Tech women encouraged to be bold and band together

A San Francisco-based entrepreneur is encouraging Queensland business women in the technology sector to be bold and back other women.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch supported the call from technology startup entrepreneur Audrey Melnik, one of the key speakers at the 2017 Myriad Festival this month. Ms Melnik has over 20 years’ experience in technology, consulting and startups across Australia, the United States and Israel.

Speaking today on International Women’s Day, Ms Enoch and Ms Melnik said women can only change the sector’s “inequities” by helping each other.

“It's not enough to complain about the inequities in the startup scene. It's only going to truly change by women helping each other,” Ms Melnik said.

“Band together with four or five other women and meet regularly to discuss how to actively support and help each other to achieve your goals. Together we are greater than the sum of our parts.”

Minister Enoch encouraged Queensland entrepreneurs and business women to be bold and grasp opportunities to innovate.

“I encourage Queensland business women to attend the Myriad Festival and hear from other women such as Audrey – global entrepreneurs, investors and business women – who are leading the way and eager to share their insights with others,” Ms Enoch said.

Myriad is being delivered by Myriad Technology Conferences in partnership with Advance Queensland, the Palaszczuk Government’s $405 million whole of government investment in Queensland innovation.

Ms Enoch said Advance Queensland offered a range of opportunities across its funding programs for women in the state, including Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships for scientists.

“Queensland has many talented women willing to inspire the next generation and, through the Advance Queensland initiative, the Palaszczuk Government is investing in women entrepreneurs, researchers and business women,” she said.

“The Advance Queensland Women’s Academic Fund was established to support female scientists when they go on maternity leave – this fund supports employment of a research assistant to help maintain the research momentum while the scientist is on leave. 

“For female entrepreneurs, there are a range of Advance Queensland opportunities to help them turn their ideas into great businesses, including the Queensland Startup Events and Activities Fund and the Young Starters Competition.”

Audrey Melnik will speak at the Myriad Festival, to be held from 29 – 31 March at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Visit www.advance.qld.gov.au for more information on the Myriad Festival and Advance Queensland programs.

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