Last Friday, our 2025 Future Female Leaders cohort came together in the heart of Perth for one of the most energising and inspiring events on this year’s program: the STEM & Innovation Day, proudly hosted by our event partner WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH) at Curtin University’s CBD Campus.
From the very first moment, the day was electric – full of bold ideas, practical insights, and future-focused leadership.
We kicked things off with a warm welcome from Ali O’Connor, General Manager – Program & Impact at Future Female Leaders. Ali shared an update on the 2025 program roadmap, highlighting where our participants are in their journey and what’s coming up next – namely the Pitch & Industry Networking Evening on 19 June and our show-stopping end of program Gala on 19 September 2025.
Building Future-Ready Skills with Bethan Winn
Next, we jumped straight into a high-energy, thought-provoking session led by Bethan Winn, critical thinking specialist, human skills facilitator, and proud FFLP Facilitator and Cheerleader Investor.
Bethan’s interactive workshop guided participants through the power of critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving – skills the World Economic Forum ranks among the most essential for the future of work.
With her signature blend of clarity, insight, and playfulness, Bethan unpacked evidence-based tools that participants can use right now in their Social Impact Projects – and carry with them well into their leadership careers. From self-awareness and communication to creativity and analytical rigour, Bethan reminded us that the leaders of tomorrow are not just smart – they’re thoughtful, intentional, and human.
We’re so grateful for Bethan’s wisdom, warmth and energy. What a way to start the day! 🧠
Spotlight on Social Impact
After morning tea, we welcomed Emma Burdett, who gave participants a practical overview of what to expect at our next major milestone – the Pitch & Industry Networking Evening. This will be a chance for our emerging leaders to bring their Social Impact Projects to life in front of a live audience and industry panel. The countdown is on!
Our 2025 Mentors joined us for a relaxed lunch where participants had the opportunity to reconnect, share progress, and soak up support from the wider FFLP community.
‘Women in Industry’ – STEM Careers Panel
Then came one of the most anticipated moments of the day – our ‘Women in Industry’ Careers Panel, brilliantly hosted by leadership expert and FFLP co-founder Claire Seeber.
This powerhouse panel featured four bold, brilliant women who are making waves in STEM and innovation:
✨ Kate Kirwin – Founder of SheCodes and 2024 WA Young Australian of the Year, championing regional women in tech.
✨ SJ Price – Award-winning AI lawyer and WADSIH board advisor, redefining the future at the intersection of law, ethics and emerging technology.
✨ Cindy Limantara – Engineering leader at Clough, committed mentor, and advocate for women in technical roles.
✨ Pauline Charman – Founder of BioBarcode, biotech pioneer and science educator bringing DNA technology to young minds.
Each panellist shared deeply honest reflections on navigating male-dominated fields, balancing values with ambition, and the importance of resilience, curiosity and inclusion in shaping the future of STEM.
The panel reminded us that while there’s no one path into STEM, every journey matters – and that leadership in this space is about more than technical expertise. It’s about bold ideas, human connection, and staying true to your purpose.
💫 Looking Ahead
STEM & Innovation Day was more than just a workshop – it was a celebration of possibility. From real-world tools to real-life role models, our 2025 cohort left feeling more connected, more confident, and more ready than ever to lead with impact.
A huge thank you to our partners at WADSIH, especially Shannon Hansen for hosting us so generously, and to our incredible speakers, panellists, mentors, and participants. You’ve all helped light a spark that will keep burning well beyond this event.
Next stop: Pitch Night. Let’s go!
