Belonging in STEM
Description
A conversation about culture, identity, and inclusion in STEM
The month of March marks World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, International Women's Day, and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (recognised in Australia as Harmony Day). Against this background, the first HunterWiSE event for 2026 will be a panel discussion and networking event highlighting the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse women in STEM.
This conversation will consider how gender and cultural or linguistic identity intersect to shape experiences of belonging, visibility and opportunity in STEM in Australia. Bringing together students, University staff and women in industry, the panel will reflect on navigating professional spaces as an “outsider” - including language barriers, limited professional networks, workplace dynamics, and access to mentorship and shadowing opportunities. Panellists will share practical strategies for building trust, finding champions, strengthening community, and contributing to more inclusive STEM environments.
The discussion will be facilitated by Dr Yemi Penn, engineer, researcher and leadership facilitator. Dr Penn works at the intersection of cultural transformation and systemic change, supporting organisations and communities to move toward meaningful, sustained impact. She will guide a respectful and inclusive dialogue designed to broaden understanding and foster connection.
Whether you are seeking to deepen your awareness, strengthen inclusive practice, or connect with others committed to equity and belonging in STEM, you are welcome to attend.
Monday 23 March
11:00am - 12.30pm
The University of Newcastle, Callaghan Campus
All welcome. Join the discussion and stay for a light lunch and the opportunity to continue conversations and build professional connections.
HunterWiSE events are made possible with the support of The University of Newcastle and industry partners. The University of Newcastle is proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI).
About the facilitator
Dr Yemi Penn
Dr Yemi Penn is an engineer, program designer and global thought leader whose work focuses on leadership, cultural transformation and systemic change. Through her research and her organisation, Yemi Penn Ventures, she designs keynotes, leadership labs and community dialogues that create space to address complex issues with courage, care and curiosity, supporting organisations to embed inclusion in ways that positively impact both people and performance.
Guest speakers
Dr Lianying (Maggie) Tang
Dr Liyaning (Maggie) Tang is a Senior Lecturer in Construction Management at the University of Newcastle, where she teaches construction courses and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students. She received her bachelor’s degree in engineering from Tsinghua University, China, and her PhD from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In roles at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and West Virginia University, Maggie collaborated with government departments in China and the United States on a range of research projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, highway pavement construction, environmental impact assessments, dust control on construction sites, and carbon footprint analysis in construction. Maggie is a registered Principal Supervisor (Doctorate), a World Bank Group / APMG Certified PPP Professional (CP3P) Foundation trainer, a member of CIB, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK).
Saihajleen Kaur
Saihajleen Kaur is an international student from India currently studying a Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Newcastle. She was awarded a prestigious 100% Women in STEM scholarship in recognition of her academic achievements throughout high school and commitment to advancing gender diversity in technology. Passionate about computing, video games and innovation, Saihajleen is particularly interested in how technology can create inclusive opportunities and empower underrepresented communities. As a young woman studying STEM in a new country, she brings a unique perspective on navigating higher education, cultural transition, and the importance of representation in technical fields. Through this panel discussion, Saihajleen hopes to inspire other women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM and to contribute to a more diverse technology sector.
Elizabeth Torres Arce
Elizabeth is a final year PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle, where her research explores the intersection between male and female fertility. She holds a medical degree from her native Mexico and a master’s in reproductive science from Scotland. Elizabeth brings a cross-cultural perspective to her work in STEM and aims to create culturally diverse spaces to empower underrepresented voices in research.
Shirin Hassani
Shirin Hassani is a Senior Hydrogeologist with over 20 years of experience working across consultancy, mining, and water resource management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, a Master’s in Hydrogeology, and a PhD in Hydrogeology with a focus on Environmental Planning. Shirin began her career in 2005, specialising in groundwater exploration using geoelectrical methods, supporting businesses with sustainable water solutions. In 2009, she established her own consultancy in Iran, becoming one of the first women to run a business in this field. After moving to Australia in 2020, she has continued her career across geotechnical, mining, and consulting roles, and is currently a Senior Hydrogeologist with GHD in NSW.
Raquel James-Wright
Raquel James-Wright is an experienced program and infrastructure leader with more than 20 years’ experience delivering complex projects across mining, aviation, and major infrastructure environments. Originally from Jamaica and now based in Australia, she brings a global perspective to infrastructure delivery and has led multidisciplinary, culturally diverse teams on major capital programs, with a strong focus on governance, stakeholder engagement, safety, and purpose-led solutions that support sustainable infrastructure and operational growth. Raquel is also the proud mother of a 15-year-old son, a role that continues to shape her passion for creating opportunities for the next generation. She is a strong advocate for women in STEM and is increasingly focused on mentoring emerging professionals and championing the idea that diverse leadership strengthens teams, improves project outcomes, and ultimately benefits the communities these industries serve. When she is not building infrastructure, Raquel can usually be found cheering on the sidelines at her son’s soccer matches, lifting weights with her gym crew or tracking down a bit of Motown somewhere in Newy, keeping life balanced between leadership, family, friendship and community.
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