Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2022 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the 10 categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in People & Culture.
In this category, judges were looking for entries that exemplified outstanding success in developing and/or administering initiatives to support the defence community in 2021. The finalists in this category nurtured a positive, diverse, and inclusive culture in Defence and industry, including supporting the wellbeing of veterans and military families. Many also surmounted extraordinary personal or professional challenges to achieve their successes.
Melanie Fuller (nee Farrier) of Department of Defence Science and Technology Group
As Assistant Director STEM Engagement and Inclusion within DSTG, Melanie leads the initiatives for building an inclusive and diverse workplace within the department. Melanie’s successes in 2021 included the design and implementation of the NAVIGATE program, aimed at bringing mid and senior STEM professionals into Defence with a 40% target of women, and the instigation of the DSTG Inclusion Ally Network, which provides training for allies in numerous diversity areas. Melanie is an exemplar for commitment to Defence culture, diversity and inclusion, not only in her professional life but also her personal, through volunteering roles and promotion of STEM interests.
Hayley Ann Boswell of Defence Kidz
Hayley is the Founder of Defence Kidz, which supports and empowers Defence families through various resources and channels, including seven children’s books published to date, advocacy for policy change and various social media platforms which educate the Defence and civilian community about Defence life. Amongst her achievements in 2021, Hayley distributed over 9000 books to the defence community and spoke at roundtable discussions supporting Defence spouses and veterans. The judges recognised that Hayley's work supporting a healthy Defence family unit encourages a stronger and more resilient ADF workforce.
Commander Penelope Twemlow of PwC/Royal Australian Navy/Women in Power
Penelope is a Naval Reserve Officer, Director with PwC in the Defence portfolio, and Co-Founder and Chairperson of Women in Power, a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to promote and empower women in trades. The judges were impressed by the resilience, passion, and leadership that Penelope has displayed in her ongoing work in the Defence arena, and as a champion for various causes including equality and diversity, mental health, and suicide and domestic violence prevention. Penelope has overcome immense personal adversity and generously coaches and empowers others on their own journeys.
Rebecca Rayner of Military Life
Beck is committed to empowering other Defence spouses in her work as Founder of Military Life. In 2021, Military Life reached new heights of success including 70,000 downloads on the ML Podcast, which featured various new high-profile guests. Beck also established and hosted the first and second National Defence Partner Roundtables, opening up communication between spouses, policymakers and support organisations, and launched the National Defence Partner Peer Support program. Beck’s dedication to fostering a supportive community and being a powerful voice for spouses is exemplary.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum Canberra on 14 September 2022. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
Thank you to all our sponsors: SYPAQ, AeroPM, Airbus, BGIS, Boeing, CEA Technologies, Leidos, Precision Public Affairs and Ventia.
