Women in Technology launches 2016 awards with two new categories
The 2016 WiT Awards were officially launched last night at the organisation’s annual general meeting with two brand new categories available this year.
The new categories will recognise women working in rural and remote areas and an outstanding female educator working in life sciences or information technology.
With 10 awards up for grabs Queenslanders in technology and life sciences are being encouraged to enter the awards from now until 1 June 2016.
WiT president Fiona Hayes said this year’s theme “the future is ours, together we stand” is all about being forward thinking and inclusive in the workplace.
“Every year we’re astounded by the quality of the entries we receive. Our nominees are intelligent, professional and accomplished – talk about inspiring. The WiT awards are about celebrating women and those that support them. We’re looking for women who are experts in their fields and succeeding in traditionally male dominated technology and life science positions. In 2015 WiT received over 200 nominations and this year we’re expecting even more” Fiona said.
Heidi Uytendaal, winner of the 2015 ICT Outstanding Award and the 2016 WiT ICT Ambassador said the WiT award nomination process was an extremely positive experience.
“It made me realise to invest in myself not just the company I work for” she said.
She encourages others to look around at the people you work with and the people you admire and nominate a person that you believe in.
“I promise you it will impact them in a positive way” she states.
Entries can be submitted online at www.witawards.org.au
Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards dinner on Friday 2 September 2016 at the Royal International Convention Centre.
WiT is proud to be supporting Bravehearts as their 2016 charity partner for the event. Bravehearts vision is to make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child by 2020.
WiT Award categories:
Employer of Choice Award
For the employer demonstrating commitment to providing an outstanding working environment for women
Infotech Professional Award
Women with 7 to 15 years industry experience making a significant contribution to their teams, organisations or industry.
Infotech Outstanding Achievement Award
For women making a significant contribution to the growth and development of Queensland's ICT industry who serve as role models for others to aspire to. (15 years or more experience).
Life Sciences and/or Infotech Research Award
For women making a recognised contribution to the field of Life Sciences or ICT research and development.
Life Science and/or Infotech Rising Star Award
For women with less than 7 years industry experience in ICT or Life Sciences.
Life Sciences Outstanding Achievement Award
For women making a significant contribution to the growth and development of Queensland's life sciences industry who serve as role models for others to aspire to. (15 years or more experience).
PhD Career Start Award
For PhD students working in life sciences.
Sue Wickenden Entrepreneurial Award
For outstanding women whose vision, leadership and initiative have created their own enterprise.
Rural and Remote Life Sciences and/or Infotech Award
Outstanding women making a recognised contribution to the field of Life Sciences or ICT in regional or remote areas. (Based on non-metropolitan classified areas (M1/M2) per the Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas (RRMA) classification, i.e. areas where the urban centre population is less than 100,000. Details found at aihw.gov.au)
Outstanding Educator working in Life Sciences and/or Infotech Award
Outstanding female teacher/educator having positive impact on students in Infotech or Life Sciences studies.
What is WiT?
WiT is the peak industry body for women in technology and life sciences within Queensland. WiT's vision is to advance, connect and empower women in technology and life sciences. WiT empowers, develops and celebrates women in technology and life sciences via relevant events, mentoring, programs, awards and networks. Founded in 1997 with the support of just 10 women WiT is now a strong network of more than 3270 subscribers, members and affiliates. WiT runs events, mentoring, programs and awards.
- Board Readiness – gaining the skills needed in the boardroom
- Mentoring – one-on-one support and guidance
- Step Up Program – getting ahead, moving up in your career
- Outreach – promoting ICT and life sciences careers to young girls
> For more information go to www.wit.org.au
> Media contact: Sarah Smith, Women in Technology, 0405 991 282, [email protected]
