Across the City of Sydney, women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, are driving innovation, sustainability and smart solutions.
On the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re highlighting 6 inspiring women who are making an impact. From digital transformation to environmental engineering, these professionals are shaping the future.
STEM is all about problem solving, you don’t stop learning
For Anita Rojas, a specialist project manager and environmental
engineer in parks, STEM is all about problem-solving. She plays a crucial role in managing environmental risks in our parks, ensuring compliance with regulations and supporting environmental improvement projects.Since starting her career as a laboratory analyst, Anita has embraced the opportunities STEM provides for continuous learning and making a tangible impact on the environment.
“STEM has so many different career avenues,” she said.
“You don’t have to have the best grades to have a successful career. If you enjoy what you do, your interest will fuel your success.”
Shana Cai, a project engineer in infrastructure design, echoes this sentiment. Her work focuses on designing and managing the construction of civil assets such as roads, stormwater drainage and footpaths.
Each project brings new challenges and it’s this variety that excites her.
“I love that every project is unique and there is no single solution that fits all,” Shana said. “This allows me to continually learn and grow as a civil engineer.”
Her advice to young women considering a career in STEM?
“Don’t stop learning! Knowledge is wealth, knowledge is power!”
A love of data and visual learning, not just ‘being good at maths’
Sustainability is a key focus for Zoe Morrison, a senior sustainability strategist, who plays a leading role in implementing the organisation’s environmental strategy, working at the intersection of climate science and policy.
“I love working with data – using it to help people make sense of big problems and visualising what it could look like,” Zoe said.
“Heat maps, population maps, fun facts – it’s all part of helping people understand the science in a way that makes sense to them.”
Her journey into climate science wasn’t a straightforward one.
“I was terrible at maths, especially the hard maths like calculus and quants – I’m a visual learner. I thought that would finish my dreams of working in marine environments. Turns out, it didn’t hold me back.”
She encourages young women to find their own learning styles and to not be discouraged if they struggle with certain subjects.
“Just because you’re not good at a subject like maths in high school doesn’t mean you shouldn’t study science.”
Be open to evolving career paths, your future job might not exist yet
While engineering and environmental science shape the physical world, digital innovation is transforming how we interact with it. Karmen Stepanian, a business advisor, helps different business units make better use of technology to improve processes and efficiency.
“I love the versatility of my job and the opportunity to interact with colleagues across different business units,” she said. “Providing advice, guidance, and support around technology and seeing the business thrive is incredibly satisfying.”
She highlights how much the technology sector has evolved and how more women are entering the field.
“Technology is everywhere and constantly evolving. It shapes our future and impacts almost everything we do and touch.”
For Michaela Upton, the digital innovation program manager, working with emerging technologies like generative AI is about problem-solving.
“We do a lot of work at the beginning of technology projects to figure out what the problem is that we are solving, for who, and what the best technology solution might be,” she said.
Her advice for young women entering STEM is to embrace change.
“Be open to evolving career paths – your future job might not exist yet! Follow your interest and you’ll end up in the right place.”
Be curious: careers that make a difference in our city
Despite progress, women in STEM continue to face challenges, from gender imbalance to outdated stereotypes. But change is happening, and the growing presence of women in these fields is shaping a more inclusive and innovative future.
As our 6 colleagues demonstrate, STEM careers are diverse, rewarding, and constantly evolving. Whether in environmental sustainability, engineering, or digital innovation, their work is making a difference in our city.
For young women considering a STEM career, the message is clear: be curious, keep learning, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.
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