VIC Monthly Wrap Up - May 2025

Shaping Futures: Inspiring Women to Thrive in STEM & IT

Earlier this month, ACS Vic Branch in partnership with the Victorian State Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions, hosted Shaping Futures: Inspiring Women to Thrive in STEM & IT in a collaborative effort to address gender imbalances in the technology and engineering sectors.

With women making up only 29% of the STEM workforce—the event brought together industry professionals, advocates, and aspiring leaders to tackle systemic barriers and create actionable solutions. The program featured networking opportunities, an engaging panel discussion, and a dynamic workshop focused on three key tasks: identifying barriers, generating solutions, and defining personal commitments to drive change.

Common barriers highlighted included lack of confidence, gender bias, limited mentorship, and challenges related to motherhood and work-life balance. Proposed solutions centered around mentorship, flexible workplace practices, allyship, leadership accountability, and community support.

Participants concluded by outlining personal actions—from mentoring others and promoting women in tech, to sharing stories and building inclusive programs—to help foster a more equitable STEM landscape.

The event underscored ACS’s commitment to supporting 500,000 additional women in the STEM workforce by 2030 and called on attendees to remain active contributors to this mission. Special thanks were extended to the speakers and champions who generously shared their expertise to help shape a more inclusive future in tech. Lastly, a massive shout out to Mel Long for her incredible support, execution and network that brought the event together!

Championing digital inclusion through AI and gamified learning

ACS was proud to support SisterWorks and Her Tech Circle, on Sunday 18 May, in an immersive dive into artificial intelligence. The event, facilitated by John Burgin, creator of the Tech Tempest business simulation game, was far from a standard workshop. Participants explored the world of AI in a dynamic, gamified environment—collaborating, problem-solving, and applying technology to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach not only built practical digital skills but also fostered confidence and demonstrated how technology can be a powerful enabler for all. Along with a partner at Deloitte, Mark Cohen represented ACS on the judging panel, reinforcing our commitment to advancing digital skills and empowering diverse communities through technology. This was an important demonstration of how ACS recognises the vital importance of digital inclusion and is dedicated to supporting initiatives that ensure everyone, especially women and underrepresented groups, can thrive in the evolving tech landscape. 

Swinburne Student Membership Webinar 

On Monday 19th May, Alannah Grech, Partner Success Manager - Communities presented virtually on our Supported Student Membership benefits to a class of students from Swinburne University of Technology, which consisted of mostly first year students pursuing degrees in computer science, IT, cyber security or data science. 

The students were highly engaged by the presentation, asking several questions afterwards in our Q&A session about career pathways, networking advice and how to overcome anxiety at events. The panel, comprising Alannah, Kelsey Capaldo (Branch Manager – Victoria) and Jasmine Best (Student Engagement Coordinator), were able to provide insights from their own career experiences as well as direct students towards the resources made available to them through their complimentary ACS membership.

VIC and SSM team off the Bendigo to present to La Trobe Students

On Tuesday 20th May, ACS visited the Victorian rural city of Bendigo to present in person on our Supported Student Membership benefits to a class of students from La Trobe University. 

The session had great attendance, with high levels of engagement in both the Q&A and one-on-one consultations held after the presentation – many students wondering how to access mentoring programs, internships and other early career opportunities once they graduate. 

The team, comprising Alannah Grech (Partner Success Manager – Community), Kelsey Capaldo (Branch Manager – Victoria) and Jasmine Best (Student Engagement Coordinator), enjoyed the chance to visit students outside the major cities, and found them to be enthusiastic about the ACS membership offerings and keen to know more.

ACS at Big Day In  Melbourne

ACS made a mark the Big Day In event in Melbourne on Thursday 22nd, where Emerging Professionals Committee member Deepali Parkash represented ACS on stage to share her career journey in tech with hundreds of highly school students from across Victoria. Based on her experience as a first-year business analyst, Deepali offered valuable advice to young people interested in the industry, and she engaged with the audience by answering their questions. At the ACS table, Mark Cohen and Erin Cowling connected with students, promoting tech career pathways. The team was joined by ACS Fellow and RMIT Professor Michael Cowling, Director of the Hub for Apple Innovation. The event was a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation of tech professionals and showcase the vibrant ACS community.