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.*

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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

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About the Guest

Dr Lubna Alam is an Associate Professor of Information Systems at the Deakin Business School Deakin University, co-founder of the volunteer-run not-for-profit ALO Enlightened Women Inc., member of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturism and winner of the ACT Outstanding Excellence Award for Diversity and Inclusion at the 2023 ACT Multicultural Awards and Westfield local hero 2023.

Lubna was also a finalist for the ACT women of the year in 2024, Women in ICT’s “Wicked women of the year” in 2022 and “ABC Canberra Multicultural champion” in 2022 for her contribution to gender equality and empowering migrant women. With nearly two decades working as an academic and an applied researcher, she is passionate about socio-technical and empowering impacts of emerging technologies on individuals and not-for-profits.

Episode Summary

In this episode of "Voices in STEM," host Dr. Chloe Lim interviews Dr. Lubna Alam, an Associate Professor of Information Systems at Deakin University. Dr. Alam shares her journey into STEM, discussing how cultural expectations in her home country of Bangladesh influenced her career choices. She also highlights her research interests in emerging technologies, such as social media, crowdsourcing, and AI, and the impact they have on individuals and organizations. Dr. Alam reflects on the challenges she faced as a culturally diverse woman in STEM and the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in overcoming these challenges. She also emphasizes the need for continuous learning and upskilling in the rapidly evolving field of STEM.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Lubna Alam's journey into STEM was influenced by cultural expectations in Bangladesh, where engineering and medicine were the preferred career paths.
• Balancing a full-time job, raising a newborn, and completing a PhD was a significant challenge for Dr. Alam, but she successfully navigated these responsibilities with the support of mentors and sponsors.
• Language barriers and cultural assimilation can present challenges for culturally diverse women in STEM, but continuous upskilling and networking can help overcome these barriers.

Find out more

• Connect with Dr Lubna Alam on LinkedIn.
• Find out more about Alo Enlightened Women.
  
  

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

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

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About the guest

Dr. Charis Teh is a cancer and immunology researcher based in Australia. She holds a PhD from ANU, a Master in Public Health from the University of Sydney, and a Bachelor of Science Honours from ANU. Dr. Teh is currently a Victorian Cancer Agency Mid-Career Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Her work focuses on developing and improving life-saving cancer immunotherapy strategies using preclinical models and cutting-edge technologies. Dr. Teh is also a mother to two young daughters and is passionate about creating a healthier future for the next generation. She has been recognized for her advocacy for women in STEM disciplines and has received awards such as Superstar of STEM and 40 under 40 Most Influential Asian Australian Awards. Dr. Teh actively partners with local schools to deliver science activities in the classroom and runs scientific discovery tours to encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers.

Summary

In this episode of "CALD Voices in STEM," host Dr. Chloe Lim interviews Dr. Charis Teh, a cancer and immunology researcher in Australia. Dr. Teh shares her journey in STEM, from discovering her passion for science during her undergraduate studies to her current work in cancer immunotherapy. She discusses the challenges she has faced as a mother and a woman in STEM, including self-doubt and cultural expectations. Dr. Teh emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and building a supportive community in order to overcome these challenges. She also highlights the need for a shift in the traditional view of leadership in STEM towards a more collaborative and inclusive approach.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Charis Teh's interest in health and disease was sparked by growing up in Malaysia, where she witnessed the impact of infectious diseases on her community.
• Dr. Teh's experience at Stanford University on a Fulbright scholarship was a significant milestone in her career, allowing her to learn cutting-edge technology and experience the vibrant startup culture in Silicon Valley.
• As a mother returning to work after maternity leave, Dr. Teh faced challenges in balancing her roles as a scientist and a parent. She emphasizes the importance of finding support and being open about the struggles faced by working mothers.

Find out more

• Connect with Dr Charis Teh on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

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About the Guest

Sakshi Nanda is a proficient engineer with a unique blend of electronics, instrumentation, and biomedical engineering. With a background rooted in a culturally diverse heritage, she recognizes the immense value that different perspectives bring to the engineering field. Sakshi's personal experiences as a migrant have further ignited her passion for breaking down barriers and paving the way toward a future where diversity and excellence go hand in hand in the engineering industry. Currently working as a systems engineer in the Australian government, Sakshi has also previously worked as a biomedical engineer and medical device assessor at Therapeutic Goods Australia.

Summary

Sakshi shares her journey in pursuing a career in engineering, highlighting the influence of her parents and her fascination with science and technology. She discusses her education pathway, including her studies in electronics, instrumentation, and control engineering, as well as her pursuit of an advanced diploma in biomedical engineering while working full-time and raising a family. Sakshi also talks about her achievements, such as presenting her first conference paper on emerging and innovative technology at the Society of Medical and Biological Engineering conference. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the engineering industry and offers advice to other culturally diverse women pursuing careers in STEM.

Key Takeaways

• Sakshi Nanda's passion for science and technology was nurtured by her parents, who come from diverse backgrounds in physics and medicine.
• She emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and finding supportive communities to navigate these challenges and succeed in the STEM field.
• Sakshi believes that diversity is a catalyst for innovation and calls for changes in the engineering industry to prioritize diversity, inclusion, and the recognition of diverse talent.

Find out more

• Connect with Sakshi Nanda on LinkedIn.

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About The Guest

Maria (Mafe) Bedoya is a Psychologist and HR Specialist, with a Masters of Business Management. With over a decade of corporate expertise in organizational psychology across diverse sectors including finance, security, gas & oil, and IT, Mafe specialises in corporate social well-being. She is also an entrepreneur, launching her coaching services for professional migrants in 2023.

Mafe migrated to Australia in 2019, while grappling with emotional challenges following a miscarriage, to study English and as a quest for healing and growth. She empathizes with the various hurdles that migrants encounter when living in a foreign country. Mafe‘s personal journey and resilience are chronicled in the collaborative work “Undefeated,” where she shares her narrative as a co-author.

Mafe is committed to supporting individuals in navigating and advancing their careers abroad, aiming to transform relocation anxieties into opportunities for personal and professional development. Through fostering understanding of emotions and unlocking potential, she empowers clients to overcome challenges and actualize their aspirations in new environments.

Summary

Maria shares her journey from working in vulnerable communities to pursuing a career in STEM. She discusses her experience working in the IT security industry and how she developed an app to address administrative challenges faced by employees. Maria also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and offers advice for culturally diverse women pursuing careers in STEM.

Key Takeaways

• Maria emphasizes the need to challenge stereotypes and unconscious gender bias in STEM fields.
• She suggests creating educational programs, providing mentoring opportunities, and reviewing workplace culture to promote diversity and inclusivity.
• Maria encourages culturally diverse women in STEM to believe in themselves, work smart, and seek out mentors and role models.

Find out more

• Connect with Maria Bedoya on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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About The Guest

Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva graduated cum laude (with honours) with a Bachelor of Science (Philippines), completed her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (US), and became a DNA vaccine scientist. Celia then became a lawyer in the Philippines and Australia.

She is the Board Chairperson of a 139-year-old pharmacy and a Director in other boards. She is a passionate mentor of migrants and in 2023, she won the EY Oceania CEO Social Contributor Leadership Award and was a finalist for the Corporate Legend award from the Australian Professionals of Colour. Her son, two daughters, and husband are all CALD STEM professionals.

Summary

Dr. Celia Torres-Villanueva shares her journey in STEM, from her early interest in science to her diverse career path. Growing up in the Philippines, she had the privilege of being encouraged to pursue STEM and attended a specialized science high school. She initially considered a career in law but ultimately decided to pursue molecular biology and biotechnology. She completed her PhD in the US and went on to establish her own research lab in the Philippines, focusing on DNA vaccines.

Later, she transitioned into the field of law and became involved in intellectual property and research contracts. She emphasizes the importance of having a holistic approach to increasing opportunities for culturally diverse women in STEM, including addressing recruitment, retention, and promotion within organizations. She also highlights the value of mentoring and encourages women to believe in themselves and seek support from mentors and allies.

Key Takeaways

• Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva had an interest in both science and law, choosing to purse molecular biology first and set up her own research lab in the Phillipines.
• Transitioning into law, she contributed to intellectual property and research contracts, leveraging her scientific background for legal impact.
• Advocating for culturally diverse women in STEM, she underscores the importance of addressing recruitment, retention, and promotion challenges within organizations.
• Celia highlights the transformative power of mentoring, urging women to seek guidance and become mentors themselves.

Find out more

• Connect with Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about her work with migrant women leaders through Career Transformation Ventures.
• Visit drchloelim.com for more resources from this podcast.

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