This DIF Download session was presented on 1 September 2023

From Advocacy to Entrepreneurship with STEM Sisters and iSTEM Co

Dive into a transformative journey from advocacy to entrepreneurship with Dr Ruwangi Fernando as she spotlights gender diversity challenges in STEM and Tech. Through the impactful narratives of initiatives like STEM Sisters and iSTEM Co, the session will illuminate the path taken to bridge gender gaps, while sharing inspiring success stories and milestones.

Discover the power of collaboration, the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial voyage, and the vision for a more inclusive STEM future. Join us to champion gender diversity and explore how each of us can contribute to a more equitable STEM ecosystem.

Dr Ruwangi Fernando

Dr Ruwangi Fernando is an accomplished IT expert and AI specialist with a strong academic, industry and consulting background. Dr Fernando completed her PhD at Victoria University in collaboration with Data61, CSIRO and the Department of Transport in Victoria. She chairs the Diversity and Inclusion committee of the Australian Computer Society Victoria.

Dr Fernando has a strong history of advocating for gender equity in STEM especially addressing the intersectional challenges faced by Women of Colour (WOC) in STEM.

She was recognised for her efforts and awarded a STEM Women Changemaker by the Australian Academy of Science and the Melbourne Asian Game Changer award by Asia Society. Dr Fernando founded STEM Sisters, a pioneer organisation that empowers STEM women of colour. She spearheads six award-winning programs to break down systemic barriers and promote equal access to opportunities in STEM for WOC.

Under her leadership, STEM Sisters won many awards, including the Techdiversity Business (2023) and Media (2023) Awards, the Victorian International Education Excellence Award 2022, and the Multicultural Excellence Award 2022.

She is also the founder of iSTEM Co., a research, consulting and talent-sourcing company that enables employment for women in STEM, including WOC and CALD. iSTEM Co. was nominated as a finalist for the Women in Digital awards and has recently launched DEIR, a recruitment-tech platform that eliminates recruitment bias for women in STEM. DEIR has also received recognition in STEM and won the Lift Women Social Impact Award.

Presented as part of DIF Live

The DIF2023 Festival featured an exciting #DIFlive program which you can access year-round.

DIF Live is an online learning opportunity that provides a platform for Victorian innovators, thought leaders and creators to share knowledge, insights and learnings with the wider community.

During the Festival, participants watched the Lunch n Learns and Downloads as livestreams. You can catch all sessions from the Festival on-demand. 

DIF Download

DIF Live speakers shared resources about what they covered in their session for audiences to continue learning. 

MAGNIFY is a quarterly digital publication dedicated to empowering women of colour in STEM in Australia. See the profile of Dr. Ruwangi Fernando in their series on Women of Colour Entrepreneurs.