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Women in STEM Networking Breakfast

Pattern

A unique industry opportunity to connect, grow, and be empowered.

The Women in STEM Networking Breakfast is an opportunity for women at all career stages to connect, be inspired, and gain practical strategies for career growth in the resources sector. Whether you're a student exploring career options, an early-career professional building industry connections, or an experienced leader looking to share insights and mentor the next generation, this event is designed for you. The Women in STEM Networking Breakfast is free to attend for GRX25 delegates.

This dynamic and interactive event will feature networking, industry insights, and thought-provoking discussions on career development, leadership, and innovation in STEM. Held on:

Date: Thursday, 22 May 2025
Time: 7:00am – 8:30am
Venue: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

7:00am | Arrival and Breakfast
7:15am | Welcome Address: Sonia Winter, BMA
7:25am | Keynote Presentation: Marita Cheng, Founder & CEO, Aubot & Robogals
7:50am | Panel Discussion: Marita Cheng, Sara Wodyk
8:30am | Networking
9:00am | Event concludes

Please note that the Women in STEM Networking Breakfast is at capacity.

This event will provide attendees with the opportunity to:

  • Expand their professional networks by engaging with industry peers and leaders
  • Gain fresh career perspectives with insights from trailblazing women in STEM, sharing their strategies for success.
  • Be inspired by Marita Cheng, an award-winning innovator and advocate for women in technology.
  • Engage in meaningful discussions about the future of STEM, leadership pathways, and navigating industry challenges.

Whether you're launching your career, striving for advancement, or seeking fresh inspiration, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect, grow, and be empowered. Join a community of driven professionals and gain insights that will help shape your future in STEM. All industry professionals are encouraged to attend!

Keynote Speaker: Marita Cheng

Marita Cheng is a pioneering advocate for women in STEM and an innovator in technology. Marita Founded Robogals at 19, inspiring thousands of young women in engineering, and went on to be named Young Australian of the Year, leading 4,000 people globally by the age of 22. Further achievements include;

  • Co-founder of Aipoly, winner of two CES Best of Innovation Awards.
  • Founder of Aubot, developing assistive robotics.
  • Named a Member of the Order of Australia (2019) for her contributions to STEM.
  • Recognised by Forbes as a top woman in tech and a 30 Under 30 speaker on AI and STEM. 

Keynote Speaker: Marita Cheng

Welcome Address: Sonia Winter

Sonia Winter is currently part of the Executive Leadership team for BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) as the General Manager Planning Technical & Environment - where she manages the BMA portfolio in areas such as Strategic Planning and Studies, Heritage, Approvals, Sustainability, Technical, Data Stewardship, and Planning Transformation Projects. 

Sonia joins GRX25 for the Women in STEM Networking Breakfast breakfast welcome address.

Welcome Address: Sonia Winter

The Panel: Owning Your Voice: Navigating Growth, Advocacy and Leadership

A practical conversation on stepping into your power at every stage of your career. Panelists will share insights on building confidence, managing career progression, and speaking up, whether it’s asking for opportunities, negotiating salary or driving inclusion.

Panellists:

Marita Cheng

Marita Cheng

Aubot & Robogals
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Sara Wodyk

Sara Wodyk

Peak Downs Mine
Manager Site Services Support

Geeta Thakorlal

Geeta Thakorlal

BHP
Vice President Technology Australia

Sarah Zeljko

Sarah Zeljko

Energy Queensland
Chair

Claire Chakrabarti | Facilitator

Claire Chakrabarti | Facilitator

Austmine
Program Manager

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