About the Guest

Dr. Munazza Imran is a distinguished alumna of ANU, bringing forth more than two decades of invaluable experience in Life Sciences, which includes an extensive background in education. She previously served as an Assistant Professor specializing in microbiology at a public sector university in her native country Pakistan, where she shared her knowledge and expertise with the next generation.

In 2014 Dr. Munazza won two very prestigious scholarships to fully fund her doctoral studies at the Australian National University (ANU). She started her PhD with two little girls (1 year old and 5 years old) as an international student. During her academic journey at ANU, Dr. Imran pursued her passion for research as a PhD scholar and contributed as a casual Sessional academic at the Research School of Biology. Her doctoral studies focused on the fascinating realm of molecular microbiology.

Following the successful completion of her doctorate, she ventured into the corporate world, taking on the role of Account Manager - Academia and Research for a prominent American multinational scientific organization (Thermo Fisher Scientific). In this capacity, she furthered her engagement with the scientific community and fostered collaborations between academia and industry.

Presently, Dr. Imran working as a Scientific Operation Officer at Laboratory Business Operations Section at Therapeutic Drugs Administration (TGA), Canberra. She also dedicates her time as a diligent reviewer of scientific manuscripts within her field, adding her critical insights to the ever-evolving body of scientific knowledge. In her cherished moments of leisure, she enjoys quality time with her family in the vibrant city of Canberra.

Dr. Munazza Imran's rich and diverse journey through academia, research, and industry has greatly enriched both her own professional growth and the broader scientific community.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Munazza Imran shares her inspiring journey from academia to industry and then into government service. Despite facing challenges, such as societal expectations and financial hardships, she emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up on one's dreams. Dr. Imran's story serves as a testament to overcoming obstacles and pursuing a fulfilling career in STEM.

Dr. Imran discusses her experiences in academia, industry, and government, highlighting the impact she has had in each sector and her dedication to serving humanity through her work. Her insights on balancing career growth, family responsibilities, and personal goals provide valuable lessons for women in STEM facing similar challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Imran's passion for serving humanity through her research and career choices is evident in her dedication to making a positive impact in the field of life sciences.
• She encourages women in STEM to be resilient, pursue opportunities, and not be deterred by failures, but to view them as learning experiences on the path to success.
• It is important to not give up on one's dreams and continuously striving for personal and professional growth.

Find Out More

• Connect with Dr Munazza Imran on LinkedIn and ANU Kintell.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

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About the Guest

Xiaoyan Lu is the Acting Group Executive Director of Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO). She has extensive leadership experience in using data and technology to drive business outcomes. In 2020, Xiaoyan was awarded an Australian Day Achievement Medallion in recognition of her leadership in business transformation through data analytics, her mentoring, and her dedication to innovation and excellence. Prior to working for the ANAO, Xiaoyan dedicated 11 years to the Australian Sports Commission, where she led data-driven decision-making initiatives in the sports sector and successfully executed a nationwide community sport research agenda. Xiaoyan is one of the senior executive mentors for Australian Public Sector Women in IT Executive Mentoring program 2023–24. She was recently appointed as an Industry Fellow in the UTS Accounting Department for the Business Analytics Program. Xiaoyan is an immigrant who came to Australia at the age of 25. Today, she is an executive champion and proactive advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Episode Summary

In this enlightening episode, Dr Chloe Lim engages in an in-depth conversation with Xiaoyan Lu about her remarkable journey from a small mining town in China to becoming a respected leader in the data analytics industry. Xiaoyan shares insights into her educational background, career progression, challenges faced as a woman of colour in a leadership role, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, Xiaoyan provides valuable advice for women aspiring to pursue a career in STEM, emphasizing the significance of self-advocacy and building a strong support network.

Xiaoyan's narrative underscores the transformative power of continuous learning, seizing opportunities, and advocating for oneself in a male-dominated industry like data analytics. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways

• Xiaoyan emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and displaying the courage to challenge oneself beyond the comfort zone.
• Building a strong support network, including mentors, coaches, and allies, is crucial for career advancement and overcoming barriers in the STEM industry.
• Self-advocacy is key for women in STEM to ask for development opportunities, training, and recognition they deserve.
• Addressing unconscious bias in recruitment processes and promoting diversity and inclusion are essential for fostering a more equitable and diverse workforce.
• Xiaoyan's journey highlights the significance of seizing opportunities, continuous learning, and embracing challenges to drive personal and professional growth in the data analytics field.

Find Out More

• Connect with Xiaoyan Lu on LinkedIn.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/

About the Guest

Isabelle Vu is a staunch intersectional feminist and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advocate focusing on gender equity, cultural diversity, mental health and the prevention of sexual, domestic and family violence. In 2023, Isabelle campaigned to raise over $1600 as part of the UN Women Australia’s 16 Days of Activism Fundraiser, which aims to eliminate violence against women and children. She was also featured in the UN Women Canberra Chapter’s ‘This is Us’ Zine which focused on celebrating the diversity of women and gender diverse individuals as role models, who have overcome barriers such as disability, race, sexuality, colour, cultural and socioeconomic differences to achieve their goals and be where they are today. During her studies at the Australian National University as a psychology student, Isabelle developed an interest in organisational psychology and after graduating in 2020, she began her career in the management consulting industry. She has previously worked at KPMG and is currently a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, specialising in change management and strategic communications.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dr. Chloe Lim interviews Isabelle Vu, a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEM field. Isabelle shares her journey from a mathematics and science-focused education in the Philippines to pursuing psychology and eventually entering the field of organizational psychology and change management. With a focus on creating psychologically safe spaces for marginalized individuals, Isabelle discusses the challenges she faced as a woman of colour in the consulting industry and provides valuable insights on navigating the STEM landscape.

Isabelle emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with the right mentors, being kind to oneself, and embracing opportunities for growth and learning. She shares her experiences of overcoming discrimination based on gender, neurodiversity, and caring responsibilities, highlighting the significance of allyship and representation in the workplace.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of creating psychologically safe spaces for marginalized individuals in the workplace.
• The value of mentoring, self-kindness, and adaptability in navigating the STEM industry.
• The role of allyship and representation in promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM.

Find Out More

• Connect with Isabelle Vu on LinkedIn.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/