A consultancy that helps for-purpose organisations move old IT processes into the modern day by providing volunteer work experience for jobseekers facing barriers to employment to these organisations, has been recognised with a 2023 TechDiversity Award.
The awards recognise exceptional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within Australian workplaces.
Blaze Your Trail in Melbourne took out the Business category, with founder Jessica Macpherson OAM acknowledging the challenges that come with leading a small enterprise.
“It’s very hard for a small business, just two years old, to get attention, but winning a national award in the business category singles us out and we are very honoured to be recognised this way,” Macpherson told Information Age.
“We are hoping that this award will inspire companies to choose to work with us, for two reasons: we can help them meet their diversity goals; and because we are a social enterprise so can also help them meet their social procurement goals.”
Under this year’s theme ‘We are Greater Together,’ the annual TechDiversity Awards recognised organisations and individuals who demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering inclusive tech workforces and communities.
Luli Adeyemo, executive director of TechDiversity, encouraged tech industry stakeholders to channel the same energy and tenacity the country is applying to plan the 2032 Brisbane Olympics toward building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive tech sector.
“The TechDiversity Awards not only recognise outstanding achievements but also inspire a collective commitment to creating diverse, inclusive, and innovative tech workplace environments,” she said.
“The winners and merit winners serve as role models for organisations across industries, demonstrating the profound impact that diversity and inclusion can have on driving positive change.
Chris Vein, CEO of TechDiversity partner ACS, congratulated the winners, saying “building the technology sector’s diversity in all respects will deliver immense results for Australia”.
“Our Digital Pulse report found just by working towards equality in gender participation within the tech industry will boost the Australian economy by $11 billion over two decades.”
Here is the complete list of TechDiversity Award and Merit winners:
Business Category
Recognising businesses that have implemented exceptional diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within their organisation. These companies have demonstrated a commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and promoting diversity at all levels.
• Winner: Blaze Your Trail - A Technology Social Enterprise by Blaze Your Trail
• Merit Winner: Indigenous Geospatial Consultancy and Mapping Workshops by Winyama Digital Solutions Pty Ltd
• Merit Winner: Nology - Creating Diverse Tech Talent for the Sector by Nology
• Merit Winner: Stile's Women in STEM: Software Engineering Internship by Stile Education
• Merit Winner: iSTEM Co. by iSTEM Consulting
• Merit Winner: Women on the Move by carsales.com
Education Category
Highlighting educational institutions or organizations that have made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the field of education. These initiatives aim to create equitable opportunities for all students and provide support for underrepresented groups in pursuing STEM and tech-related careers.
• Winner: Tech Pathways for Neurodivergent Australians by Generation Australia
• Merit Winner: Improving the Learning Environment of Computer Science Students through Tutor and Demonstrator Unconscious Bias Training, By University of Melbourne
• Merit Winner: Go Girl Go For IT By VIC ICT for Women
• Merit Winner: HEX By HEX (The Hacker Exchange)
• Merit Winner: Connected Communities by Infoxchange
Government Category
Acknowledging government agencies or departments that have implemented successful diversity and inclusion programs. These initiatives focus on promoting diversity within the public sector, improving representation, and creating inclusive policies and practices.
• Winner: Diversity & Inclusion at GWW by Greater Western Water
• Merit Winner: Speak-up Save Lives App by NSW Department of Customer Service
• Merit Winner: LiPIE (Ladies in Product Innovation & Engineering) by Australia Post
• Merit Winner: Hack-cessibility Australia Post Hack Day 2022 by
Australia Post
• Merit Winner: Digital and Program Delivery - Strata Hub by NSW
Department of Customer Service
• Merit Winner: Victorian Public Sector Ada Lovelace Network by
Cenitex, Department of Health, Department of Fairness Families and
Housing, Department of Education, Department of Premier and
Cabinet
• Merit Winner: Service Victoria by Service Victoria
Marketing Category
Celebrating marketing campaigns or initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. These campaigns aim to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusive narratives, and increase representation in marketing content and communications.
• Winner: MAGNIFY - Women of Colour in STEM Magazine by STEM Sisters
• Merit Winner: Westpac Women in Technology by Westpac
Tech for Good Category
Recognising technology projects or initiatives that have a
positive social impact. These initiatives leverage technology to address social
challenges, promote equity, and make a difference in the lives of individuals and
communities.
• Winner: NDIS eLearning Modules by Liquid Interactive and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
• Merit Winner: My Aged Care by Liquid Interactive and the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care
• Merit Winner: Estelle Lucas - Red Files + Big Sister by Red Files + Big Sister
• Merit Winner: AWS CloudUp for Her by Amazon Web Services
• Merit Winner: Upzeez - The NextGen of Baby Nursery Furniture by Upzeez
