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Stellar leaders to mentor our Superstars of STEM

An all-star line-up of CEOs, senior executives and rising star leaders in industry, business, politics, media and science have signed up to mentor Australia’s newest Superstars of STEM.

Selfie of Superstar of STEM Neelima Kadiyala with her stellar mentor - senior business leader Kat Henaway.

The high-powered collection of mentors – announced today – includes highly-experienced CEOs, top senior executives, Parliamentarians, Chief Scientists, company directors, and media broadcasters.

Over the next 18 months, they will share leadership insights and practical advice – and open doors and contact books – to help the Superstars step further into the media spotlight.

is a game-changing Australian initiative to transform the visibility of women and non-binary talent in STEM – and smash gender assumptions about who can work in science.

It is making a powerful contribution to tackle the serious under-representation of women in STEM.

Every two years, this program equips 60 brilliant women and non-binary people with advanced communication skills and opportunities – in the media, on stage and in schools. The result: we’re growing a critical mass of diverse, high-profile scientists inspiring our next generations.

In the program, each Superstar is matched with an impressive mentor. Mentors come from a wide array of backgrounds and careers. All are accomplished leaders who have forged their own path to success.

Each mentor will meet regularly with their Superstar of STEM to give support and advice as they navigate growing their public profile. This crucial connection supports Superstars to strive for the next level of success in their own careers and shine brilliantly across the media.

The Superstars will be mentored by exceptional leaders including former Science and Industry Minister Independent MPs and , leading company director and high-flying CEO , iSTEM Co. Founder , top broadcasters and media executives and , New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor and South Australian Chief Scientist Professor .

Mentors also include Australia’s first Defence Space Commander , CSIRO senior executive , Engineers Australia’s Chief Engineer , leading STEM CEOs , and , inspiring AFL senior executive and changemaker , and brilliant scientists and – both 2021-2022 Superstars of STEM.

“These diverse, highly accomplished star leaders give our Superstars of STEM such valuable, real-world support and advice as they step into the media and public spotlight,” said STA CEO Misha Schubert.

“The Superstars of STEM program is a shining success story. It is transforming the idea of what scientists and people in STEM careers look like, and powerfully shifting the dial on expert diversity in the media.”

Superstars of STEM is an initiative of Science & Technology Australia funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, which began in 2017.

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Featured image: Superstar of STEM with her stellar mentor – senior business leader .

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