“FLEET’s strategic priorities include developing the next generation of science leaders, and fostering equity and diversity in STEM,” says FLEET Equity and Diversity Chair, Prof Jeff Davis.
“Career and leadership support for women in FLEET works towards achieving both of these goals.”
“FLEET will provide an environment for our early-career women to thrive and progress, growing into capable and confident leaders.”
Efforts to increase the number of women in STEM in leadership positions will also have long-term benefits, as the increased number of women in science-leadership in turn become role-models to inspire others.
Four FLEET women have secured scholarships enabling participation in the 2022 Leading Edge program offered by Women and Leadership Australia, part of a national initiative encouraging more women in leadership across key industries. They are highly competitive, with a limited number of applicants from each organisation eligible to apply.
Congratulations to the following FLEET members:
- Abigail Goff, PhD student, RMIT
- Maedehsadat Mousavi, PhD student, UNSW
- Nicci Coad, Node administrator, RMIT
- Tenille Ibbotson, FLEET Executive Officer
The Leading Edge program provides practical management and leadership training, with a holistic approach to building leadership skills and mindset. This program will enable women in FLEET to increase resilience, and develop invaluable peer-support networks.
Maedehsadat Mousavi, PhD student, UNSW “During one’s PhD is an ideal time for learning and developing skills, allowing one to move afterwards into taking on responsibilities for labs and students. As a woman eager to continue her career in academia, I need to improve my leadership potential to manage my students as a team in the future, benefitting my postdoc and future employment. Learning how to work in a male-dominated environment is essential for a woman. Leading Edge will also provide an opportunity to communicate and make connections with others. Team-working is essential in research groups to improve and boost the quality of papers.”
Nicci Coad, Node administrator, RMIT “The next step in a career plan I set over 15 years ago is to move into a leadership role. Having built my family over the last five years, now it is time to focus on myself and my career goals. I have a particular interest in Leading Edge’s career and personal growth development. I would benefit from resetting my goals, and making a new achievable plan to reach those goals with the support of the WLA team. I look forward to learning what type of leader I am, learning how to turn conflict into a constructive transformative experience and how to build a successful team.”
Tenille Ibbotson, FLEET Executive Officer “Returning to the university research sector after 10 years in not-for-profit, I am challenging myself to learn new skills and broaden my knowledge. Commencing a new job and leadership training simultaneously offers the perfect opportunity to embed new skills and mindsets from the outset. I am looking to maximise my leadership strengths to become the best version of myself in both personal and team environments. I look forward to building confidence in myself and others, and learning to lead by example, so that others see me as a leader through my actions and attitude. I am optimistic that my return to the sector, commencing the role at FLEET, and undertaking this training will lead to fantastic growth opportunities. Thanks to FLEET for supporting me and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Abigail Goff, PhD student, RMIT “Leading edge will be a big help in my career. Communication and feedback training will help me better get my point across, without rambling. I’m also keen to build on my assertive abilities, and to develop skills in dealing with conflict. I enjoy presenting (even with the nerves!) and will enjoy this opportunity to improve my presentation skills. I’m also motivated to develop my leadership skills, for example helping me to delegate work to other PhD students effectively.
More information on other initiatives by FLEET can be found at FLEET.org.au/equity