ADM is proud to (finally) announce the winners of the 2021 Women in Defence Awards, following an exciting virtual event held yesterday afternoon.
This year’s winners are an amazing cross-section of women in Defence and industry, and are more than deserving of recognition for their achievements. We would also like to extend our congratulations to all of this year’s finalists for their outstanding work, and we look forward to celebrating with you all again at the 2022 event.
And without further ado, the winners are:
Communications
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within the communications/marketing/stakeholder engagement field.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Communications category are: Shey Dimon of Penten, Melanie de Git of The Boeing Company, Dr Sharon Mascall-Dare of Babcock Australasia and Sarah Vesey of The Decisive Point.
And the winner is: Melanie de Git of The Boeing Company.
Melanie de Git is part of the global Communications function at Boeing, overseeing brand and innovation communications for Australia/New Zealand. Melanie also oversees innovation communications in the region, primarily focused on autonomous systems and other advances by Boeing’s Research & Technology-Australia and Phantom Works International teams. Lastly, Melanie is the company’s local social media manager and leads the team’s efforts to adopt new tools and processes for global Communications function uses. In 2020, there were numerous milestones in Australian autonomy, most of which involved the Loyal Wingman/Boeing Airpower Teaming System where Melanie was instrumental in leading the campaign from a communications perspective.
Legal/Contracting
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within the legal/contracting field.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Legal/Contracting category are: Alison Whittaker of BAE Systems Australia, Carla Balanco of DroneShield, Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Cooke of the Royal Australian Navy, Melinda Halliday of Coras Solutions and Kaylene Askew of Luminact.
And the winner is: Melinda Halliday of Coras Solutions.
Melinda is a Senior Consultant with Coras Solutions. In 2020, Melinda delivered contracting and procurement services as the Commercial Manager in the Guided Missile Frigates System Program Office and was involved in the sale and transition of Royal Australian Navy Adelaide-class FFGs to the Chilean Navy, which was recognised as the largest ever Commonwealth sale of maritime assets to an allied Navy. During this time, she provided commercial advisory support to seamlessly transition the project through to closure. Her personal dedication to developing commercial support arrangements provided comprehensive quality assurance across the entire transition process, effectively nurturing an enduring relationship with the Chilean Navy and increasing the Commonwealth’s overseas exports.
Operations
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working in deployed/remote areas with a focus on logistics, services and support roles.
A Special Mention has been awarded to Tracey Clavell of BAE Systems Australia.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Operations category are: Corporal Kristie Connell of the Australian Army, Karla Duroy of BGIS, Cathy Sergi of Serco ADF Health Services Contract, Corporal Michelle Volkers of the Royal Australian Air Force, Petty Officer Electrical Technician Ci-anna Smith of the Royal Australian Navy and Commander Andrea Argirides of Headquarters Joint Operations Command
And the winner is: Corporal Kristie Connell of the Australian Army.
Corporal Connell’s achievements as a part-time serving member of the ADF in 2020 present her as clear role model. Corporal Connell deployed on Operation Bushfire Assist as a Combat Medical Attendant in support of the Engineer Regiment Task Group. Corporal Connell provided health support to ADF members, international military members and civilians. The stand-out achievement for Corporal Connell was the short notice professional assistance she provided to a woman in labour who was waiting paramedic support and ambulance transportation. She also provided immediate medical support to an Indonesian soldier who was having a cardiac emergency. Due to her high Army ethos and Defence values, she was selected as a spokesperson to employers of Defence Reserves. When she's not in uniform, Corporal Connell is an experienced school teacher and registered intensive care unit nurse in Coffs Harbour.
Engineering
Proudly sponsored by SYPAQ
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within the engineering field. This category is open to all disciplines within the engineering community.
A Special Mention has been awarded to Amy Ormrod of Terra Schwartz.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Engineering category are: Lieutenant Commander Natalie Stafford of the Royal Australian Navy, Squadron Leader Emily Carrie of the Royal Australian Air Force, Louise Burr of the Royal Australian Air Force, Jennifer Del Mastro of Nova Systems and Dr Sarah Cannard of Nova Systems.
And the winner is: Louise Burr of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Throughout 2020, Louise was responsible for delivery of $1.5 billion worth of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter facilities across RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal under Air 6000. Louise drove accountabilities relating to the management of hundreds of critical ICT and security-related defects at the Tindal F-35 facilities to ensure passive ICT and security accreditation deadlines were achieved on critical path to F-35 First Aircraft Arrival. She was responsible for spearheading a short notice installation of additional Aircraft Arrestor Systems at RAAF Base Williamtown to mitigate the risk associated with deficiencies in F-35 wet runway braking and arresting hook performance. It is worth noting that Louise achieved all of these objectives, and many more, whilst home-schooling three primary-aged children during COVID-19 restrictions during 2020.
People and Culture
Proudly sponsored by Penten
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual who has developed and /or administered initiatives to support women in the defence community.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 People and Culture category are: Squadron Leader Shamsa Lea and Major Lyndsay Freeman of the ADF, Beck Rayner of Military Wife Life, Amelia De Angelis of Kinexus, Corporal Natalie Ekonomopoulos of Royal Australian Air Force and Dr Rebecca Jackson of Providence Consulting.
And the winners are: Squadron Leader Shamsa Lea and Major Lyndsay Freeman of the ADF.
Squadron Leader Shamsa Lea and Major Lyndsay Freeman are Co-Founders of the Propel Her - Defence Women's Leadership Series. SQNLDR Lea is currently serving as the Logistics Specialisation Capability Advisor within Air Force Headquarters. MAJ Freeman is currently serving as the Senior Instructor Gender, Peace and Security at the Peace Operations Training Centre.
Through #PropelHerAUS, SQNLDR Lea and MAJ Freeman have empowered women to shape their careers and enhance their professional development by creating an accessible, inclusive and diverse community for respectful discourse. Their advocacy for Defence women has directly enhanced female participation in military blogging. They provide a reputable, intersectional and supportive platform for ‘Guest Authors’ of all genders, ranks and roles to share their knowledge and insights into career, life and personal development topics for women.
Project Management
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within project management.
A Special Mention has been awarded to the Digger Works Women in Combat Team.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Project Management category are: Maddy Rentmeester of Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Claire Milton of AeroPM, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts of Royal Australian Air Force, Deb Herberz of Noetic and Naomi Smith of Boeing Defence Australia.
And the winner is: Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts of Royal Australian Air Force.
AVM Roberts has established Air and Space capability as a new division that includes strategy, procedures, and initial structures for management of the entire capability life cycle for all airborne capabilities, whilst implementing a revised Capability Program Management Architecture. AVM Roberts was nominated for her superb contributions as a champion for diversity and inclusion, not only in Defence but across the broader Australian community; for her exemplary staff development and mentorship; as a significant role model for women; her superior skill as an internationally recognised engineer; and as a successful national program manager for a number of major RAAF programs.
Rising Star
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual aged under 30 years.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Rising Star category are: Lieutenant Commander Rebecca Avila of Royal Australian Navy, Private Victoria Waid of the Australian Army, Bilin Zhou of Boeing Defence Australia, Madeline Bonfini of RD Consulting and Olivia Blight of Rheinmetall Defence Australia.
A Special Commendation has been awarded to: Private Victoria Waid of the Australian Army.
Joining Army in 2018 as a reservist, whilst undergoing her initial training, PTE Waid was concurrently completing a double degree in a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Global Studies. She has participated in a range of courses and training opportunities including Exercise Talisman Sabre. Victoria speaks publicly about her time in the Australian Army Reserves at every opportunity through a number of organisations.
And the winner is: Madeline Bonfini of RD Consulting.
Madeline’s overarching role with Army is delivering communication strategy and advice. She is the communication team lead for Career Management - Army, where she has worked in collaboration with the branch to overhaul its communication channels as part of a broader all-encompassing communication strategy revamp. She delivers a broad range of communication products and services, including design work, writing articles, driving the use of ForceNet, producing videos for internal and external audiences, supporting the Director General and Future Plans team in committee presentations and enhancing SharePoint to establish a consistent internal platform for increased transparency and accessibility of information.
Technical Trade
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within operations, production or trade fields.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 Technical Trade category are: Alicia Pollock of Serco Asia Pacific, Chief Petty Officer Jodie Katherine Matters of Royal Australian Navy, Jenny Gigliotti of Ventia, Leading Aircraftwoman Belynda Pettit of Royal Australian Air Force and Warrant Officer Electronics Technician Suzie Peterson of Royal Australian Navy.
And the winner is: Alicia Pollock of Serco Asia Pacific.
Alicia was the Tug Boat Master & Vessel Operator/Maintainer at HMAS Coonawarra until recently when she relocated to Jervis Bay as Master. As part of the Fleet Marine Services Contract (FMSC) contract in Darwin, Alicia would take command of a range of Serco Tugs and support vessels to manoeuvre Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships and visiting Navy ships in and around Darwin harbour.
Alicia is an exemplary employee who is a role model for all, but particularly for women who want to pursue a career in the maritime services sector. She is one of only a handful of female tug boat Masters in Australia. Throughout her 10 years with Serco, Alicia has been involved in training and endorsing many of her colleagues on a range of different vessels.
Research and Development
Proudly sponsored by SYPAQ
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding academic or researcher working on Defence related matters.
The finalists in the WIDA 2021 R&D and Academia category are: Dr Felicia Pradera of DMTC Limited, Dr Samantha Crompvoets of Rapid Context, Dr Cate Carter of the Australian Army, Professor Siobhan Banks of University of South Australia and Dr Yan Yang of Boeing Phantom Works International.
And the winners are: (Academic) Dr Samantha Crompvoets of Rapid Context and (Technical) Dr Yan Yang of Boeing Phantom Works International.
Dr Samantha Crompvoets of Rapid Context
Dr Crompvoets is founder, Executive Director and Chair at Rapid Context. She is responsible for growing the business and nurturing its organisational culture. She is a sociologist who is passionate about evidence-based reform and specialises in translating research into profound organisational insights, tangible impact and sustainable change.
She is a leading Military Sociologist that has been engaged by Defence to understand culture, reputation and trust. Dr Crompvoets has provided Defence with extensive advice and insights to allow it to better understand how leaders can best support their people and improve Defence capability through improved culture.
Dr Crompvoets has completed a large number of social research projects for Defence, including one to explore the health and wellbeing and organisational effectiveness of Special Operations Command. “The work she's done for Army has been first class and has made us a much better Army,” Chief of Army LTGEN Burr noted at Senate Estimates.
Dr Yan Yang of Boeing Phantom Works International
Dr Yang is Technical Lead Engineer and Associate Technical Fellow of The Boeing Company, and one of the world’s leading experts of Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and complex software systems. She works at Boeing’s Phantom Works International (PW-I), and is responsible for shaping the next generation of autonomous systems powered by advanced AI systems.
Dr Yang’s achievements in 2020 include patents granted for unsupervised machine learning for anomaly detection, and another for ensemble of low/high level image classification and clustering for texture analysis. These applications are all crucial pathfinders and building blocks for the Australian Defence Force customer to include a full range of AI capabilities in a wide group of platforms and systems.
Hall of Fame 2021
Georgeina Whelan graduated from Officer Training in June 1988. She has extensive experience in the command and management of Defence health systems, and military and civilian disaster and emergency response. As a Brigadier, Whelan deployed to East Timor in 1999 and to Banda Aceh, Indonesia on Operation Sumatra Assist in command of the ANZAC Field Hospital in 2005. She has completed several leadership, management, and tertiary programs over the past two decades.
Georgeina joined the ACT Emergency Services Agency as the Chief Officer of the State Emergency Service in late October 2017. She was subsequently appointed as the Commissioner of the ACT Emergency Services Agency in September 2019. She was appointed as the ACT Emergency Controller and led the ACT response to the 2019 Black Summer Fires. She remains engaged with Defence through Reserve Services as a project officer within the Directorate of Army Health.
Georgeina was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in 2004 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2006 and awarded a Bar to her Conspicuous Service Cross in 2016.
She was named ACT Telstra Businesswoman of the year in 2015 and awarded the ACT Public Service Award for Leadership in 2019.
Georgeina is the patron of the ACT Down Syndrome Association and sits on several research and advisory boards that focus on the provision of health and wellness programs to both ADF and Australian Emergency Service First Responders. She is also a member of the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Male Champions of Change Coalition.
Georgeina is married to Gary (a retired Army Officer and firefighter) and they have four children. Her interests include coaching netball, following the NRL, cooking and watching Gary gardening.
