On 30 July, Rose, Trista, Jenny and myself were fortunate enough to attend an event created by the Orbispace Initiative called the, “Future of Female Leadership Lunch”. It was an event that provided 50 girls from various high schools with the opportunity to meet women dominating the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)  industries. With gender discrimination becoming normalised in the workforce, this conference was an eye-opener as it exemplified that women were just as capable and talented as men. 

The day began with a tour of the Sydney Start-up Hub, a place where aspiring business creators could pitch their ideas and seek help from mentors. Following this we viewed interactive presentations and were led through a mindfulness coaching session. We focused on the importance of having a good and healthy mentality in order to achieve goals. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the “speed dating” style lunch with 50 female innovators from a range of different STEM start-up companies. This opportunity enabled us to be mentored and motivated by women who have faced the struggles of being a woman in the workforce and thus emphasised the significance of remaining persistent and hopeful. 

Overall, this experience was incredibly fun and unforgettable. It was motivating to hear that women are taking a stance against discrimination and that we have a chance to achieve our dreams.

by Shirley Nguyen

The Future of Female Leadership Lunch was a great opportunity which we were fortunate to be invited to attend. From the STEM program, I have learnt a lot about how to start and develop a business and how business industry actually works. I met great students from different schools around Sydney who were also interested in the business industry. The messages I received from their program were very motivational, such as, being told that my ideas and thoughts can be developed just like men, we have the same opportunities as men, and our ideas can be developed by working and believing in ourselves. I was advised to work on my ideas from now and continue developing them even after I reach my goal. Some quotes that resonated with me are:

• ‘’By thinking of doing something nothing is going to change, you have to act to make sure you reach your goal’’
• ‘’You don’t succeed straight away, you have to fight for it to get it, but when you give up you will never get anything in life’’

by Rose Al-Roomi

Participating in STEM has not only informed me on the innovative ideas within the development of technology but it has changed my perspectives and beliefs on the role of women within the industry. Despite the early success of male innovators, women were pushed out of the industry and their roles were given to men for higher pay. Women weren’t trusted with the technical work. After centuries, women had to push through these bias times and fight for their rights. Slowly society came to realise the importance of women within the industry and their significant role.

Future of Female Leadership Lunch has allowed me to develop an idea of how I can start my own business by becoming an entrepreneur with the help of many successful innovators and CEOs. I was inspired by significant women that we encountered and spoke with throughout the day. This program has allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and realise that it’s not only men who can be in the STEM work force, rather it could be me.  It was a great experience which had sparked the creative side of me.

by Trista Huynh

Our tour around the Sydney Startup Hub introduced us to people with various startups and product concepts and despite their differing ideas, they all work in an environment which only promotes creative thinking and expansion on their ideas.

To meet with women who have dealt with the successes and failures of their decisions, whether it be to start a business or pitching an idea to their company’s leaders was an experience that certainly gave me motivation and the confidence that I needed to get through the year. This conference has shown us that men aren’t the only individuals capable of leading companies and creating life-changing products and that everyone has a chance to change their world if they chose to do so. What was common amongst all the women, who are CEOs or managers, I talked with was that they had made to their position today by remaining persistent and determined to reach their dreams/desires. 

by Jenny Leav