May 22, 2019
Alcoa paves the way for aspiring female engineers
Resources company Alcoa is continuing to support women in the non-traditional field of engineering by providing another two scholarships to outstanding students.
Alcoa, which operates bauxite mines and alumina refineries in the south west of WA, was the first company to initiate scholarships for women studying engineering at Perth’s Curtin University more than a decade ago – a move that inspired other companies to offer similar opportunities.
Students Oluwatomisin Adesanya and Taylor Donati, who are both enrolled in double degrees at Curtin University in Perth, are the latest recipients of the Alcoa Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarships.
The $5,000 annual scholarships, named in honour of a former Alcoa engineer, aim to encourage and support females studying full-time who are enrolled in their second, third, fourth or fifth year of studies in an engineering degree at Curtin.
Taylor Donati, from Bicton, said she was thrilled to continue her association with Alcoa after recently taking part in the Company’s Alcoa Vacation Student Program. Taylor is also looking forward to applying for Alcoa’s graduate program. She is completing a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science and said the scholarship would empower her to put her best self forward.
“Being granted the Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarship means being given an opportunity to embody and showcase the values of a company that strongly represents mine,” Taylor said. “This opportunity has encouraged me to continue to excel and aim to become a well-regarded and professional engineer.”
Canningvale resident Oluwatomisin Adesanya, who is enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce, said the financial support provided via the scholarship would allow her to dedicate more time towards her studies.
“This scholarship provides much appreciated financial support and an avenue for building a relationship with Alcoa, a company whose values I admire and a place I envision myself working in the future,” Oluwatomisin said. “My previous experience with several volunteering and academic programs has shown to be instrumental in the continuing of my professional and personal development.”
Curtin University Director of Admissions and Scholarships Elizabeth Henry said Alcoa had been a valued partner with Curtin since 2005 in addressing gender equity in engineering.
“This commitment from Alcoa has increased opportunities for our future female leaders in engineering professions,” Dr Henry said. “Scholarships such as these support students to graduate with an industry focus, ready to put their knowledge and skills into practice.”
Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Michael Parker said the Company was committed to providing a supportive workplace that fostered growth and valued the strength and opportunity that came from diversity.
“By offering scholarships to women studying engineering we are hoping to improve the diversity of our workforce and of our thinking, which can only strengthen our business along with the broader industry and community,” Mr Parker said.
More information about the Alcoa Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarship is available via the scholarship page on the Curtin University website – www.curtin.edu.au.
ENDS
Media contact
Cheri Tiglias, Corporate Affairs Officer, 9557 4163, cheri.tiglias@alcoa.com