Kinetic IT & CSIRO team up to boost Indigenous women in STEM

IT solutions provider, Kinetic IT, has joined forces with the CSIRO's Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy to create more opportunities for First Nations women wishing to pursue a career in the tech industry.

Operating as the inaugural corporate patron of the Academy's Western Australia programme, Kinetic IT and CSIRO have embarked on a 12-month initiative encouraging First Nations women to enter into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professions.

The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy is a nationwide prospect for Indigenous female students and those identifying as such, who harbour an interest in pursuing STEM-related studies and professions. The Academy is presently controlled by CSIRO in collaboration with CareerTrackers and proudly funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

The Academy provides young Indigenous females with necessary resources and tools, empowering them to thrive in STEM ventures and professions. In addition to collaborating with the Academy in Western Australia, Kinetic IT also provides support for the Academy's STEM activities in the Northern Territory.

Kim Dyball, Manager of the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy, attested to the pivotal role of IT in Australia's future. "Through the Academy, we are supporting the next generation of STEM professionals, leaders and game changers. Thank you Kinetic IT for leading the way by being our first corporate partner in Western Australia, and supporting young Indigenous women to pursue a career in STEM," she said.

Dyball emphasised the importance of robust partnerships with prominent organisations such as Kinetic IT, which expose the possibilities available in the STEM industry to young women. She commended Kinetic IT on their involvement in STEM camps and delivering activities, stating it offers these young women strong role models and a myriad of opportunities to ask questions that guide their career choices.

Jessica Todd, Kinetic IT's Senior Manager for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, spoke on the impact that the company's support of the academy will have on Australia's ICT industry, specifically for First Nations women. "Australia is in real need for a greater number of ICT professionals to serve the rapidly expanding ICT industry. Diversity of perspectives and better representation is going to be critical, and this program is an important part of inspiring and preparing the workforce of the future."

Funded in 2018 by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy is a component of the $25 million Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fund, announced by the Commonwealth Government as a segment of the 1967 Referendum 50th Anniversary Indigenous Education Package. The Academy invites young First Nations women to discover STEM-related career paths in a culturally-safe environment whilst also honing a wealth of knowledge.