Tech for Every Woman: Inspiring Futures, Real Connection
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA) proudly hosted Tech for Every Woman: Thriving, Opportunity & Connection at Flinders Tonsley Lecture Theatre, bringing together a dynamic community of thinkers, creators, and changemakers from across the Flinders Innovation Precinct. The event, supported by Thriving@Flinders and the Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI), celebrated women in technology and championed inclusive progress across research, industry, and society.
From admin teams and academic researchers to software analysts and engineers, the room buzzed with energy and collaboration. Whether participants were seasoned tech leaders or simply tech, curious, the message was clear: everyone has a place in the digital future.
Keynotes That Sparked the Conversation
We were honoured to welcome:
- Dr Fabiana Santana, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Enterprise and Infrastructure), Flinders University
- Vanessa Sulikowski, Distinguished Solutions Engineer, Cisco
Both leaders spoke candidly about the evolving tech landscape and underscored the importance of diversity of thought, continuous learning, and cross-sector collaboration.
Panel: “Do We Need More Women in Tech, or More Women Who Want Tech?”
This lively and thoughtful panel drew fresh perspectives from:
- Tania Leiman – Professor & Dean of Law
- Richard Dodsworth GAICD – Technology Advisor, Flinders University
- Kirsty Mosley – IDS Digital Experience Delivery & Governance
- Stephen Blakeney – National Innovations Manager, Medical Device Partnering Program
- Alicia Mitchell – PhD Candidate, Flinders University MDRI & MAXM Skate team contributor
- Cassie Hames – Analyst, Nukon
Panellists explored themes around representation, purpose, driven innovation, and the need to design careers, and technologies, with inclusivity built in from the start.
Alicia Mitchell’s contributions were especially memorable, spotlighting wearable tech research with the MAXM Skate team, which supports post-op recovery for knee trauma patients worldwide. ICA is proud to help amplify data-driven solutions like MAXM that connect real-world impact with digital innovation.
What Happened Outside the Auditorium
Attendees took full advantage of networking time, sharing ideas, forging new collaborations, and discovering the incredible depth of research happening at Flinders and across the Tonsley Innovation District. Conversations flowed over light refreshments, and many walked away with new connections and practical inspiration to bring back to their teams.
ICA’s Vision in Action
For ICA, this event wasn’t just a celebration, it was a strategic step toward shaping a more inclusive tech future. By showcasing talent like Alicia Mitchell and enabling cross, industry dialogue, we continue to strengthen our commitment to collaboration, human, centred design, and innovation that truly serves society.
To everyone who joined us, thank you. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, lifting voices, and powering tech for everyone.
