Optus proudly supports women in STEM with VOGUE CODES 2023

Optus in conjunction with Vogue Australia recently presented the eighth annual VOGUE CODES event, a global-first initiative designed to answer gender imbalance in the technology industry with the aim of inspiring more women to pursue careers in tech-related industries.

This year's theme, Change for Good, delved into the future of technology and its impact on society, including environmental innovations, space exploration, the change makers of regional Australia and innovation in media and ecommerce.

The eighth annual STEM-focused event series provided an important platform for female pioneers in the industry, and inspiring future leaders.

An impressive roll-call of local and international speakers included Vogue Australia editor-in-chief and co-founder of Wardrobe NYC; Christine Centenera, wildlife scientist and author; Dr Vanessa Pirotta, founding director UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology Centre; Professor Veena Sahajwalla, co-founder and executive director Mind Medicine Australia; Tania de Jong, founder and CEO Elladex; Shivani Gopal, Australian Government Women in STEM Ambassador and Professor of Practice in Science Communication at UNSW; Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith, co-founder ULUU Dr Julia Reisser, CEO and Creative Director of Ganni; Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup, Paralympian, Optus ambassador and disability advocate Ellie Cole, and founder of Emma Lewisham Skincare Emma Lewisham.

Vogue Australia editorial director Edwina McCann said the Vogue Codes remained firmly focused on female leadership and entrepreneurship, and on the skills needed for the next generation of technology leaders to succeed.

“Vogue Codes is our campaign to connect women with the digital innovators, thought leaders and inspiring entrepreneurs who are influencing the technology landscape globally.  McCann said.

“As we enter the eighth year of Vogue Codes, I am more passionate than ever of our work in promoting gender diversity and equality in STEM. 

“This year’s program is a mix of live and virtual events designed to inspire our audiences. 

“Together, with Optus and our supporting partners, we remain committed and optimistic that together we can build a generation of future leaders whose expertise and innovation can help change the world.”

Optus’ vice president of people & culture Kate Aitken said:

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Vogue Australia for Vogue Codes because at Optus, we believe that attracting talented women in tech is extremely important not only for the future of Optus but for all organisations.

"We are proud that our partnership with Vogue codes encourages young women to explore careers in STEM, because amazing things can happen when you have the courage and commitment to say Yes."

This year’s VOGUE CODES themes included:

·       Environmental innovations and technology: From whales to the next plastic, where to next?
Meaningful sustainability and building a brand

·       The second space age: The future is now

·       Regional changemakers: The rural women changing the conversation in the country

·       The metaverse generation: reinventing shopping, brands, and identity

·       Leadership, innovation and building a strong team, in conversation with Christine Centenera

·       Future medicine: where tech meets health

Vogue Australia’s global first VOGUE CODES initiative was established in 2016 in answer to a gender imbalance in the technology industry with the aim of inspiring more women to pursue careers in tech-related industries.

For more information on VOGUE CODES 2023, visit vogue.com.au/vogue-codes.