31 August 2023
In a world where only 23% of senior management in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industries are female, scholarships like the Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership play a pivotal role in empowering women in energy. Chloe Munro AO was a pioneer for women and advocated for confidence, to not only been seen but heard. This scholarship honours the contribution of women like Chloe, in traditionally male-dominated industries like energy, and paves the way for their professional growth and development.
"Working within the clean energy industry and leveraging off some of the inspiration of Chloe Munro, herself, I do aspire to progress my career," says Leah Powell, recipient of the scholarship in 2022, and Area Coordinator at Hydro Tasmania.
Leah works on the West Coast of Tasmania, surrounded by the lakes and steep hills, used to generate Tasmania’s cherished hydropower. “My backyard.” Leah’s start at Hydro Tasmania was as a Maintenance Assistant, developing into new roles when the chance presented themselves.
Learning about the scholarship from a colleague, Leah was eager to apply. “Viewing the application progress, there were many skills that I could gain to be impactful, and enthusiastic to become a highly competent leader.” Each year, applications are open for emerging and mid-level female leaders in relevant renewable energy fields, with successful applicants receiving a fully funded scholarship to undertake one of two leadership courses. The scholarships themselves are sponsored by several energy leaders across Australia, including Hydro Tasmania.
"The scholarship was very well facilitated, and it touched on many aspects of leadership," Leah reflects on the Transformational Leadership program. "The biggest takeaway for me would be the Emotional Intelligence module and leading in times of change," she shares. These qualities are indispensable for any leader, fostering collaboration and adaptability. Leah is now part of a network of women who have undertaken the scholarship, who discuss relevant topics to being an emerging female leader in the workplace – pay equity, work life balance, salary negotiation and self-advocacy.
This scholarship is just one step in the broader journey towards gender equity in leadership. "We need to encourage cultural awareness within the industry, support flexible work conditions and ensure industry builds strategic foundations into the future,” says Leah.
At Hydro Tasmania, we know how important it is to close the stark gap between men and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), whether through initiatives for leaders like this scholarship, or in nurturing passion for STEM in young people through our Generation Hydro schools program. We see more and more females pursuing STEM, with a 4 percent increase since 2021, however still only making up 15% of people overall.
The Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership, as exemplified by Leah’s journey, is driving tangible change through skill development, networking, and empowerment. Leah's story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities, embracing continuous learning, and collectively working towards a more inclusive future.
As we celebrate stories like Leah's, we will continue to remain committed to fostering an environment where women have equal opportunities to shape the future in Tasmania’s (and Australia’s) energy industry. For more information on Hydro Tasmania’s benefits and policies, and more information on how we are an endorsed employer of choice for women, visit our Work180 page here.
Want to learn more about how you can apply for this year’s Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leaders? Visit the Clean Energy Council’s website here.
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