2024 / 2025 GEMS Program Recap

Held October 2024 through to April 2025.

Growth.
Empowerment.
Management.
Selfcare.

The GEMS program – Growth, Empowerment, Management, Self-care – is designed to empower women in industry to strengthen their leadership skills, grow professional networks, and communicate with confidence. With three immersive workshops, six mentoring sessions, and the support of industry partners, the program is building the next generation of women leaders.

16 Participants registered,
14 Mentors (two mentors doubled up) all achieved their SCALA Mentoring Micro-credential,
7 Panellists- from a range of industries providing insights, broadening GEMS networks,
4 Board members- providing governance and coaching at Mock Board Workshop,
5 Program Facilitators,
4 credit-bearing micro-credentials from UTAS,
6 Mentoring Sessions, with
98% completion rate for the core GEMS program.

Workshop 1 was all about helping participants set their own professional learning goal, further refining their communication and presentation skills, network with other participants and meeting their mentor. They also left the day inspired by our panel of industry leaders expertly facilitated by the one and only Dylan Hesp.

Stephy Gee from Gee Electrical, electrician and business owner
Dr Karin Mathison, co-owner and GM of a joinery workshop and former CEO at Keystone Tasmania
Chris Winskill of MMG – Community Engagement Advisor

Workshop 2 saw participants ‘Building their Toolkit’ including the co-design of Workshop 3 to ensure it delivered to their individual goals. Presentation skills were honed with a major piece of work including writing and presenting a board paper within a mock board setting.

Led by our outstanding facilitators from UTAS and Scala, Workshop 3 was designed based on participant feedback from Workshop 2 and delivered a tailored experience with a focus on:

Understanding personality and communication styles (DISC profiling)
Managing conflict
Tools for self-management and building confidence
Real-world insights from industry leaders during our guest panel session: Lee Whiteley (RAW Tasmania), Honni Pitt (St Giles), Kathryn McCann (Tasmania Devils Football Club), and Jo Archer (Linking Tasmania)

Mentors also had the ability to complete a Mentoring Micro-credential with Scala which is a great example that everyone whether a mentor or mentee, grew through this experience.

Thank you to University of Tasmania and Scala for your high-impact, practical training, our partners Tasmanian Transport Association and Tasmanian Forest Products Association, as well as our mentors, guest panellists, participants and their employers.

GEMS 25-26 will launch again in August 2025.

The Program Recap

3 full day customised workshops in collaboration with UTAS and Scala Training
Micro-credentials/certification
6 individual mentoring sessions with an industry mentor
Personality & Communication profile
All training and mentoring materials
Tea & treats at the workshops
Networking Cocktail Night with members of industry

Anna's words - an excerpt of Anna's speech at the closing celebration

“To give you a quick snapshot of what we’ve covered over the past 6 months:

We began by setting some professional goals and met with our mentors. We went through communication and networking skills, prepared a board paper and pitched it to a mock board.

Then dove into design thinking methodology and had a design thinking sprint to come up with the themes for our third workshop.

We explored DISC profiling to understand our own behaviours and actions—and how to effectively work with the behaviours of those around us. We talked about time management, conflict resolution, and even looked ahead to the future—exploring how AI is already reshaping the industry.

But irrespective of the amount of content we covered, what really stood out for me were the stories I heard and the people I was able to meet over the past 6 months. We got to listen to leaders such as Steph Gee, an inspiring local electrician and business owner at our first workshop, the challenges she has faced to be taken seriously in her career both corporate and trade worlds.

We had the chance to go head-to head with some industry leaders who formed our mock board, chaired by Ben Maynard, to try and get our board papers approved. We learnt the power of concise and clear communication and having respect for the board, as they are there for their experience and expertise.

One of the most impactful parts of the GEMS program has been my connection with my mentor. I have been lucky enough to work with Jesse Ciezki from Cromarty Automation over the past 6 months, and the big focus of our conversations has been the way I show up at work; my workplace presence, and how I can communicate more confidently. Being a woman in a male dominated industry like mining can be a balancing act, and it can take a level of finesse to be assertive and capable, without coming across as aggressive or intimidating. Jesse has been a great sounding board for me to navigate some of the challenges I have faced being in this industry and I will always value the conversations we have had and the support he has shown me over this time.”

Anna Brain – 2024/25 GEMS Graduate

Words from a Mentor

“It was an absolute privilege to serve as a mentor in the GEMS program. The mentor training provided a fantastic foundation, equipping me with valuable strategies and insights to effectively support my mentee. I particularly appreciated the focus on active listening and goal-setting frameworks, which proved instrumental in our sessions.

While my mentee came to the program with a clear sense of her capabilities and a proactive approach to challenges, it was incredibly rewarding to witness her further refine her professional goals and continue to take decisive action towards them. The GEMS program is clearly fostering a supportive and empowering environment where women in non-traditional roles can thrive. I wholeheartedly recommend the program to both aspiring mentees and potential mentors.”

Matthew Jordan – Mentor (Operations Manager BridgePro Engineering)

The Celebration

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for “Sparkle & Sip: Celebrating the Achievements of Our Graduate 24/25 GEMS & Mentors” – what a fantastic evening of connection, celebration, and inspiration!

The event brought together people across industries to honour the accomplishments of our GEMS graduates and the many mentors, trainers, and supporters who make the program possible.

We extend our sincere thanks to The Honourable Jo Palmer, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence, for joining us and showing her support for the GEMS program and the future of women in leadership in our industry.

See a wrap of the pics in the Gallery Below.