Dr Vanessa Pirotta (left) and Professor Lucy Taksa have been recognised  as champions of change.

The Australian Financial Review’s Women of Influence awards recognise a diverse group of influential, inspirational and visionary women who are dedicating their time and energy to creating positive change in business and society.

Two Macquarie academics were nominated as Women of Influence this year: Professor Lucy Taksa, Co-Director of the Centre for Workforce Futures in the Macquarie Business School, was nominated for her work in championing diversity and inclusion; while Dr Vanessa Pirotta from the Department of Biological Sciences was nominated for her role as a young leader in science.

We sat down with Lucy and Vanessa to learn more about their work, and how they are using their voice for change.

How did it feel to be recognised as a woman of influence?

Lucy: I felt extremely honoured to be included, and humbled to be among so many outstanding women who are making an immense contribution to Australian society.

Vanessa: It was a great surprise! It was a really nice feeling knowing that I’m now part of the 2019 AFR alumni. I was also able to learn all about the work of amazing women from around Australia, which was inspiring.

Which of your achievements are you most proud of?

Lucy: I’m most proud of my work in helping migrants and refugees settle and have a good life in Australia through two initiatives: the group mentoring model I helped to establish as an advisor for the Western Sydney Community Forum CALD Workers Mentoring Project, which enhanced knowledge sharing, networking and professional development for the  participants; and my contribution since 2015 to the Board of Settlement Services International (SSI) Ltd, and its Refugee Student Scholarship scheme, which has enhanced refugee students’ support for education that can lead to employment opportunities.

Vanessa: It would have to be my work within the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) space. My research has become a great example of STEAM nationally and internationally. This has allowed me to strengthen my science communication skills on multiple platforms and become a visible female scientist for school children and science professionals to connect with. In addition, it has highlighted the role of emerging technologies in wildlife conservation.

What do you see as your biggest challenge, and your biggest opportunity, in the next decade?

Lucy: There are immense opportunities to harness the capacities and skills of migrants and refugees for areas of skill shortages and in the face of an ageing population. The major challenge is ensuring that inclusion of diversity and acceptance of differences becomes the norm in Australia generally, and its workplaces more specifically.

Vanessa: Being able to progress forward into dynamic marine-based roles is a challenge – these are so few and far between. Having a wide variety of transferable skills makes the transition into similar fields a little easier. There’s a lot of talk around climate change currently and this may play a big role in potentially providing future opportunities for marine scientists.

What advice do you have for women seeking to be a voice of influence?

Lucy: Influence of any sort requires commitment, passion, participation, engagement and resilience in the face of indifference and opposition. My advice would be to look for opportunities to open doors and collaborate with others who share your values, concerns and passions.

Vanessa: Be yourself. Everyone has something different to share, and finding that may be a little tricky to start with. Surround yourself with what you’re passionate about. Network with others in your field and beyond. You never know what might come of a collaboration. Finally, don’t be afraid to share your work and always make sure to thank those around you who’ve supported you.