GMHBA is proud to announce Ramani Soudarsanam as the recipient of its first $3,000 Women in Technology and Finance Grant, an initiative supporting women in Geelong to advance or kickstart their careers in the two critical, high-growth sectors.
A Deakin University student and passionate advocate for women in STEM and community impact, Ramani hopes to launch a collaborative project with women leaders in STEM across Geelong, highlighting their journeys and creating a mentoring network for aspiring young women.
The Belmont resident currently works as an AI consultant with Freighter Group in Ballarat, where she leads AI-driven projects in a manufacturing setting. One of her standout contributions includes developing a paint defect detection system using Microsoft Azure’s Custom Vision, integrated into a mobile app for real-time quality control.
Alongside her professional work, Ramani is an active member of the Geelong Youth Council for The NEST and the Youth on Board program.
Her application stood out for its combination of individual commitment, community leadership, and a clear vision for building a more inclusive technology sector.
“This grant will allow me to invest more time in technical training and develop a local mentoring initiative to connect women leaders in STEM across Geelong,” Ramani said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to GMHBA for supporting women like me who are passionate about creating impact in both industry and community.”
GMHBA launched the grant to help address barriers faced by women entering or progressing in technology and finance fields, in a step towards addressing the gender pay gap.
“Supporting women to thrive in male-dominated industries is one way we’re actively contributing to a more equitable future,” GMHBA Chief of People and Culture Kate Barlow said.
“Ramani’s vision, skills and commitment to uplifting others embody the spirit of this grant. We’re proud to support her journey and can’t wait to see the ripple effect of her work in the Geelong community and beyond.”
As part of her grant journey, Ramani will be sharing insights and progress through GMHBA’s social media channels to inspire other women considering a future in tech or finance.
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