WICked Woman Awards Recipients

Sheryle Moon - October 2007 Award Recipient

Sheryle Moon, the CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has spent countless hours, working to advance the cause of women in the ICT industry. Sheryle was unable to join us at the breakfast but sent the following message:

Good morning everyone. I will still be fast asleep in Portugal when you are all enjoying the first Hot Breakfast for this season. I was absolutely thrilled when Lisa conveyed the news to me that I was the WICked Woman on the month and want to thank my unknown nominator, and the WIC Board for considering me worthy of the award.

To be recognised by my peers in Canberra is terrific and in some ways a more rewarding outcome than being judged and applauded on the national stage.

As you know I am committed to growing the number of women in the industry from its current 18% level to its previous height of almost 25% in the early years of the millennium and onwards to a parity with our male colleagues. I am pleased to say that my three children - 2 boys and my daughter are pursuing IT careers.

Thank you for this award and I look forward to seeing you all at a Hot Breakfast in the future.

Melanie Kontze - September 2007 Award Recipient

Melanie Kontze is the Regional Direction of SMS Management and Technology and is responsible for the leadership of the ACT consulting business including strategic direction, business development, client relationship management, commercial operations and professional development. Melanie actively encourages women into the ICT consulting industry and is the executive sponsor of the professional development program for SMS.

Melanie joined SMS in 2004 following a 20 year career in professional services in Australia, the UK and the US. Her experience includes general management of a large human resource consulting firm in Victoria, leadership of the ICT sector in Australia and New Zealand, strategic planning, sales management and marketing in the software and professional services environment internationally.

She has particular expertise in envisioning client solutions that are practical and achievable, harnessing skills and resources to develop and implement solutions that deliver significant outcomes. She is a skilled presenter of complex information to senior management and works well in a multi dimensional, dynamic environment.

Melanie has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Auckland, a Diploma of Education, Auckland Secondary Teachers' College, and a post graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Royal Institute of Marketing (UK).

WICked Woman of the Year 2007 - Lynette Johns-Boast

The WIC Board were once again faced with an almost impossible task, how to pick a WICked Woman of the Year from the stellar assembly of monthly award recipients. But once again, a decision was required and at the annual WIC in Winter Dinner and Debate we were very pleased to announce Lynette Johns-Boast as our WICked Woman of the Year 2007.

In her acceptance speech Lynette spoke of the need to continue to get more young people, both girls and boys into fields of study in the ICT industries. This is a topic of great passion for Lynette and you will be able to hear more from her when she speaks in the upcoming HOT Breakfast Series.

Lynette Johns-Boast - April 2007 Award Recipient

Lynette has over 20 years industry experience and joined the ANU as an academic in 2003. She maintains close links with the ICT industry and has played an important role in bringing the Canberra business community and ANU software engineering students together to help solve real-world ICT problems through project-based courses.

In 2006 Lynette hosted the inaugural 'software engineering showcase' at ANU that was attended by many members of the local business community. In the same year she also established a mentoring group for female students studying software engineering at the ANU. This has since been extended to all computing students. The group is for first year and later year students and provides a forum for them to get advice and support from Lynette and to also establish their own support networks. Lynette also plans to organise a web-based communication forum so that everyone can chat outside of their get-togethers.

The proportion of female students studying computing degrees has fallen nationally and at ANU in the past few years. Lynette's mentoring work, her engagement with the ICT industry through courses, and the support that Lynette has provided with College recruitment activities is important in assisting to arrest and reverse this trend.

Lynette is now the only permanent, academic female staff member in the Department of Computer Science. She is an important role model for female students studying computing degrees and for those considering studying computing.

Bridget Larsen - March 2007 Award Recipient

As policy manager with AIIA, Bridget has helped make it easier for ICT companies to do business in the single largest and most complex market in Australia - government. Since joining in 2000, Bridget has led AIIA's efforts to address two of the most contentious issues in ICT contracting: limiting liability and intellectual property ownership. Several governments have already announced reforms and others are working on improvements, with significant benefits for industry.

The Australian Government's decision to cap suppliers' liability represents a major victory for the ICT industry in Australia. This has been a vexed issue for more than twenty years, and Bridget's instrumental work will provide ICT companies - small and large - with more business opportunities and will help Australia to develop a more globally competitive ICT industry.

As manager of AIIA's Government Business Taskforce and Legal Forum, Bridget has worked closely with ICT companies and governments to achieve a fairer and more workable ICT business environment in all Australian states - and is currently leading AIIA's efforts to achieve the 'holy grail', a nationally consistent ICT contracting framework.

Through her work writing, editing or contributing to AIIA's Selling to Government Guide, Software Legal Guide, Contract Negotiation Guide and numerous articles, Bridget has helped companies make timely, informed business decisions.

As a former in-house counsel and copyright lawyer in both government and not-for-profit roles, Bridget leads AIIA's representations as laws affecting the ICT industry are introduced and updated, including privacy, spam and copyright.

Bridget is supported by a wonderful husband, two teenage stepdaughters and two energetic young sons.

Tina Swaker - February 2007 Award Recipient

Tina has had a long and extensive involvement with the ICT service delivery industry including many senior management positions with both Government and ICT supplier organisations. She began her career as a member of the armed forces and is now the Senior Manager Support and Delivery for the KAZ Group Pty Ltd.

From her early career in technical roles including: desktop support, network administration, Lotus Notes development and programming Tina moved in to ICT management in 1999, heading up the management and maintenance of the Defence email systems. Tina is now responsible for network security, server operations and corporate directory/PKI support for Defence Information Systems. Tina's has responsible for the ITIL functions of Change, Configuration, Release, Security and components of Capacity, Availability and ITSCM for the Defence networks.

As a member of the WIC board Tina has been a hard working member and this year taken on the role of Vice-President. As a Board member she has a particular interest in developing initiatives that are designed to encourage younger women into the ICT industry.

Tina has done all these things while maintaining an active sporting life, including completing her first triathlon, and raising a family. This demonstrates an excellent work life balance.

Sabrina Caldwell - December 2006 Award Recipient

Sabrina Caldwell is a postgraduate student in the School of Humanities at the ANU and works part time at Wizard Information Services.

She has spent many years working in a variety of roles within the ICT industry and has also been closely involved with women's issues, holding positions on the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Woman and representing women on the ACT Joint Community Government Reference Group.

In her work at Wizard, Sabrina has undertaken a diverse range of roles, including leading teams, developing marketing strategies, participating in corporate governance activities and many other varied activities.

Sabrina's great skill is her ability to turn her hand to any task required of her and as a result has become an indispensable problem solver for Wizard.

Sabrina is an active mentor for the young women in her teams and throughout the organisation. She both assists them to grow in their roles and leads by example, constantly educating herself and developing new skills to enable her to work more effectively.

While continuing to be involved with women's issues and maintaining her roles at Wizard, Sabrina is currently pursuing a thesis on the effect of ICT on art and artists, bringing to light the often surprising ways ICT relates to and affects our world.

Janine McMinn - November 2006 Award Recipient

In the competitive field of IT consulting, Janine McMinn's success as an entrepreneur with mostly female IT staff is a role model for women in the industry.

Janine has over 20 years professional experience in IT Systems Audit and IT security. Her leadership skills saw her promoted to the first female partner with the national consulting firm Acumen Alliance. Her entrepreneurial skills then saw her establish a completely new IT Services business within Acumen where more than 70% of her IT professionals are women, her annual revenues exceed $3million and her staff turnover is less than 5%.

Janine believes that women's success in ICT comes through developing their skills. She invests heavily in the development of her staff and the wider recognition that she affords their achievements is a role model for other leaders across Acumen.

In terms of the wider ICT community, Janine is a past President of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Canberra Chapter and sits on the editorial and publications Board for their USA published journal.

Janine is a successful and unassuming IT business woman providing an outstanding role model for women in the ICT industry.

Kathryn Porritt - October 2006 Award Recipient

Kathryn Porritt is the General Manager - Membership & Business Services of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the peak body for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in Australia.

AIIA is recognised as the industry's leading lobby group, representing more than 470 Australian member companies that employ 100,000 Australians and have combined exports of more than $2 billion.

Kathryn held various senior marketing positions in industries including retail, hospitality and property before taking on her role with AIIA three years ago, which centres on growing the profile of the industry, managing and developing new business opportunities for the association, and driving the sales, marketing, events and communications teams.

Kathryn has been instrumental in driving programs to grow the profile of the ICT industry, such as the iAwards, and providing educative programs for business professionals working in the industry including AIIA's Marketing Forums. Kathryn also represents Australia on the executive committee of the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) and is the Chair of the APICTA Marketing sub-committee, where she is charged with growing the profile and business opportunities for Australian and Asia Pacific companies in the region.

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism, Communications & International Relations) from Bond University and lives in Campbell with her husband and one year old daughter.

Lesley Thompson - September 2006 Award Recipient

Lesley has been in ICT for more than twenty years, and during this time has encouraged other young women into the industry. Along the way she has pushed through barriers to become a technical support specialist in a number of areas ranging from technical hands-on, programming, ICT trainer, to solution designer, IT project manager, and help desk designer. Working at management level within both private sector and government preferred suppliers.

These days she is the business owner of Deakin ICT and provides retail and hospitality solutions. Lesley is an MYOB Certified RetailManager Professional (RMP) in Canberra and is providing hardware and software systems that include touch screen technology, scanners, inventory management and the whole Point of Sale IT equipment range to businesses in and around Canberra.

Lesley has been involved in running the Business Women’s Network group in Canberra for over five years, organised sponsors to talk to University students interested in IT, and also provides onsite help for seniors in the Canberra community. Lesley is continually striving to be a future employer of young women in an ICT based business in Canberra.

WICked Woman of the Year 2006 - Dr Pei Yean Lee

The WIC Board was faced with an almost impossible task, how do we distinguish between our 5 very talented finalists to pick one WICked Woman of the Year. But a decision had to be made and at the annual WIC in Winter Dinner and Debate we were very pleased to announce Dr Pei Yean Lee to be our WICked Woman of the Year 2006.

Pei Yean was overwhelmed, only managing to say "Thank You" in her acceptance speech but you will be able to hear more from her as she joins the line up of speakers in the 2006-2007 HOT Breakfast Season and you can read more about her below.

Maxine Ewens - April 2006 Award Recipient

Maxine Ewens is the epitome of the professional working mother, achieving career success while raising two children under the age of 5.

Maxine has over 15 years experience working with public and private sector organisations throughout Australia and currently heads up Wizard Information Services' dynamic Applications Solution Centre. This role involves her taking responsibility for and providing overall management and guidance of Wizard's application development and quality assurance projects. This role includes project planning, project directing, resource management, budget and revenue management. It includes continuous improvement and application of Wizard's quality processes, agile methodologies and reporting to senior management.

While Maxine has been involved in all aspects of project development, including product and project management, analysis, development, testing, release and configuration management and post implementation support she has a particular appreciation for ensuring quality and innovation in all aspects of a project.

Maxine has been a driving force behind the maintenance and expansion of Wizard's ISO 9001:2000 quality certification. Under her management Wizard has also introduced new development methodologies that are focused on ensuring that the solutions developed are of high quality, user focused, offer whole-of-life benefits including value for money, are designed to sustain continuous improvement and minimise risk.

As an important component of Wizard's continuous improvement program Maxine is committed to mentoring younger staff. This extends to her support for Wizard's student program conducted with local Universities, which sees her guide university students through work placement projects with Wizard, giving them invaluable work experience to boost their future job prospects.

Maxine brings enthusiasm and verve to all aspects of her work and is respected by her colleagues as an outstanding businesswoman who has also achieved an impressive work/life balance.

Judy Gleeson - March 2006 Award Recipient

Judy Gleeson began her ICT career twenty years ago. She was quickly promoted through various companies and became one of two female account managers selling IT solutions to the Federal Government. Today Judy no longer sells IT - she develops it and trains others how to use it.

Judy contributes daily to the ICT industry through the delivery of her workshop 'Productiv_IT with Outlook'. Over the past 15 years Judy has provided technical training in MS Outlook to over 6000 people. When she isn't running workshops or consulting for Government Departments, you will most likely find her online providing technical advice to Microsoft Newsgroups.

In 2005 Judy became a Microsoft Outlook MVP - an award shared by only one other Australian. As an MVP Judy provides technical advice to Microsoft's product development team and plays an integral role in providing IT solutions to the global community

Outside of work Judy still finds the time to support the ICT community by running free Outlook seminars, writing IT articles on Outlook, and beta-testing software. Judy's success in her career and her voluntary contributions to the ICT industry exemplifies female success and positions her as a powerful role model for women in the industry.

Dr Pei Yean Lee - February 2006 Award Recipient

Dr Pei Yean Lee is a researcher in the Canberra Laboratory of National ICT Australia (NICTA) which is Australia's ICT Centre of Excellence. Pei Yean is one of only two female researchers in the Laboratory and is an excellent role model for students and staff.

Pei Yean is an enthusiastic advocate for encouraging youth into ICT and in 2005 developed exciting, hands-on workshops in computer vision, demonstrating her work in hyperspectral and thermal imaging for industrial applications to high school students. She also led the first all-female team that further developed this workshop into educational modules to take directly into ACT High Schools and included workshops in maths, combinatorics and geometry.

Her enthusiasm for her research carries over into showcasing her discipline to undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies with NICTA.

Amongst all this outreach activity, Pei Yean still has time to do her research where she is a valuable member of NICTA's Autonomous Systems and Sensing Technology Program.

Pei Yean received a Bachelor of Engineering with first class honours from the University of Adelaide and completed her PhD at The Australian National University (ANU) six months ahead of schedule. She was an invited speaker while still a PhD student at the 16th International Symposium on Mathematical Theory of Networks and Systems, Leuven, Belgium. Pei Yean supplemented her studies with an internship at AT&T and working as a tutor at the ANU. She is also named as an inventor for a recent patent application.

"Pei Yean's exemplary record of achievement and continued promotion of ICT in our heavily male dominated research environment is an example to all women," says Professor Terry Caelli, newly appointed Director of NICTA's Canberra Laboratory.

"I congratulate her on behalf of all colleagues and students at NICTA and ANU who find her dedication and love of her work in ICT infectious and encouraging."

Tania Carra - January 2006 Award Recipient

With 18 years wide ranging ICT experience under her belt, Tania Carra was ready for a role to bring leading edge ICT to the community.

In 2004 the ACT Government IT provider (InTACT) provided the opportunity for Tania to drive the implementation of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) which is recognised as the world's best practice framework for IT service delivery.

Tania has ensured that this implementation has had major impact across the ACT government and more importantly has benefited the ACT community who now access much improved ACT government IT services.

Tania achieved this success with a clear three pronged approach. Firstly by being committed to the idea that IT delivery must be focussed squarely on the customer. Secondly that quality is of paramount importance and finally, that staff must be highly trained and inspired by InTACTs vision for IT service delivery.

While Tania's professional reputation has long been established, it is her willingness to provide assistance whenever requested that stands her apart. Her generosity extends to the mentoring of female IT graduates and provides an inspiring role model to all women in the information & communication industry.

Jo Hein - December 2005 Award Recipient

Jo Hein provides a wonderful role model for other women in the ICT industry, not just because of her widely recognised expertise, but because of her willingness to contribute to the wider ICT community.

On top of a busy career leading the Customs second generation outsourcing initiative, Jo is passionate about the sharing of ICT expertise to ensure that the whole industry benefits.

She was also instrumental in establishing the whole of government IT Sourcing Inter-Agency Forum, providing a platform for government sourcing practitioners to share lessons learned and leverage industry best practice.

Earlier this year the Institute of International Research asked Jo to chair the Government IT Outsourcing Conference and recently she was selected as the only external Keynote Speaker at the Gartner Outsourcing and IT Services Summit. Her opinion can be readily found in industry publications.

And in her spare time? Well Jo is undertaking a PhD ensuring that the expertise of women in the ICT industry is second to none.