Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2026 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in Engineering.
In this category, the judges were looking for entries that exhibited outstanding engineering technical proficiency in 2025, above and beyond what would be expected by their position description. The finalists in this category all showed a passion for their profession, and an enthusiasm to mentor and encourage younger women into the field. They also demonstrated a willingness to volunteer and promote STEM in Defence and Defence industry to a wider public audience
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum, Canberra, on 29 October 2026. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
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Angela Argall In 2025, Angela operated in an unfamiliar and dynamic environment with minimal supervision, where her sound judgement and analytical ability enabled her to develop solutions despite evolving engineering requirements. She completed the Navy Leaders Forum and multiple Navy Coaching Academy courses using her new skills to build resilient, high-performing teams and support individuals through tailored coaching and feedback. She applied these skills on WECC and TCQ Boards, supporting development of junior members. |
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Danielle Harris In 2025, Danielle led a complex, safety-critical work package for a hypersonic Defence flight vehicle, taking full ownership of technical delivery beyond her formal role. She drove the modelling and simulation framework from concept through to validated system performance. Her simulation toolchain improvements reduced runtime by 74 per cent and enabled automation, which was critical to meeting accelerated delivery timelines and expanding Defence analysis capability. She contributed well beyond traditional role boundaries. |
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Nisa Salim Nina connected research prototypes, manufacturing capability and industry engagement with Defence engineering needs. She advanced smart-lightweight structures for autonomous submarines through DSI support, addressing future undersea platform needs for durable, lightweight and responsive components helped move Defence-relevant engineering from concept towards capability pathways. She helped deliver career development initiatives supporting 120 female academics in leadership, confidence-building, visibility and career progression. |
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Sarah Welsh During 2025, Sarah achieved Duty Engineer authorisation in accelerated time, led high‑risk, time‑critical maintenance coordination to prepare two C‑130J aircraft in support of deployed operations, while revitalising and redefining the Officer in Charge Workshops role and assumed responsibility for six physically dispersed technical sections. She led the Squadron Women’s Networking Forum, was President of the Squadron Social Club, and served as an APS recruitment interview panel member. |
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Tamara West
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