Diversity & Inclusion
Breaking Barriers & Driving Equity in STEM
Dr Ruwangi Fernando is a trailblazer in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), committed to breaking systemic barriers in STEM and technology. As a scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate, she has led transformational initiatives that empower women of colour (WOC) in STEM, influence policy change, and drive inclusive workforce solutions.
As the Founder of STEM Sisters, Dr Fernando has empowered over 10,000 women of colour in STEM, providing mentorship, leadership training, and career development opportunities through several award-winning programs:
- STEM Sisters Mentorship Program – A structured mentoring initiative that has supported hundreds of WOC in STEM, pairing them with industry leaders and professionals to guide their career growth.
- Women of Colour in STEM Awards (2024) – The first-ever awards platform celebrating 60+ outstanding WOC in STEM across Australia, recognising their contributions and achievements.
- STEM Sisters Ambassador Program – A leadership development initiative for WOC students and recent graduates, providing five workshops and outreach activities to enhance their professional and leadership skills.
- MAGNIFY Digital Magazine – A quarterly digital publication dedicated to amplifying the voices, achievements, and stories of WOC in STEM across Australia.
- Future Me Digital Comic Series – A STEM storytelling initiative designed to inspire young girls from diverse backgrounds, introducing 5,000+ primary school students to real-life STEM role models.
As the Co-Founder & Director of iSTEM Co., Dr Fernando has developed innovative solutions to bridge the employment gap for women in STEM. iSTEM Co. is a research and consulting firm dedicated to inclusive hiring, AI-powered recruitment, and workforce transformation.
- DEIR – AI-Powered Bias-Free Hiring – An AI-driven recruitment platform eliminating bias in hiring processes, leading to a 40% increase in WOC hiring and adopted by organisations.
- iSTEM Co. Career Fairs – Hosting STEM career fairs and networking events, connecting WOC job seekers with top STEM employers, offering resume reviews, mock interviews, and career development resources.
- Workforce Equity & DEI Consulting – Partnering with corporations, universities, and government agencies to implement inclusive hiring policies, AI-driven workforce analytics, and leadership diversity strategies.
Beyond grassroots advocacy, Dr Fernando is a national policy leader and industry consultant, serving as:
- Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, ACS Victoria – Leading inclusive hiring strategies and neurodiverse representation in Australia’s tech sector.
- Member, Home Affairs Multicultural Women’s Reference Group – Shaping government policies to support migrant women’s participation in STEM careers.
- Advisor to STEM organisations & government agencies – Consulting on AI ethics, workforce diversity, and STEM equity strategies.
Her efforts have directly transformed hiring practices, workplace policies, and industry representation, ensuring that women, migrants, and underrepresented professionals have equitable access to STEM opportunities.
Consulting & Advisory Services
Dr Fernando provides strategic consultancy services for corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions seeking to integrate ethical AI, inclusive hiring, and workforce equity strategies into their operations.
Inspiring Change
Dr Ruwangi Fernando is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and global advocate for AI innovation, diversity in STEM, and ethical workforce transformation. With a dynamic presence and data-driven insights, she delivers powerful keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops that inspire, educate, and drive meaningful change.
How to Find the Perfect Influencers for Your Niche
How Micro-Influencers Can Transform Your Business
How to Successfully Negotiate with Influencers
Associated Projects
Through her leadership in research, entrepreneurship, and policy influence, she has successfully developed AI-powered recruitment solutions, national STEM mentorship programs, and sustainability initiatives that empower underrepresented communities.
Empowering Women of Colour in STEM
gender equity in STEM through education, employment, retention, leadership and entrepreneurship.
DEIR – AI-Powered Bias-Free Recruitment
Chair Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Sustainability & Circular Fashion
inspire young girls from diverse backgrounds into STEM
amplifying the voices, achievements, and stories of WOC in STEM
Mentoring Platform for WOC in STEM
Let’s Create Change Together
Dr Ruwangi Fernando is committed to advancing AI-driven innovation, fostering diversity in STEM, and shaping ethical and inclusive workforce solutions. Whether you’re interested in speaking engagements, consulting, media collaborations, or strategic partnerships, she welcomes the opportunity to work with individuals, organisations, and industry leaders to drive meaningful impact.
Get in touch today and be part of the movement for a more inclusive, sustainable, and tech-driven future
- Book Dr Fernando for Speaking & Thought Leadership
Are you looking for a powerful, engaging speaker for your next conference, panel discussion, or corporate event? - Partner on AI, Diversity & Sustainability Projects
Are you looking for an AI specialist, diversity consultant, or thought leader to help design and implement inclusive tech solutions, workforce equity programs, or sustainability initiatives? - Media & Press Inquiries
Are you looking to feature Dr Ruwangi Fernando in a TV interview, podcast, or digital publication? - Collaborate with STEM Sisters or iSTEM Co.
Are you passionate about empowering women of colour in STEM through mentorship, leadership, and career development?