kiriakidis

La Trobe University

Sadia Afrin Smigdha

Deakin University

Asma Rahman

University of Melbourne

Ziggy Hao

University of Melbourne

Program Timeline

  • Application EOI start – 1st April 2025
  • Application EOI close – 15th May 2025

STEM Sisters Mentoring program begins on the week starting from 14th July 2025 (week 1) and ends on the week ending on the 3rd October 2025 (Week 12)

  • Week One – Program Launch 12 noon to 1 pm on 16th July 2025 (online) for all mentors and mentees from Melbourne. Sydney and Adelaide
  • Week Two – Mentee Training 21st July 2025 5 pm to 6 pm (online) Mentor Training 22nd July 2025 12 noon to 1 pm (online)
  • Week Four – Networking events for Melbourne-23 July. Sydney-8 August and Adelaide-1 August
  • Week Nine – Networking events for Melbourne-20 August Sydney-2 September and Adelaide-28 August
  • Week Twelve – Program End and October 2025. 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm (online) for all mentors and mentees from Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide

As a mentee or mentor, committing dedicated time and effort to the program is important. Please review your schedule and ensure that you have the availability to actively engage in mentoring sessions, meetings, and related program activities.

2025 Mentees

Krystal Nguyen

Deakin University

Malsha Mettananda

La Trobe University

Hashini Amarasena

Deakin University

Gamze Buse Yilmaz Istabbulluoglu

Middle East Technical University

Mojdeh Dinarvand

University of Sydney

Annam Rashid

Deakin University

Ziyi Cheng

University of Melbourne

Archana Natarajan

Monash University

Amanda Fahmi

Swinburne University

Abhinayasri Govindarajula

Holmesglen Institute

Sanduni Madawala

Monash University

Sonia Sharma

University of Melbourne

Tuhar Nusha Yeasmin

Monash University

Jessica Ji

Monash University

Heshani Udeshika

Deakin University

Cali Tsoi

University of New South Wales

Priyanka Kundu

University of New South Wales

Dinethya Perera

Deakin University

Zi En Tham

University of Technology Sydney

Nicole Fung

University of Queensland

Yumna Zaheed

University of New South Wales

Akachi Ikwu

Victorian Institute of Technology

Sulochani Rathnayaka

RMIT University

Honda Jayathilaka

University of New South Wales

Sadia Ahmed

University of Sydney

Yasaman Azizi

RMIT University

Tien Au

University of Adelaide

Kumkum Ravish

Deakin University

Ruchira Ranaweera

The University of Adelaide

Precious Lazo

University of New South Wales

Eehui Lim

Monash University

Brinda Manimaran

University of Adelaide

Fathima Yushra Ramzy

La Trobe University

Himanya Dayarathne

Deakin University

Aigerim Kydyrova

University of Sydney

Yihan Shi

University of Technology Sydney

Dharani Sutharshan

University of New South Wales

Preetha Ravi

University of Melbourne

Maham Bukhari

Bahria University