Scholarship awarded on International Women's Day

08 Mar 2018

It's always been an emphasis for me growing up that females in leadership are very important and I'd like to be that person for younger students.

Australian National University (ANU) Bachelor of Engineering student, Meh-Ara Taseer has been announced as the 2018 recipient of the ANU Natasha Linard Scholarship for Women in Engineering and Technology.

Meh-Ara will receive $5,000 as well as tuition fees associated with undertaking the YWCA 'She Leads' Diploma of Leadership and Management.

Awarded today, on International Women's Day, the scholarship honours the late Dr Natasha Linard, a member of the first undergraduate engineering intake at ANU.

Dr Linard dedicated herself enthusiastically to mentoring young women, both as students and professional engineers. She was an inspiring role model and her contributions to the profession have been prominent and numerous.

To carry forward this legacy, the scholarship was established to build a pathway for recipients to grow their leadership skills in technology, business and community areas and develop mentoring relationships with prominent professionals in the private and public sectors.

Rachel Hunter, ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science Advancement Manager passed on her congratulations following the announcement today.

"On behalf of the Linard family, the College and scholarship donors, I'm pleased to share this news, and it could not be more relevant than today, on International Women's day," says Rachel. 

"Meh-Ara is an outstanding young woman who has demonstrated both academic excellence and is passionate about encouraging and mentoring women, and we are delighted to provide her with further support and guidance."

Meh-Ara, who is already mentoring female students through various roles, is inspired to do more.

"It's always been an emphasis for me growing up that females in leadership are very important and I'd like to be that person for younger students," says Meh-Ara.

"Dr Linard's example is a true testament to what mentorship can do for females in this field, and to be able to contribute to her legacy is such an honour."

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