WIDA 2025 - Technical Trade Finalists

Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2025 finalist, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in our Technical Trade category. 

In this category, judges were looking for entries that exhibited outstanding success in a Defence/defence industry trade in 2024. The finalists in this category all demonstrate a high level of prowess with their chosen trade, with additional evidence of having overcome personal challenges to do so and for the impact their success had on the wider Defence and industry community.

The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum, Canberra, on 15 October 2025. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!

Deanna Lymn 2nd year apprentice Boilermaker BAE Systems Maritime Deanna quickly moved through the fabrication training program into the welding qualifications required for ship construction. She applied the same can-do attitude and completed her qualifications quickly. From her early days in the apprentice training bays, she instinctively stepped in to assist fellow apprentices and in particular other young women, when they struggled with tasks, she found manageable. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to share her story make her a powerful advocate for women in trades and a role model for aspiring apprentices.
Imogen Marsland Gunner, 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse Australian Army In 2024 Imogen she achieved both the Canister Launcher and High Mobility Launcher Qualifications. This training was to convert the Air and Missile Defence community from legacy Very Short Range Air Defence systems to the newly acquired Short Range Air Defence Systems to achieve Defence Strategic Review outcomes. Her leadership by example, mentorship and support provided to the new members of 111 Battery has resulted in the new members’ retention beyond their gap year commitment.
Sophia Mintram Able Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft - Helicopter Support Facility (HSF) Assistant Royal Australian Navy Sophia exceeded all expectations of rank and position, and has been directly responsible for the uplift of standards, enhancing the quality of business rules and safeguarding the future of Helicopter Support Facility (HSF) aviation operations. Employed in a wholly unfamiliar role to what she has trained for, Sophia made it her mission to understand her role in supporting facility/aerodrome function and to promote better management of available resources. She independently investigated, researched and produced a bespoke Quality Management System for HSF and aerodrome management. Her initiative has driven progressive change and continuous improvement.
Sienna Newport 3rd Year Fitout Apprentice Austal Limited Sienna demonstrated technical excellence, initiative, and leadership well beyond her experience level, on major shipbuilding projects including Evolved Cape-class and Guardian-class Patrol Boats. She entrusted with full responsibility to build the wheelhouse for an Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat, which is one of the most complex tasks in fitout, and a role typically reserved for the most experienced tradespeople. Her process-driven mindset has led to tangible improvements in workflow efficiency and waste reduction which has enhanced sustainability outcomes and boosted team productivity. She has set a new benchmark for apprentices.
Melanie Stocker 1st year boil maker apprentice BAE Systems Maritime Melanie began 2024 as a trade assistant, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, which led to her being offered an adult apprenticeship in boiler-making. This achievement reflects both her technical capability and her commitment to growth. She is a visible and influential figure, showing that women can thrive in defence trades. She actively supported new female apprentices, fostering inclusive environments and encouraging them to overcome gender-based barriers. She champions equal training opportunities; challenges outdated perceptions and encourages organisations to embrace diverse talent. She is the embodiment of “You can’t be what you can’t see”.