Women of Colour in STEM Awards 2024
A Night of Inspiration at the Women of Colour in STEM Awards! 🌟
Last night, we gathered to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women of colour in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Women of Colour in STEM Awards shone a spotlight on the exceptional contributions these women are making to shape the future of these industries. It was an evening full of inspiration, empowerment, and recognition of the trailblazers who are paving the way for future generations. 🙌✨
Leadership Award 🏅
Finalists: Amanda Woon, Professor Fariba Dehghani, Divya Pasupuleti, Sugandha Bhargava Chapman, Parwinder Kaur
Winner: Professor Fariba Dehghani
Professor Fariba Dehghani’s visionary leadership is transforming the landscape of STEM. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🎉
Environmental Impact Award 🌍
Finalists: Bita Zaferanloo, Teresa Cochrane, Jennie Mallela, Wei Wei, Karishma Don
Winner: Teresa Cochrane
Teresa Cochrane’s dedication to creating sustainable solutions has earned her this prestigious award. A true environmental champion! 🌱💪
Engineering Excellence Award ⚙️
Finalists: Hua Qian Ang, Farin Yazdan Parast, Eva Ignatious, Brenda Denbesten, Zohreh Rajabi
Winner: Brenda Denbesten
Brenda Denbesten’s excellence in engineering sets a remarkable standard for innovation and progress. Congratulations, Brenda! 🔧🏆
Scientific Research Award 🔬
Finalists: Sanjeevini Babu Reddiar, Vivian Tam, Bianca Das, Hanadi Akram Naser Sawalha, Xiaowei Wang
Winner: Vivian Tam
Vivian Tam’s groundbreaking research is reshaping scientific exploration. Her win is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field. 🧬✨
Healthcare Innovator Award 💉
Finalists: Sonika Tyagi, Mahtab Mirmomeni, Ishani Kartik Majmudar, Ruwini Cooray, Maria Alejandra Pinero de Plaza
Winner: Dr. Maria Alejandra Pinero de Plaza
Dr. Maria Alejandra Pinero de Plaza’s innovative work in healthcare is improving lives and advancing the future of medicine. A well-deserved win! 👩⚕️🏅
Mathematics Mastery Award ➗
Finalists: Mahshid Sadeghpour, Laleh Tafakori, Arathi Arakala, Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, Thi Hoa Bui
Winner: Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi
Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi’s mastery of mathematics and commitment to excellence shines through in this well-deserved award. 📊💡
Technology Trailblazer Award 💻
Finalists: Shama Islam, Junhua Xiao, Bhavika Unnadkat, Muneera Bano, Lakshmi Easuwaran
Winner: Shama Islam
Shama Islam’s pioneering work in technology has set new standards for innovation. We applaud her incredible achievements! 👩💻🚀 Special thanks to the University of Melbourne for sponsoring this award.
Data Science Pioneer Award 📊
Finalists: Pooja Shah, Indu Bala, Anuradhi Welhenge, Kasturi Deshpande, Alysha De Livera
Winner: Indu Bala
Indu Bala’s contributions to the field of data science are trailblazing and transformative. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition! 📈🌟
Guiding Star Mentorship Award 🌠
Finalists: Marilou Barrios, Gita Pendharkar, Francine Marques, Rashina Hoda, Jocelyne Mulangala
Winner: Rashina Hoda
Rashina Hoda’s mentorship has empowered countless individuals in STEM. Her guidance and support are truly invaluable. 👩🏫💖
Innovator Award 💡
Finalists: Behnaz Heydarchi, Ann-Na Cho, Farin Yazdan Parast, Chamindie Punyadeera, Anushi Rajapaksa
Winner: Chamindie Punyadeera
Chamindie Punyadeera’s innovative approach is reshaping industries and inspiring others to think outside the box. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! 🚀🎉 Special thanks to Swinburne University of Technology for sponsoring this award.
Rising Star Award 🌟
Finalists: Dona Jayakody, Harini Hapuarachchi, Yee Lian Chew, Flora Hui, Kenya Fernandes, Charis Teh, Diana Robledo-Ruiz, Yan Liao, Helena Wang, Catriona Vi Nguyễn-Robertson
Winners: Catriona Vi Nguyễn-Robertson and Harini Hapuarachchi
Catriona Vi Nguyễn-Robertson and Harini Hapuarachchi are shining examples of the future of STEM. Their energy, dedication, and brilliance will undoubtedly inspire others for years to come. A huge congratulations to both! 👏🌠 Special thanks to Monash Information Technology for sponsoring this award.
The night was filled with celebration, pride, and a shared commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in STEM.
Thank you to ACS (Australian Computer Society) for being our Event Sponsor and to all our category sponsors: University of Melbourne, Monash Information Technology, and Swinburne University of Technology. A special shout-out to Royal Thai Consulate Melbourne for being our Gift Sponsor and to State Library Victoria for being our Venue Partner.
🙌 Thank you to all attendees—finalists, sponsors, judges, presenters, and guests—for making the night truly special.
Here’s to many more years of celebrating the outstanding achievements of women of colour in STEM! 💪🌍
