MAGNIFY
16th Issue
jUNE 2025
MAGNIFY – ISSUE 16
With the release of the 16th issue of MAGNIFY, we step into another chapter of a community that keeps growing—brighter, bolder, and more connected than ever. What began as a mission to elevate the voices of Women of Colour in STEM has now become a thriving movement, one where stories of innovation, courage, and identity intersect to inspire change across Australia and beyond.
This issue stands as a testament to that momentum, reminding us that representation is not just visibility—it is transformation.
This edition emerges at a compelling moment for our community. Here, we look beyond the boundaries of traditional STEM success to celebrate the many forms leadership can take: from entrepreneurship and environmental chemistry to quantum technology, cancer biology, and cross-cultural research. Whether in classrooms, laboratories, tech industries, or public science festivals, every contribution in this issue affirms the importance of diversity, creativity, and belonging in shaping the future of STEM.
In My Entrepreneurship Journey, Shakala Ekbote shares how STEM Birds grew from living-room workshops into a multi-award-winning organisation reaching over 10,000 young learners—a powerful reminder that community-driven education can change futures. In our Mentor Spotlight, Dakorim Wokoma reflects on cyber security, generative AI, and the impact of empowering mentees through confidence, skills, and open conversations.
In the deeply personal STEM Mother feature, environmental chemist Divina Navarro speaks candidly about research, purpose, motherhood, and the courage it takes to carve out balance in a field defined by intensity and expectation.
Our International to Local story follows physicist Negin Foroughimehr, whose journey from Iran to Australia—from synchrotron experiments to navigating a new scientific culture—illustrates resilience, curiosity, and the strength of mobility in global STEM fields.
The Ambassador Spotlight celebrates cancer cell biologist Naisana Seyedasli, whose dedication to drug resistance research and advocacy for women in STEM enriches both the scientific community and the next generation of researchers.
This issue also highlights the impact of our public engagement initiatives.
Soapbox Science Sydney 2025 brought together twelve remarkable women who transformed Wynyard Park into an open-air classroom, where passers-by gathered to learn about graphene electronics, marine biology, quantum technology, and more. Meanwhile, Science Alive 2025 reached over 22,000 visitors, with 57% reporting greater knowledge of STEM and thousands of students inspired during STEM Day Out—proof that community outreach can shift perceptions and ignite curiosity.
In our creative corner, the feature on Bioluminescence explores nature’s original LED technology—from glowing oceans to luminous forests—reminding us of the boundless wonder that arises when science meets storytelling. And through our volunteer and mentee spotlights, we celebrate the individuals who continue to shape MAGNIFY with dedication, heart, and a shared belief in inclusive progress.
As we continue to champion empowerment, equity, and authentic representation, our gratitude extends to every contributor, partner, and reader who makes this work possible. Because of you, MAGNIFY is more than a digital magazine—it is a living record of collective resilience and imagination.
Let us keep moving forward—guided by community, strengthened by diversity, and inspired by the stories that push the boundaries of what is possible. The pages ahead are bright, and together, we will continue to make them shine.
Editorial
Reaching our 16th issue of MAGNIFY is a testament to the strength of a community that continues to rise, evolve, and redefine what representation in STEM truly looks like. Each edition has carried forward our mission: to centre the voices, experiences, and achievements of women of colour, and to create a space where their stories are seen, valued, and celebrated.
In this issue, we highlight women who are leading transformative work across research, industry, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and digital innovation. Their stories remind us that progress is not only measured by breakthroughs, but by the courage to challenge systems, the persistence to pursue purpose, and the vision to create new possibilities for those who will follow.
As MAGNIFY grows, so too does its impact. We’re seeing more students, teachers, workplaces, and community groups engage with our content — using these stories to teach, inspire, and shift perspectives. The ripple effect of visibility is powerful, and it strengthens our commitment to continue amplifying voices that have historically been underrepresented in STEM.
This 16th edition also reflects the expanding conversations in our community — from ethical AI to environmental justice, from cross-cultural identity to leadership in emerging technologies. These themes mirror the diversity of our contributors and the depth of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of STEM.
To every reader, contributor, and supporter: thank you for walking with us on this journey. Your belief in our mission fuels each issue and ensures that MAGNIFY remains a space of empowerment, connection, and possibility.
Here’s to continuing to magnify voices that inspire change.
Dr Ruwangi Fernando
STEM Sisters – Founder and Director
MAGNIFY – Editor-in-Chief