___________________________________________________________________
The Australian Women in Security
Network (AWSN) was founded only a couple of years ago by Jacqui Loustau and yet
is already maturing into a respected association supporting and encouraging diversity
in the security industry. It is with great pleasure that the AWSN shares with you
the following interview with long-term supporter, social media manager and active
member of the AWSN, Iresha Fernando.
It was early 2016, and Iresha was
seeking some type of networking group that mentored and encouraged women, when
she received an invitation to attend a networking lunch. Seeing it as a good
opportunity to build and strengthen her career network she accepted. AWSN was
in its infancy and Iresha did not know what to expect or what a networking
group would even look like or operate. Iresha was pleasantly surprised that
there were others like herself at the networking event looking not only to gain
support but also to provide it and share their own experiences. She saw passionate
leaders and mentors who willingly shared their time and ideas to help ‘newbies’
like her. Iresha quickly realised that AWSN is the perfect group for her to be
a part of to build her professional network and confidence.
A year on from this and Iresha has attended
several AWSN facilitated networking events and because of AWSN has met and been
inspired by many experienced women in the security industry. She credits the
support of AWSN with building her confidence and presentation skills and for the
first time in her life had the opportunity to present at a university. AWSN
soon had her managing social media for the group which has honed her skills and
increased her confidence further. Additionally, this has led to good
recognition in the office (balancing work and D&I in the group) which lead her
gain a well-deserved promotion at her paid employment. All this within a very
short time being with the company. Most importantly Iresha said is that AWSN
helped her to find a good mentor who trusts in her.
Iresha emphasised that AWSN ensures
that there are people out there to help no matter who you are or what your
background is. Iresha added that she likes
and respects the committee/leaders of AWSN group and states that they are a
bunch of humble women who are trying to build a better career place for other
women.
AWSN highlights for Iresha are the Go
Girl For IT participation and when Jacqui won the AISA Diversity award in 2016.
Iresha is proud to be a part of AWSN
and happily shares how the network has made her believe in herself and help her achieve
things she had not thought possible.
The Australian Women in Security
Network (AWSN) was founded only a couple of years ago by Jacqui Loustau and yet
is already maturing into a respected association supporting and encouraging diversity
in the security industry. It is with great pleasure that the AWSN shares with you
the following interview with long-term supporter, social media manager and active
member of the AWSN, Iresha Fernando.
It was early 2016, and Iresha was
seeking some type of networking group that mentored and encouraged women, when
she received an invitation to attend a networking lunch. Seeing it as a good
opportunity to build and strengthen her career network she accepted. AWSN was
in its infancy and Iresha did not know what to expect or what a networking
group would even look like or operate. Iresha was pleasantly surprised that
there were others like herself at the networking event looking not only to gain
support but also to provide it and share their own experiences. She saw passionate
leaders and mentors who willingly shared their time and ideas to help ‘newbies’
like her. Iresha quickly realised that AWSN is the perfect group for her to be
a part of to build her professional network and confidence.
A year on from this and Iresha has attended
several AWSN facilitated networking events and because of AWSN has met and been
inspired by many experienced women in the security industry. She credits the
support of AWSN with building her confidence and presentation skills and for the
first time in her life had the opportunity to present at a university. AWSN
soon had her managing social media for the group which has honed her skills and
increased her confidence further. Additionally, this has led to good
recognition in the office (balancing work and D&I in the group) which lead her
gain a well-deserved promotion at her paid employment. All this within a very
short time being with the company. Most importantly Iresha said is that AWSN
helped her to find a good mentor who trusts in her.
Iresha emphasised that AWSN ensures
that there are people out there to help no matter who you are or what your
background is. Iresha added that she likes
and respects the committee/leaders of AWSN group and states that they are a
bunch of humble women who are trying to build a better career place for other
women.
AWSN highlights for Iresha are the Go
Girl For IT participation and when Jacqui won the AISA Diversity award in 2016.
Iresha is proud to be a part of AWSN
and happily shares how the network has made her believe in herself and help her achieve
things she had not thought possible.
 |
| (c) AWSN 2017 |
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organisation or association.
No comments:
Post a Comment