As International Women's Day 2024 approaches, the excitement builds for a series of events designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders, particularly in the field of geospatial sciences. A standout event in this series is a special talk at St. Michael’s Collegiate School, initiated by Caryn Shield, Senior Secondary Geography Teacher, and President of the Tasmanian Geography Teachers Association (TGTA). Caryn has invited Roxane Bandini-Maeder, CEO of Geoneon, to engage with students, emphasizing the empowerment of young women through exploration of careers in geospatial sciences.
This collaborative effort between an esteemed educator and a pioneering industry leader marks a significant step towards dismantling gender barriers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). On the upcoming Friday, Roxane will share the stage with Caryn at St. Michael’s Collegiate School, to share their unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the geospatial sciences field. Their goal is to ignite a spark of curiosity and ambition in young women, encouraging them to envision themselves as future leaders in STEM.
Roxane and Caryn plan to extend the conversation beyond the technical intricacies of geospatial technology. They will share personal anecdotes and pivotal moments from their careers, highlighting the resilience and passion required to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. This dialogue aims to demonstrate that young women can excel and lead in geospatial sciences and other STEM fields, with the right mix of determination and support.
A key feature of their visit is an interactive session designed to demystify geospatial data and its applications in urban planning, climate risk assessment, and more. By engaging directly with this technology, students—especially young women—are encouraged to see themselves as capable of making significant contributions to the field.
The initiative by Caryn Shield to bring Roxane Bandini-Maeder to St. Michael’s Collegiate School symbolises more than a singular event; it is part of a broader movement to inspire women and girls worldwide to pursue their interests in STEM. This International Women's Day, we celebrate the collaborative efforts of Caryn and Roxane, who are paving the way for future generations of women to thrive in science and technology. Their commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in STEM reminds us of the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and addressing complex global challenges.
As we look forward to this inspiring session, we recognise the influential role of educators like Caryn and industry leaders like Roxane in shaping the aspirations of young women. Through events like these, we move closer to a world where every girl has the opportunity to pursue a STEM career, unencumbered by stereotypes or limitations.
Stay tuned for updates on this event and others celebrating International Women's Day 2024, as we continue to support the empowerment of women and girls in science and beyond.
