The TechDiversity Awards, a prestigious event celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in tech workforces across industry sectors, took place last week.
The awards ceremony, attended by industry leaders, government representatives, experts, and change-makers, highlighted the outstanding initiatives and individuals making a remarkable impact in DEI across various sectors.
Under the theme “We are Greater Together,” the TechDiversity Awards recognised organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering inclusive tech workforces and communities. The winners and merit winners in each category exemplify the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the transformative potential it holds.
In a stirring address on the awards night, Luli Adeyemo, executive director of TechDiversity, laid out an ambitious vision for technology workforces. Adeyemo encouraged tech industry stakeholders to channel the same energy and tenacity the country is applying to plan the 2032 Brisbane Olympics toward building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive tech sector.
Drawing parallels between the multinational diversity of the Olympics and the potential for the same within the tech industry, Adeyemo highlighted that the timeline leading to the games provides an apt backdrop for implementing significant change.
She urged, “The tech industry is our very own dynamic playground – a real-life Olympics in the making. In the same way, we are planning to welcome the world in 2032, we should action a similar plan to ensure our tech workforce reflects the communities we serve.
The spirit of representation, welcome, and belonging that characterises the Olympics should resonate in our workplaces too. The clock is ticking, and it’s high time we sprint towards an industry that’s buzzing with diversity and brimming with inclusivity.”
The awards ceremony also featured notable speakers who shared their insights and expertise on diversity and innovation.
Miranda Ratajski, chief information officer at Westpac, delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the importance of diversity in driving organisational success.
Janean Richards, head of division, Science Division at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, provided valuable perspectives on fostering diversity in the STEM fields.
Winners & Merit Winners awarded on the night include:
Business Category
Recognising businesses that have implemented exceptional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within their organisation. These companies have demonstrated a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and promoting diversity at all levels.
Winner: Blaze Your Trail – A Technology Social Enterprise by Blaze Your Trail
Merit Winner: Indigenous Geospatial Consultancy and Mapping
Workshops by Winyama Digital Solutions Pty Ltd
Merit Winner: Nology – Creating Diverse Tech Talent for the Sector by Nology
Merit Winner: Stile’s Women in STEM: Software Engineering Internship by Stile Education
Merit Winner: iSTEM Co. by iSTEM Consulting
Merit Winner: Women on the Move by carsales.com
Education Category:
Highlighting educational institutions or organizations that have made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the field of education. These initiatives aim to create equitable opportunities for all students and provide support for underrepresented groups in pursuing STEM and tech-related careers.
Winner: Tech Pathways for Neurodivergent Australians by Generation Australia
Merit Winner: Improving the Learning Environment of Computer
Science Students through Tutor and Demonstrator Unconscious Bias Training, By University of Melbourne
Merit Winner: Go Girl Go For IT By VIC ICT for Women
Merit Winner: HEX By HEX (The Hacker Exchange)
Merit Winner: Connected Communities by Infoxchange
Government Category: Acknowledging government agencies or departments that have implemented successful diversity and inclusion programs. These initiatives focus on promoting diversity within the public sector, improving representation, and creating inclusive policies and practices.
Winner: Diversity & Inclusion at GWW by Greater Western Water
Merit Winner: Speak-up Save Lives App by NSW Department of
Customer Service
Merit Winner: LiPIE (Ladies in Product Innovation & Engineering) by Australia Post
Merit Winner: Hack-cessibility Australia Post Hack Day 2022 by Australia Post
Merit Winner: Digital and Program Delivery – Strata Hub by NSW Department of Customer Service
Merit Winner: Victorian Public Sector Ada Lovelace Network by
Cenitex, Department of Health, Department of Fairness Families and Housing, Department of Education, Department of Premier and Cabinet
Merit Winner: Service Victoria by Service Victoria
Marketing Category: Celebrating marketing campaigns or initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These campaigns aim to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusive narratives, and increase representation in marketing content and communications.
Winner: MAGNIFY – Women of Colour in STEM Magazine by STEM Sisters
Merit Winner: Westpac Women in Technology by Westpac
Tech for Good Category: Recognising technology projects or initiatives that have a positive social impact. These initiatives leverage technology to address social challenges, promote equity, and make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Winner: NDIS eLearning Modules by Liquid Interactive and the NDIS
Quality and Safeguards Commission
Merit Winner: My Aged Care by Liquid Interactive and the Australian
Department of Health and Aged Care
Merit Winner: Estelle Lucas – Red Files + Big Sister by Red Files + Big Sister
Merit Winner: AWS CloudUp for Her by Amazon Web Services
Merit Winner: Upzeez – The NextGen of Baby Nursery Furniture by Upzeez
The TechDiversity Awards have not only recognised outstanding achievements but also inspired a collective commitment to creating diverse, inclusive, and innovative tech workplace environments. The winners and merit winners serve as role models for organisations across industries, demonstrating the profound impact that diversity and inclusion can have on driving positive change.
For more information about the TechDiversity Awards and the winners, please visit https://tech-diversity.com.au/td-awards/
