Macquarie Park unites to inspire the next generation of women in STEMM
Tomorrow, 8th March 2025, we recognise International Women’s Day. In Macquarie Park, we take pride in celebrating the great initiatives led by our organisations in support of gender equality and the ongoing efforts to #AccelerateTheAction.
Last month, Macquarie University proudly hosted its first Girls to Graduates (G2G) STEMM Camp, an initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). Supported by industry partners from the Macquarie Park Innovation District (MPID) and a $1 million grant from the Federal Government’s Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship scheme, the University delivered an engaging program for 63 promising female students who have their sights set firmly on STEMM careers.
The University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Taryn Jones knows well the importance of attracting and retaining girls and women in the STEMM pipeline. The registered physiotherapist and award-winning health educator has been co-leading the University’s work in bringing together school, academic and industry partners in the Girls to Graduates initiative.
" Girls to Graduates is about building a pipeline of talented young women who will become the next generation of STEMM innovators, researchers and leaders,” she says. “Our industry partners are a critical part of this program because they show young women what is actually possible, and how diverse STEMM careers can be. We are very grateful to all the organisations that supported this camp."
Ambition meets innovation
Selected through a competitive process, 63 female students from mid-North Coast and Western Sydney schools were welcomed to Macquarie’s campus for a three-day immersive STEMM experience. With accommodation generously provided by Dunmore Lang College, the students enjoyed a rich program that explored the breadth of study and career options available to them.
In addition to engaging with leading academics and current students at the University, the students relished the opportunity to connect with leading industry innovators including Applied Biosciences, Cochlear, Dolby, Franklin Women, Google , Optus, Schneider Electric, MSD, Macquarie University Hearing, the National Measurement Institute and NextSense.
Marika Ballotta, Employer Branding Lead - Pacific from Schneider Electric said the event wasn’t just about inspiring students, it was also about being inspired by them.
“Initiatives like the STEMM program don’t just introduce students to careers, they ignite a belief in what is possible. At Schneider Electric, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of showing young women that STEMM is not just a field, but a space where they belong. The next generation is ready, it’s up to us to show them the way,” she says.
Science teacher Kathleen Werry, who accompanied participants from Maclean High School, said programs like Girls to Graduates were vital to build the STEMM pipeline.
“Programs like this really are essential to expose students to various career pathways and study opportunities in STEMM. The benefits extend beyond just the participants – they will share their learnings with fellow students, inspiring even more young minds,” she says.
Be part of Girls to Graduates
The Girls to Graduates initiative is part of Macquarie University’s broader commitment to widening participation in STEMM and ensuring young women from diverse backgrounds can access opportunities in high-growth fields. For industry leaders, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative program that nurtures future STEMM professionals and innovators.
To find out more about the next G2G STEMM Camp or other initiatives facilitated by the G2G Program email g2g@mq.edu.au .
