WIDA 2023 – Rising Star finalists – Australian Defence Magazine

In this category, judges were looking for individuals under the age of 30 who exhibited outstanding success and drive in their respective fields. These finalists demonstrated achievements in 2022 which were well beyond what might be expected for their age, as well as a commitment to professional development and to inspiring and uplifting other young women by example or through mentoring activities.
Abbie Smith
Product Manager for HoneyTrace
Penten Pty Ltd
Abbie is the Product Manager for HoneyTrace for Penten. In 2022 Abbie led the design, development, and testing of HoneyTrace to detect the accidental or deliberate exposure of Defence data provided to the supply chain. HoneyTrace was selected and matured as part of the Defence Innovation Hub, achieving a TRL of 8. Abbie has also been critical in the support of Penten’s intern program, providing leadership and mentoring for female STEM graduates.
Leading Seaman Physical Training Instructor Jamie Lord
HMAS Coonawarra Sport and Recreational Department
Royal Australian Navy
Jamie is a Physical Training Instructor for HMAS Coonawarra. In 2022 Jamie identified and rectified heat stress management risks in the Northern Territory, drastically enhancing the safety for all Navy personnel working in tropical environments. Her tenacious efforts have resulted in RAAF Physical Training Instructors reviewing and amending their policies relating to heat management. These recommendations have been reviewed and adopted Navy wide, leading to increased safety of personnel in tropical environments.
Able Seaman Jasmine Aspinall
Able Seaman Electronics Technician – Fire Control
Royal Australian Navy
Jasmine is an Electronics Technician – Fire Control for the Navy. In this role Jasmine has taken on additional leadership responsibility in the absence of a formal supervisor. When HMAS Sydney conducted a directed transit operation through the South China Sea, Jasmine demonstrated profound situational awareness and delivered accurate track analysis in a heightened threat environment. She was also instrumental in a successful co-ordinated missile engagement of drone targets in a multi-national anti-ship missile defence scenario. Jasmine was a key enabler in the award of HMAS Sydney’s Combat System Shield honour for the best Weapons Electrical Department in the Fleet.
Flight Lieutenant Kaylee Verrier
Staff Officer (SO3) for Space Exercises, within the Space Operations Coordination Branch, Defence Space Command
Defence Space Command
Kaylee is Staff Officer (SO3) for Space Exercises, within the Space Operations Coordination Branch, Defence Space Command. In 2022 Kaylee completed two master’s degrees whilst working full time. She contributed to advanced defence technology developments in Air Warfare Engineering Squadron and was selected to project manage a high-profile joint Australia-US Aerospace development project. Kaylee was then selected as a specialist Manager in other advanced capability trials. Due to her contributions and knowledge, she was also invited to present for the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2022 as a subject matter expert.
Lara Stevens
Student Engineer
Phantom Works – Global (Boeing Defence Australia)
Lara Stevens is a Student Engineer with PhantomWorks – Global. In 2022 Lara led a piece of work to develop a communications solution that led to estimated schedule benefits of six months and $150,000 budget savings. Lara also took responsibility for identifying, scheduling and procuring equipment required to complete testing in a facility external to Boeing, and furthermore developed developing formal test documentation (including safety, requirements and procedures). Lara also mentored three young women to start their careers in defence industry.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum Canberra on 25 October 2023. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
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