Breaking new ground for diversity and inclusion

Moderated by Natalie Kolodziej (Telstra), the panel featured Rania Wannous (NSW Telco Authority), Ruth Tovo (South Australia State Emergency Service), Cheryl Giggetts (P25 Technology Interest Group), Bidar Homsey (Australian Critical Communications Forum) and Genie Tan (Connectivity Innovation Network).

Together, they reflected on the evolution of the sector from male-dominated technical environments to a more collaborative and balanced ecosystem, where innovation and inclusion are inextricably linked.

Purpose, progress and the power of inclusion

Each panellist shared personal insights on leadership, mentoring and resilience.

Cheryl Giggetts spoke about the shift from circuit-based systems to IP-driven networks and how diverse perspectives improve technology outcomes: ‘We develop better technologies when we listen to each other.’

Rania Wannous recounted NSW Telco Authority’s coordination during the response to ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, where new communications capabilities such as community connectivity units and SMS broadcast alerts supported communities during evacuation efforts.

From the South Australian SES, Ruth Tovo offered a moving perspective on the emotional and operational demands of frontline emergency response, highlighting the critical role of teamwork and compassion in high-stakes environments.

Industry veteran Bidar Homsey traced her journey from physics graduate to telecommunications leader, noting that flexibility and work–life integration have been key to enabling women to pursue both professional and personal goals.

Genie Tan: finding purpose through collaboration

For Genie Tan, the discussion was a chance to reflect on a decade of building partnerships across academia, government and industry through CIN. She spoke about ikigai – the Japanese concept of fulfilment through purpose – describing how it aligns with CIN’s mission to turn research into real-world impact.

‘Some people are driven by traditional measures of career progression,’ she said. ‘For me, what matters is purpose, collaborating with brilliant minds across sectors to solve real-world problems.’

Genie also acknowledged the mentors, male and female, who helped shape her career: ‘We’re not asking for special treatment, only to be treated as equals. Mentorship from everyone, and support for young people entering STEM, will be vital for the future of our industry.’

Building the next generation of talent

The panel concluded with a shared commitment to nurturing future professionals in STEM and critical communications. The speakers agreed that inspiring curiosity early, creating mentorship pathways and demonstrating the social value of technology are essential for sustaining the sector’s growth.

As Genie noted, ‘When people can see the real-world application of what they learn, that’s when engagement and purpose truly take hold.’

A moment of progress with purpose

The inaugural Women in Critical Communications panel captured the essence of progress: celebrating achievements while recognising the work still ahead.

CIN is proud to have contributed to this important conversation through Genie’s participation, helping to highlight the value of collaboration, inclusion and purpose in building a more resilient and connected Australia.