UNSW Canberra Scholarship- New Wave Program: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs.

In 2022, UNSW's New Wave program took a significant step to support women entrepreneurs by introducing financial scholarships worth up to $2000. These scholarships aim to make it feasible for Canberra-based women to participate in the two-week intensive program in Sydney, which aims to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration for women in entrepreneurship.

Akeel Feroz, Manager, Launch Partnerships & Innovation at UNSW Canberra, who initiated support for the scholarships, emphasised the importance of enablers:

“Women entrepreneurs drive innovation and create meaningful change. The scholarships are designed to remove barriers and unlock opportunities for women to engage with the New Wave program, equipping them with the skills and networks necessary for success.”

Dr. Oleksandra Molloy, a Senior Lecturer in Aviation and the Aviation Program Lead at UNSW Canberra, is the beneficiary of the 2024 financial scholarship. She recently shared her experience with the New Wave program, shedding light on the program's potential to ignite entrepreneurial spirits and foster innovation. As an advocate for women in STEM, she entered the program with an open mind and a determination to evolve beyond traditional research, underscoring the importance of integrating real-world challenges into academic pursuits.

“Embrace the opportunity to gain new skills, build valuable networks, and explore the exciting intersection of academia and industry”. 

- Oleksandra Molloy

What did winning the scholarship mean to you? 

"Receiving the scholarship was fantastic! I had many ideas, and this was the perfect chance to pull one out and start working on it. The support and empowerment for women provided by the New Wave program are phenomenal. As a fan of professional development, I knew this was a great opportunity and a challenge for myself." 

New Wave was your first interaction with an entrepreneurship program. How did you feel when you walked into the room, and what were you expecting? 

“I arrived with an open mindset, eager to dive into entrepreneurship; I was welcomed into an inclusive environment where participants supported each other. The program effectively bridged theory and practice, allowing participants to integrate new skills in a hands-on format. The emphasis on asking questions, networking, and understanding how the program contributes to both personal and professional growth was invaluable.”

You came into the New Wave program with an idea to drive innovations in emerging aviation technologies related to transport. How did this idea evolve? 

"My idea to drive innovations in aviation technology, particularly focusing on drones, evolved significantly through interactions with program participants, mentors, and leaders. I emphasised the importance of addressing the gender imbalance in aviation and STEM fields, aiming to inspire the next generation of women in these areas. The idea of using drones in early education took shape with the support and insights from the New Wave community.  My idea is to develop innovative, inclusive, and accessible education about advanced air mobility for all. The goal is to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of STEM professionals, especially women, through engaging activities. This includes workshops for students, professional development training, and consultations for teachers to develop STEM activities and resources." 

Were there any standouts? If so, what were your key takeaways? 

“Summarising the two-week program is quite challenging. The program was a fantastic mix of workshops designed to shape the initial journey of an entrepreneur, showing where to start and how to move forward with various skill sets. UNSW Founders offers different programs with distinct goals, and this one serves as a great toolkit for beginners”

Oleksandra highlighted the workshop on presenting and pitching, mentioning it was engaging and helped participants build confidence and improve their pitching skills. The LinkedIn workshop emphasised the importance of professional branding. The program's practical approach, combining theoretical learning with hands-on activities, group work, and mentoring sessions, provided a comprehensive framework to develop her entrepreneurial mindset. 

Outside of education and support to develop your startup idea, the New Wave Program offers opportunities for connection, mentorship, and community-building. How valuable was this aspect of the program for you? 

“The connections and mentorship opportunities were incredibly valuable. Building a network within the startup community is crucial, and the New Wave program facilitated this process, offering me ongoing support and inspiration”. 

What's next for you and DRONE EDUCATION? 

Currently, Oleksandra is engaging with STEM education initiatives. Her passion and drive are focused on making a lasting impact, leveraging her experience from the New Wave program to inspire future generations. “For instance, during Science Week in August, I'll be speaking to several schools and organisations interested in technology and innovation in Australia. I am convinced that if we want to see a substantial change in gender representation in STEM fields over the next decade, efforts must start from talking to schools today.” 

For any woman considering starting a business, is there anything you would like to tell them? 

"I highly recommend joining this program (New Wave). Regardless of your goals, it offers a fantastic opportunity to develop multifaceted skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. The program connects you with mentors and like-minded women who support your personal and professional growth, creating opportunities for the future. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity—act now and pursue your dreams." 

Oleksandra's story is a testament to the power of the New Wave program in fostering innovation and breaking down barriers for women in entrepreneurship. If her journey has inspired you, consider applying for the next New Wave program. Embrace the opportunity to gain new skills, build valuable networks, and explore the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

UNSW’s New Wave program empowers women with the right professional network, industry experts, and resources and helps them upskill to launch their own businesses. Applications are now open for our September-October Virtual program. Submit your application before 5 p.m. on Monday, September 2.

Join the New Wave program and start your entrepreneurial journey today! Apply here.