On Monday, August 24, the winners of the Women in Industry awards for 2020 were announced.
Judge Melissa Donald, board member of the National Association of Women in Operations said that the quality of nominations made judging difficult.
“The calibre of nominees was so impressive, with a range of experience and backgrounds, which made judging challenging. Congratulations to the winners, whose achievements can inspire more women and men to pursue careers in operations and continue to drive better gender balance across all industries.”
The winners of each category are:
Social Leader of the Year – Jackie Lewis-Gray – BAE Systems Australia
Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by Atlas Copco – Alicia Heskett – Shell Australia (QGC)
Business Development Success of the Year – Rachael Ashfield – ifm efector
Industry Advocacy Award – Rose Read – National Waste & Recycling Industry Council
Safety Advocacy Award, sponsored by BOC ltd – Nadine Youssef – Sydney Trains
Mentor of the Year – Dayle Stevens – AGL Energy
Excellence in Manufacturing – Rochelle Avinu – Leica Biosystems
Excellence in Mining – Sarah Withell – Whitehaven Coal Limited
Excellence in Engineering, sponsored by BAE Systems Australia – Elizabeth Taylor – RedR International
Excellence in Transport – Melissa Strong – Lindsay Australia Limited
Hayley Rohrlach, 2020 chair of the National Committee for Women in Engineering said that the awards should serve as encouragement for all to continue to grow the industries they work in.
“I hope they can continue their advocacy and sharing their enjoyment for engineering and STEM as a whole into the community to continue to bring (or retain) female engineers into the profession.”