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Do you know an extraordinary Victorian woman in STEM? Celebrate their contribution by nominating them for the 2023 Victorian Honour Roll of Women .

The Victorian Honour Roll of Women Program celebrates the outstanding contributions of Victorian women and acknowledges the many ways in which they have made a lasting contribution to our state. Victorian women can be nominated for their achievements in either paid or voluntary work.

Each year, the Victorian Honour Roll of Women recognises women who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and excellence in their field of expertise, interest, endeavour, or through their commitment to the community. Since 2001, more than 700 women have been recognised for their incredible efforts in Victoria, Australia and beyond.

Inductees to the Honour Roll are recognised for their achievements in a broad range of fields, including science, arts, environment, law, social justice, family violence prevention, research, health, media and education.

Nomination Categories Trailblazer A trailblazer is an inspiring role model who effectively leads the way for women starting out in a field which is traditionally male-dominated and has significant barriers for women. They may break new ground in their line of work and challenge traditional gender stereotypes, attitudes and norms.

Local champion A local champion is a dedicated member of their community. They have used their skills and expertise either in a voluntary or professional capacity. A local champion may be an unsung hero, or a woman whose substantive contributions are deserving of wider recognition. They may be working to shift perceptions of women in leadership and decision making at a local level.

Change agent A change agent is a woman who has made an enduring commitment in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour that has brought about significant and lasting change. They are renowned within their field and have lifted the visibility of women as subject matter experts. Through persistence and determination, a change agent shines a light on a particular cause, disrupts gender stereotypes, initiates much needed reforms or supports a shift in public perception.

Emerging leader An emerging leader is a young woman redefining leadership in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour, and whose accomplishments position them as a strong role model and an inspiration to the next generation. They may be just beginning their leadership journey and demonstrating the capability, vision and commitment to shape the future of Victoria. Nominations for this category are open to women aged between 16 and 30.

Recognising Victorian Women in STEM Science, technology, engineering and maths leaders have been recognised for their achievements in academia and business both in Victoria and internationally.

Aishwarya Kansakar Inducted: 2022 Category: Emerging Leader Expertise: AI and RPA

Aishwarya Kansakar is an award-winning automation professional making exceptional contributions to the community and field through her innovation, mentorship and entrepreneurial endeavours. As a woman in AI and STEM, she currently does robotic process automation (RPA), deploying server bots and bringing automation efficiencies for one of the world's largest fast-moving consumer goods companies. mentors students from more than 9 countries in technical projects initiated by the students.

Professor Asha Rao I nducted:2021 Category: Trailblazer Expertise: Maths and Cybersecurity

Professor Asha Rao is a mathematician by training and applies algebraic techniques to various problems, ranging from designing better codes for communication, to detecting money laundering and describing human interactions in the physical space. Invited to observe the United Nations intergovernmental meetings on cybercrime she is a respected cybersecurity expert. She is also the founding chair of Women in Maths and advocate for STEM and the need for girls to do mathematics.

Alice Elizabeth Foley Anderson Inducted: 2020 Category: Trailblazer Expertise: Mechanic and Businesswoman

Alice Elizabeth Foley Anderson was an Australian businesswoman, garage proprietor and mechanic. Born in 1897, Alice founded Alice Anderson Motor Service, the garage provided educational programs on engine technology for women and opportunities for women. In 2021 LaunchVic named the $10 million angel sidecar fund supporting women-led startups. the Alice Anderson Fund after the founder of Australia’s first all-woman motor garage in the 1920s. Alice Anderson wearing chauffer uniform, ca 1918. Courtesy of University of Melbourne Archives; 1988.0061.01551

Professor Emeritus Doreen Thomas Inducted: 2019 Category: Trailblazer Expertise: Maths and Software

An academic with achievements spanning multiple decades, fields of study and sectors. She applied her mathematical research to underground mine tunnel design software, reducing development time and haulage costs while optimising usage. This software has been licensed to some of the world’s largest mining companies and Doreen subsequently directed a startup company to commercialise it. Doreen’s long and distinguished career has made significant contributions to knowledge with real-world impact, promoted the next generation of women in STEM disciplines, and taught mathematics to generations of engineering students.

Professor Svetha Venkatesh Inducted: 2018 Category: Change Agent Expertise: Machine Learning and Pattern Recognitio n

Professor Svetha Venkatesh is a trailblazing leader and mentor, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurialism to devise elegant, commercially-viable solutions to complex problems. Svetha is an internationally-renowned researcher and industry leader in large-scale data pattern recognition. Her commitment to innovation has enabled her to translate machine learning and pattern recognition research into highly practical and impactful outcomes for health, security and aged care.

Victorian Honour Roll of Women Key Dates Nominations open Monday 3 April 2023

Nominations close 11.59 pm Monday 29 May 2023

Assessment period June to August 2023

Notification of outcomes August 2023

Induction ceremony October 2023

Search Victorian Honour Roll of Women inductees by name, category or field of expertise.

Find out more about the Victorian Honour Roll of Women here .

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