About the Guest:

Diana Malcomess has vast experience in technology consulting, whose career exemplifies the power of curiosity and adaptability in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Currently serving as a Technology Strategist at Microsoft, Diana brings a wealth of global experience and cultural diversity with a background spanning three countries, including Partner in Digital & Emerging Technology at Ernst & Young (EY) and a significant tenure in New York with a leading tech company.

Diana embodies leadership through action, emphasizing the power of example over words. Diana promotes the building of enduring relationships both personally and professionally, where she truly believes in the synergy of combining personal and professional networks to foster success. Over the past five years, she has found fulfillment in formal mentoring programs, leveraging her global network to help others achieve their goals.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of CALD Voices in STEM, Dr. Chloe Lim engages in a compelling conversation with Diana Malcomess, a distinguished technology strategist at Microsoft. Diana shares her journey from a non-STEM academic background to becoming a pivotal figure in the tech world, highlighting the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and networking in achieving success.

Diana Malcomess shares anecdotes from her journey of navigating the tech world without a formal STEM background, illustrating key insights into pursuing a tech career without coding. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and a willingness to explore new opportunities. Diana also shares her passion for mentoring, advocating for unwavering perseverance and raising awareness of various challenges faced in the tech industry, while urging aspirants to focus on personal growth and network development. Her story is an inspiring testament to the evolving nature of tech careers and the boundless opportunities they present.

Key Takeaways:

• Diana Malcomess underscores the significance of curiosity and learning continuously in the ever-evolving tech industry.
• Transitioning into tech can be successful even without a formal background in STEM, focusing instead on relevant skills and adaptability.
• Building genuine relationships without a specific agenda is a crucial strategy for networking and career growth.
• Mentorship and personal growth are integral to managing perceived challenges in the STEM field and pushing past difficulties.
• The importance of aligning personal values with career goals and finding fulfillment in one's work environment is highlighted.

Find out More:

• Connect with Diana Malcomess on LinkedIn.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/

About the Guest:

Dr. Supre Ponnappa is a distinguished materials scientist who holds a PhD from the Queensland University of Technology. With a stellar academic background, she secured a gold medal in her engineering master's program and was recognized with the Higher Achiever Award from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her doctoral research focused on developing a scalable biosensing platform utilizing polymer materials. Dr. Ponnappa's career trajectory spans across scientific evaluation, industrial research, economic analysis, and policy development with experience in several Australian government agencies. Recently, she won the 2023 Secretary's Award for Excellence in Collaboration and is a 2022-23 Australian Science Policy Fellow. Her deep-seated interest lies in fusing STEM education with policy implementation to foster innovation and economic advancement.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of CALD Voices in STEM, Dr. Chloe Lim hosts Dr. Supre Ponnappa, a seasoned materials scientist who transitioned into the Australian government's policy-making arena. The episode offers an engaging discourse on Dr. Ponnappa's career switch from a thriving academic life to a pivotal role in shaping STEM policies. The narrative uncovers Dr. Ponnappa's inspiring journey, sharing her deep-rooted passion for materials science and her determined pursuit of influencing policy for broader STEM representation and impact.

Dr. Supre Ponnappa shares her unconventional voyage into governmental roles, all while championing the cause for culturally and linguistically diverse women in STEM. Facing the unique challenges of transitioning career paths, Dr. Ponnappa unearthed valuable lessons in the integration of invaluable transferable skills from her PhD into policy-making. Key insights include the necessity of networking and the quest for mentorship in navigating career landscapes. The conversation probes into systemic barriers lingering in senior government roles, as Dr. Ponnappa urges for clear pathways and advocates for CALD engagement strategies to bolster a diverse, forward-thinking public service realm.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of believing in oneself and leveraging transferable skills in transitioning from STEM research to policy-making.
• The challenges faced by CALD women in STEM, emphasizing the need for more defined career pathways and mentorship to ascend into leadership roles.
• Importance of networking and presenting oneself as a versatile candidate open to interdisciplinary roles is underscored as critical in career progression.
• Dr. Ponnappa shares her personal achievements in both academia and governmental roles, illustrating the impactful influence of diverse perspectives in policy development.
• Growing the representation of CALD women in senior positions within the government remains a significant challenge and area of opportunity.

Find out More:

• Connect with Dr. Supre Ponnappa on LinkedIn.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/

About the Guest:

Professor Dipti Talaulikar is a renowned clinical and laboratory haematologist at Canberra Health Services, having contributed to the field for over two decades. Originally from India, she holds the distinction of being the first woman in the nation to receive a Doctorate of Medicine in Haematology. Professor Talaulikar is affiliated with the Australian National University (ANU), where she is a professor at the College of Health and Medicine. Her accolades include fellowships from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. An award-winning educator, she has over 90 publications to her credit in lymphoma, myeloma, and genomics. She is also the founder of the LINK program, a national mentoring program for women in health, and was a finalist for the ACT Woman of the Year Award in 2023.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of CALD Voices in STEM, Dr. Chloe Lim sits down with Professor Dipti Talaulikar, a trailblazer in the field of haematology, to discuss her inspiring journey from India to Australia and her groundbreaking work in STEM. They delve into the challenges and triumphs of being a culturally diverse woman navigating the nuances of a career in STEM. Professor Talaulikar unveils her passion for haematology, a field where clinical diagnosis and lab research beautifully converge to treat patients holistically, showcasing the profound developments in genetics that it offers.

The conversation also highlights her pioneering work in education and mentoring, including the establishment of a national tissue bank that has supported numerous pivotal research projects. They examine the balance between personal responsibility and systemic changes needed in STEM fields, particularly for women from diverse backgrounds. Professor Talaulikar's commitment to gender equity and her insights into authentic leadership resonate throughout the discussion, emphasizing the importance of finding one's purpose and contributing positively to the community.

Key Takeaways:

• Professor Talaulikar's groundbreaking journey as the first woman to earn a Doctorate in Medicine in haematology in India and her impactful career in Australia.
• The importance of haematology for advancing research due to its unique integration of clinical and laboratory disciplines, especially in genomics.
• The dual focus needed to improve women's participation in STEM: personal development and systemic changes, with a call to action for women to embrace their diversity.
• Her mentorship role through the LINK program, providing support and guidance for women in health, emphasizing the value of authenticity and resilience.

Find out More:

• Connect with Professor Dipti Talaulikar on LinkedIn.
• Explore the LINK program.

*Season 2 of CALD Voices in STEM was made possible by YWCA Canberra Great Ydeas Small Grants program.*

Follow Dr Chloe Lim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/