The Parenting Program changing lives for parents of tween and teen daughters.

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WOMEN IN TECH ROUNDTABLE 

January 11, 2018. 

 

Kicking off 2018, and sure to start with a bang, we hosted our first Fireside Roundtable event featuring five industry experts from the Tech space!

 

With boundless avenues to peruse in this landscape we gave teen girls the opportunity to ask questions and dig deeper into what it really entails to work in tech. Check out our five leading ladies below.

 

This intimate and relaxed format was specifically designed for you to ask questions to your heart’s content about anything and everything! How did they get there? Where should you gain experience? What are some top- secret projects they’re working on?

 

A great time was had by all and we’re excited for more later this year!

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SAMMY HERBERT

Talent Scout at Just Digital People

 

Sammy is by anyone’s definition a go-getter. Starting out with a Bachelor in Biological and Biomedical Sciences she quickly sidestepped into the tech world after University and picked up a position at Apple where she swiftly progressed through the ranks, securing four specialised roles during her time. Clearly, Sammy had found her calling within the technology landscape.

 

Now, as the current Talent Scout for Software Engineering at Just Digital People (a Brisbane-based recruitment agency specific to the tech industry) Sammy has a wealth of knowledge and insider secrets to pass on to our Girl Shaped Flames for when they embark on their career paths. On a daily basis, Sammy facilitates the process to find the perfect fit; understanding client objectives, managing relationships and maintaining a keen eye for identifying those with not only impressive software skills, but also agreeable soft skills for the workplace. All in all, Sammy was a must for our Women in Tech Roundtable, offering insights on not only what employers are looking for, but perhaps what graduates are missing!

 

Furthermore, Sammy also spends her time as the co-organiser for NodeGirls Brisbane – a NFP connecting women with Free Javascript and Node.js workshops – ensuring women continue to explore coding and digital without limits.

 

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Dr. SUE KEAY

COO at Australian Centre for Robotic Vision

Known as a ‘Superstar in STEM’ by Science and Technology Australia, Sue has years of experience researching and developing disruptive technologies in areas such as engineering and social sciences. Currently, she is working on establishing the world’s FIRST robotic vision research centre as the Chief Operating Officer for The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision. Here, the centre explores and develops robots capable of “computer vision”, whereby robots learn to analyse and understand their surroundings through the help of image recognition. By adapting Robotic Vision in this way, robots will be able to simultaneously see, interoperate, and understand the environment in which they’re placed – subsequently allow real-time problem solving (Wrap your head around that!).

 

In addition to this impressive feat, Sue also holds a position on the board for CRC ORE; a resource and minerals extraction NFP that aims to reduce energy, water and costs in the sector. Here she also spends her time serving on the Intellectual Property Committee – providing a very interesting and important insight for young girls looking to enter the industry. PLUS, as if all that wasn’t enough, Sue is also the founder of Women in Robotics in Australia which looks to increase the network of women in this field.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1513362744276{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

AYLA SOUTAR

Web & eCommerce Manager, at Village Roadshow Theme Parks & Founder, TOBYpro

 

With a love & passion for all things digital Ayla Soutar’s career has been at the crossroads of marketing & technology – a powerful fusion that creates memorable digital experiences. Looking for an edge as an undergraduate, she found learning to code, early industry experience, and strategic personal branding helped her build a strong network in Brisbane & Logan, and, landed her jobs in the digital teams of national brands. Now, Ayla is the Web & eCommerce manager at Village Roadshow. She uses her experience to design conversion funnels, increase traffic to the website & improve engagement, and develop new web content.

 

Ayla believes every young person should have an opportunity to choose a career in tech. She is creating these opportunities through her work with Student Entrepreneurship programs, Kids Coding Clubs, and, organising Logan’s first Startup Weekend. Ayla is also creating opportunity for wealth equality through TOBYpro, a startup she founded to address the rising crisis of housing affordability and its impact on long term independent wealth which will be launching in 2018.

 

As one of FUEL’s Women in Tech, Ayla will provide invaluable advice on being a young professional entering the industry, as well as industry know-how on terms like CRM, SEO, SEM, CPC, CTR, CAC, CMS, HTML & CSS[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1513059191144{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

ANN MWANGI

Software Developer & Consultant

 

As a Software Developer and Consultant with ThoughtWorks in Brisbane’s CBD, key skills Ann brings to FUEL’s roundtable include creative problem solving, coding, backend development, planning and communicating. With a Bachelor in Computer Science, Ann now works on building software (from the ground up) to specifically address the needs and concerns of their clients.

 

With years of experience working across multiple continents such as Africa, India and now Australia, Ann saw first hand the immense drop out rates for women in tech all around the world, and now wants to ensure the next generation is encouraged to stick with it! With a passion for speaking and writing about her experiences in the industry Ann has also been a mentor with Rails Girls, coaching young girls in not only IT, but the fundamental skills such as tenacity, courage and conviction working in an ever-changing industry.

 

ThoughtWorks is an industry leader in IT, employing over 4500 staff across 15 countries. The international company is leading the way in not only intuitive tech and sustainable business platforms but also as an employer of choice for women in the industry. By providing equal opportunity and choice ThoughtWorks are interrupting the ‘boys clubs’ traditionally found in tech and allowing women to remain enthused about IT.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1514995444587{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

DOMINIQUE COLLETT

Data Analyst and Founder of iSpruik

The Tech industry has a lot of data flying around it, but only the special few are efficient at analysing it and drawing conclusions that improve user experiences and generative new opportunities. Dominique’s background as a Data Analyst and Access Developer has provided her with years of experience in data collection, analysis and subsequently ‘Design Thinking’ that has not only allowed her to improve assets management and streamline workflows for others, but also found her own Business in the industry; iSpruik.

 

iSpruik is a digital consulting business that uses intricate data and design thinking to identify new opportunities within large companies and implement actionable solutions. Her background and expertise in this area allows an endless stream of knowledge on topics such as Systems Thinking, IT, Creative Problem Solving and Project Management for FUEL attendees.

 

Dominique’s experience in this area has also influenced her drive to educate girls on the sheer expanse of the tech landscape, and help them understand how they might go about exploring new opportunities.

 

Additionally, Dominique was integral to the organisation and facilitation of the MNIT Hackathon for Queensland Health in June 2017.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1500299991753{background-image: url(https://girlshapedflames.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cta-rectangle-orange.jpg?id=447) !important;}”][vc_column][mk_button dimension=”outline” size=”xx-large” letter_spacing=”8″ url=”https://girlshapedflames.com/mailing-list/” align=”center” fullwidth=”true” id=”#” margin_top=”15″ outline_skin=”custom” outline_active_text_color=”#ffffff” outline_hover_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.41)”]

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