Victoria Bragg from Crowther has been announced as this year's recipient of the SKIP Foundation and Australian National University's $25,000 scholarship to study STEM.
The scholarship was increased this year to support more women from non-metropolitan areas to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering through the Kim Jackson Scholarship.
Co-founder of the SKIP Foundation and a long-time advocate of equality in education, Kim said, the increase reinforces the foundation's commitment to increasing female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Victoria is thrilled to have been announced as the winner of the award for 2025 with her passion for STEM now able to be turned into a career thanks to the scholarship.
"My passion for STEM and love of natural environments were the driving factors for my choice of engineering," Victoria said.
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"In studying engineering, I hope to focus on renewable energy and gain the knowledge and skills to find practical solutions to harness clean sustainable energy sources to help protect and preserve our environment for future generations."
In her application Victoria acknowledge that the scholarship would not only be financially beneficial but it would ultimately allow her a greater focus on her academic and extracurricular pursuits as well as allow for invaluable mentoring and career development support.
"This will help me navigate my studies and career path, providing insight and advice that will be incredibly significant for developing strong foundational knowledge and skills, tailored specifically to my interests and goals," she said.
Kim said she moved from regional Queensland to study engineering and commerce at ANU in the early 2000s before she worked in male dominated fields throughout her career, including investment banking and funds management with her experience and journey inspiring her to create the Kim Johnson Scholarship.
"I know first hand how challenging it can be to feel outnumbered in a career that lacks diversity," she said.
"By breaking down barriers, we aim to empower the next generation of female engineers and innovators."
The Kim Jackson Scholarship is awarded to a woman from a non-metropolitan area and enrolled in the ANU Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development) single or double degree for the duration of their undergraduate degree.
