Gender Equity Ambassadors

Our team of Gender Equity Ambassadors contribute to social change and actively promote gender equity through our programs.

Group people with arms up in classroom setting

About the Gender Equity Ambassadors Program

Applications will open again next Autumn

The Gender Equity Ambassadors Program engages students and staff to lead and create social change. Drawing on the successes and strengths of the WiEIT HDR Ambassador Program, this program will develop our community to be role models, advocates, and authentic leaders across all our initiatives. 

Why become an Ambassador?

  • Create social change by contributing to gender equity in Engineering and IT
  • Develop leadership, communication, team work, and organisation skills
  • Network with other students, alumni, industry professionals, and UTS staff
  • Be part of an active, inclusive, and diverse community
  • Volunteering hours can be recognised for the UTS Soul Award
  • The completion of this program counts as 10 credit points for the UTS BUILD Program

Ambassador roles

Student Ambassadors will play the following roles:

  • Consultants: Provide input on WiEIT's strategic initiatives by sharing your perspective.
  • School outreach facilitators: Develop and/or facilitate workshops and projects with teachers to engage students in STEM.    
  • Event representatives: Develop relationships with industry partners and help us deliver great community events, including Lucy Mentoring networking evenings. 
  • Postgraduate and HDR Program Support: Organise school coffee hours, provide input on initiatives and mentor other students. 
  • Communicators: Share content on social media to increase our reach and create new content to increase our impact. 
  • Engagement specialists: Encourage student involvement in WiEIT events and initiatives.

Selection

Eligibility (student ambassadors)

Student Ambassadors will be selected based on the following criteria:  

  • Must be an undergraduate, postgraduate or Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student at the University of Technology Sydney 
  • All genders are welcome 
  • You must have at least 1 year remaining of your degree (for undergraduate students only)

Criteria

  • Capacity to consistently commit (approx. 30 hours over 1 year; the equivalent of one week or half an hour per week)  
  • Capacity to attend a minimum of 2 workshops over a year
  • Ability to work collaboratively  
  • Alignment with WiEIT values  
  • Adaptability  
  • Good communication skills 
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity  
  • Ability to build rapport  

Prior contribution to Women in Engineering and IT or gender in STEM more broadly is highly valued.  

Process

Recruitment for Student Ambassadors will take place in March and July each year, and there will be a limited number of ambassador spots available. The selection process will involve: 

  • An online expression of interest form. 
  • Video interview through Vieple where you will answer 3 questions to show us your motivation and communication skills.

BECOME A SOCIAL CHANGE LEADER

Zeynep with fellow WiEIT Ambassadors at the International Women’s Day Coffee Hour

Hear the stories of Ambassadors Zeynep Nevzat, an Undergraduate student in her third year of the Bachelor of Engineering majoring in Software, and Nilofar Raj Mohamed, a Postgraduate completing her Masters in IT majoring in Data.   

Read more

We invite industry partners to engage with our Gender Equity Ambassadors by providing in-kind professional development workshops to provide them with skills for future employment and gender equity advocacy. Get in touch 

Frequently asked questions

Why an Ambassador program?

Women in Engineering and IT programs are continually growing so we need a dedicated and skilled group of people to help lead and create social change. An Ambassador program will increase our sustainability, allowing us to reach more girls and women and create a deeper impact.  

Who can be an Ambassador? 

We encourage people of all genders to be an Ambassador and will be striving for a diverse group. Our Ambassadors can be undergraduate, postgraduate, Higher Degree by Research students with at least 1 year remaining in their degree, and UTS staff.  

What is the commitment?

To complete the Gender Equity Ambassador Program, and receive the certificate students must: 

  • Contribute 30 hours to any WiEIT initiative
  • Attend the Gender Equity Ambassador induction and training  
  • Participate in a minimum of two workshops
  • Complete the pre- and post-program surveys

How long is the Ambassador role for? 

Ambassadors will be in the role for 1 year and their role may be extended after this depending on their contributions and study plans.  

Can I still volunteer with WiEIT if I am not an Ambassador?  

Absolutely! Ad hoc volunteering is encouraged for all and is suitable for those who do not wish to receive the skills development or commit for 30 hours over 1 year. We greatly value your contributions and will recognise your efforts accordingly at our Volunteers Celebration at the end of each year.  

What’s the difference between an Ambassador and a Student Promotional Representative of UTS (SPROUT)?   

SPROUTs are paid casual employees of the University who carry out coordination and marketing activities, often as a part of school outreach. Ambassadors will be representing WiEIT on a volunteer basis in the roles listed, and have access to workshops and resources available to program participants, however will not bear the same responsibilities as SPROUTs. 

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.