This morning, students and staff of UTS were invited to breakfast with some of Sydney's most influential women in business, hosted at Westpac Place. Zonta International is an global initiative that is aimed at advancing the status of women in numerous fields. Once again this September, Zonta is celebrating the history of achievements of women in engineering. The breakfast began with a fantastic presentation from Sandra Triulzi, National Diversity Manager at Abigroup, a true pioneer for diversity and gender equality in the field of engineering.
Apart from offering a space to mingle, Zonta also provides encouragement for the next generation of engineers by offering financial support. This year a record number of UTS female students applied for the 2012 Zonta International Club of Sydney Breakfast Award, which was given to Su Myat Khine Win- congratulations Su Myat! Su Myat is in her second year of the Bachelor of Engineering, Diploma in Engineering Practice, majoring in Civil Engineering. Su Myat gave a short presentation at the breakfast, giving us some insight into her background and her passion for civil engineering. She began a medical degree in her home country of Burma, before moving to Australia and finishing a nursing degree which she completed in Australia. Su Myat has been working as a qualified nurse for many years. However, her curiosity for Civil Engineering was so strong that it inspired her to change professions. Though Su Myat outlined the various challenges associated with starting a new profession after so many years away from the Maths & Physics classroom - she has been doing very well in her course and has thoroughly been enjoying her studies at UTS. Upon receiving the Zonta award, Su Myat announced she would be donating $300 back to the club, which prompted a standing ovation! Su Myat's story is truly inspiring and hearing it was definitely the highlight of the morning.
Award applicants (L-R) Jaime Cheuk, Sixiao Lu, Amy Burrows, Sy Myat Khine Win (winner), Kulsoom Hussain, Sally Anderson and Sijjal Tasneem.
All award applicants were invited to attend the breakfast as well as getting the opportunity to mingle with Zonta Club of Sydney Breakfast members that work in various industries throughout Sydney. Su Myat Khine Win will be officially acknowledged as the Zonta Award winner at the Faculty of Engineering and IT award night in October.
