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RMIT University has supported the WATTLE program since its inception and inaugural event in 2018.

RMIT University has sponsored a total of 10 academic staff and 8 professional staff (2018-2023) to participate in the WATTLE program, with a great emphasis on supporting academics from the STEM College. The Dean of STEMM Diversity and Inclusion, Professor Kay Latham, together with the Women Researchers’ Network (WRN) at RMIT University have led and supported this initiative as part of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognising the need to support more women with professional development opportunities.

In particular, the progression of women into leadership roles in the academic portfolio has been realised through this program. The WATTLE program has been a wonderful networking opportunity for academic and professional staff. RMIT University was the first Victorian University to obtain a SAGE Athena SWAN Cygnet Award, and recently attained its second Cygnet on the path to Silver accreditation. The WATTLE program forms part of this story of success.

Reflections from previous academic and professional staff who attended the WATTLE program are provided in the testimonials below.

Dr Madeleine Yewers, Senior Project Coordinator (Athena SWAN – Women in STEMM), Planning & Operations, STEM College, RMIT University

“I came away feeling informed, motivated, and reflective about my own leadership practice but most importantly connected to a new national network of peers, confidantes, and friends. “

Participant of the 2022 WATTLE professional program

Professor Samantha Richardson, Associate Dean Higher Degrees Research, School of Science, RMIT University

I came away feeling informed, motivated, and reflective about my own leadership practice but most importantly connected to a new national network of peers, confidantes, and friends.

Academic Participant of the 2022 WATTLE program, Promoted to Professor in 2023

Kat Aspinall, Deputy General Manager College Operations, RMIT University

WATTLE gave me the skills to reflect and build my personal brand and strengthen my leadership skills and confidence. I left with not only new skills but a new network and sense of direction in my career.

Participant of the 2019 WATTLE professional program

Professor Sylvia Urban, Bachelor of Science program manager, School of Science and Chair of the Women Researchers’ Network (WRN), RMIT University

No other leadership program comes close to the WATTLE – a unique in-house residence program created by women, for women and led by women. I have made life-long connections because of the networking opportunities. I am currently a member of an accountability group, enabling me to connect to new participants of the program. My leadership of the WRN, has enabled me to promote the program at RMIT University and led EOI’s for further academics to participate in the program.

Academic Participant of the 2019 WATTLE program, Promoted to Professor in 2023, WRN Chair (2022-2023)

Professor Nicky Eshtiaghi, School of Engineering, RMIT University

The WATTLE program provides an opportunity to hear authentic and inspirational personal stories of university senior leaders while providing practical leadership skills and strategies. Further program strengths are that it offers opportunities to reflect on personal career issues, allows participants to have the opportunity to network and share personal challenges in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Member of the WATTLE steering committee since 2018, Promoted to Professor in 2021