TechDiversity
Awards
Unleashing Impact with DE+I Powerhouse
23 May 2024 | 6:30 – 10:30 PM AEST
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Dive into the heart of innovation at this year’s TechDiversity Awards, where the theme “Unleashing Impact with DE+I Powerhouse” takes center stage as it focuses on the transformative effects of DE+I in technology workforces. It highlights how DE+I not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also drives innovation, productivity, and overall organisational success.
Join us to celebrate the remarkable strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion within technology workforces across many industries, and explore how these crucial values drive success.
Secure your ticket now to be part of an evening that promises inspiration, networking, and a glimpse into the future of an inclusive technology workforce. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of change.
Key reasons to attend as we unleash the impact of DEI at the Awards
- Engage with a diverse network of professionals and industry leaders championing DE+I initiatives
- Gain insights from innovative case studies and award-winning DE+I strategies across government, business, and education sectors
- Draw inspiration from our keynote speakers and nominees, highlighting the tangible impact of DE+I on innovation and productivity
2023 Awards Feedback
Networking, an evening out with my colleagues, great speakers, great recipients and ideas for us to do better.
Catching up with people and seeing what is going on in the diversity space.
Organisations take this seriously at all levels.
What to Expect
At the 2023 TechDiversity Awards, key note speaker Miranda Ratajski, Chief Information Officer at Westpac, ignited the stage with her passion for diversity and inclusion, emphasising how it leads to tangible business success.
Reflecting on the dynamism and impactful message of our 2023 keynote, anticipate an equally energising experience at this year’s TechDiversity Awards. Our upcoming keynote speaker is set to carry forward Miranda’s legacy, promising a blend of actionable DEI insights and motivational narratives. Stay engaged as we continue to harness the power of DE+I for transformative success
TechDiversity Awards Categories
We are very excited about this year’s TechDiversity Awards remarkable submissions across all five categories – showcasing initiatives like an Indigenous charity fostering STEM pathways and another submission on a hiring program for individuals with autism.
These entries not only highlight innovative DEI efforts but also underscore the importance of collective learning and inspiration within the tech community. Business leaders and teams are encouraged to attend, absorb, and engage with these groundbreaking projects.
TechDiversity Awards 2024 provides an illuminating narrative into the exponential impact of DE+I initiatives on business success, innovation and well-being.
The TechDiversity Awards invites you to become a catalyst for change and impact.
Ways to get involved:
Attend the Awards
Immerse yourself in the inspiring journeys of trailblazers harnessing DE+I to drive remarkable outcomes. Get your tickets now!
Sponsor the Awards
Sponsoring the TechDiversity Awards offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, showcasing your commitment to fostering an inclusive tech ecosystem. It’s a powerful platform to engage with industry leaders, innovators, and change-makers, amplifying your organization’s role in driving meaningful DEI progress within the tech community.
The TechDiversity Awards recognise individuals and groups across five award categories
DO NOT DELETE
1. Government
This is the category for you if you work:
- for any Government agency, federal or state
- for an organisation that is running a joint project/initiative with a Government agency
- at a Consultancy working with Government
- for a scale up/start up that work with government
Maybe you work for an agency that has developed an app that indicates locally available services for people who are currently without a home.
Maybe you are developing an online accessibility toolkit to assist in creating digital platforms and content that are accessible and inclusive for everyone.
In real terms, what might this look like? Below are some previous winning submissions:
- A program to employ a cohort of people with ASD into a Government department for (at least) two years.
- A Government funded program that uses the power and influence of Video Games (gamification) to change the beliefs and behaviours of teenage boys towards LGBTI+.
- A Youth Employment Scheme (YES) traineeship program to increase the participation of disadvantaged youth (under 24 years of age) into the workforce with a focus on IT and STEM disciplines.
2. Business
This is the category for you if you work:
- within a traditional business model
- for a traditional tech company
- in tech department within any industry
- at a consultancy working with businesses
- for a scale up/start up
Maybe you have set up a Diversity and Inclusion committee to look at the current imbalance within your organisation, then have designed programs to address this.
Maybe you have been involved in the development and design of such a program to address the imbalance.
In real terms, what might this look like? Below are some previous winning submissions:
- Creation of a hub to help solve the problem of employability for International Students. With a focus on empowering these students and graduates to participate in the Australian startup ecosystem (note that this submission could also align with the Education category. Absolutely you can nominate the same initiative in more than one category).
- A ‘Developer’ program that offers a paid scholarship and full-time salary to women who are changing careers or looking to re-enter the workforce within the field of software engineering.
- An initiative that looks at progressing the diversity makeup across the whole of an organisation.
3. Education
This is the category for you if you work:
- for an academic institution
- or run research projects aligned with education
- for an organisation that is running a joint project/initiative with education
- at a Consultancy working with Education/Academia
- for a scale up/start up that wrok with education
Maybe you are running a research project that looks to upskill people returning to the workforce after a break?
Maybe you are part of an initiative that introduces STEM to High School students.
In real terms, what might this look like? Below are some previous winning submissions:
- A research project that trials female-only tutorials in a first year programming subject in order to positively influence engagement and participation of female students in Computer Science.
- A social innovation that showcases the talents of people with Autism.
- An outreach program that introduces STEM to school age students.
4. Campaign of the Year
Previously called the ‘Media, Marketing and Advertising’, this is the category for you if you work for any organisation and have been involved in creating and/or developing a campaign to support a DE+I initiative, product or solution.
Maybe you have created a social media campaign to create awareness of your initiative.
Maybe you developed a fully inclusive advertising campaign, that was digitally accessible and used real people reflecting society.
Maybe you made posters to support a significant inclusive day for internal promotion.
In real terms, what might this look like? Below are some previous winning submissions:
- A campaign that would encourage and inspire the Australian LGBTI community to bring their authentic selves to work each and every day.
- A campaign to promote a ‘Return to Work Program’ to help people (particularly women) who have taken a career break of two or more years, often to care for children, transition back to the workforce.
- Creation of a quarterly digital publication dedicated to empowering women of colour in STEM in Australia.
5. Tech for Good
This is the category for you if you work for any organisation that uses technology for good to create a product or solution AND addresses, includes, or benefits DE+I.
The Tech for Good category houses four categories:
- Social Impact – addressing societal challenges – helping society flourish and organisations succeed.
- Examples: Education | Utilities | Poverty & Homelessness | Healthcare | Unemployment | Gender Inequality | Property Prices | Human Rights
- Environmental Sustainability – interacting with the planet responsibly – conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.
- Examples: Climate Change | Recycling | Conservation | Eco-friendly Packaging | Reducing Emissions | Clean Water | Reforestation
- Accessibility & Inclusivity – building a more inclusive and accessible world.
- Examples: Assistive Technology | Language-based Services | Minimising Inaccessibility | LGBTQ+ | Race & Ethnicity | Free / Low-Cost Tech
- Health & Wellbeing – helping individuals and organisations create a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
- Examples: Fitness & Recreation | Mental Health Services | Physical Health Tech | Harm Minimisation | Sport | Community Engagement
What might this actually look like?
- A data-analysis platform that provides insight into cultural and demographic diversity within an organisation.
- An app that’s assists visually impaired people to lead more independent lives.
- An app that facilitates the discounted sale of end-of-day food
Explore previous awards & celebrations
Highlights of the 2023 TechDiversity Awards
”So many inspirational stories and speakers. It was a fantastic evening. I still find myself reflecting back on the phenomenal evening filled with so many inspirational people, stories and speakers that are making real change for so many. It has supercharged me too to expand my thinking and be a catalyst for change.”
Nerine Erasmus, Delivery Manager at REA Group
6 Reasons to attend
-
-
Help people find work in tech workforces and be part of a welcome diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
-
Be inspired to make a difference in their own organisation.
-
Access a network of peers and experts in the field of DE+I.
-
Gain actionable insight to move forward with their own initiatives.
-
Bring teams to reenergise their own DE+I initiatives and celebrate outcomes. for other organisations.
-
Outwardly demonstrate commitment to DE+I.
-
Explore Our Sponsors
Discover our previous sponsors who have joined us in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the TechDiversity Awards. By aligning with us, you’ll be in exceptional company alongside organisations that share the vision of fostering a more inclusive and innovative tech industry.
Navigating the path towards impactful change has never been clearer. The TechDiversity Awards in 2024 are fueled by six compelling impact statements that serve as beacons of purpose, guiding your journey to alignment and contribution. Whether you are dedicated to cultivating talent, celebrating innovation, fostering competitiveness, building futures, bridging skills gaps, or driving innovation and success – these impact statements are your roadmap to making a meaningful impact.
Thank you to our TechDiversity Awards sponsors and partners.
Become a 2024 TechDiversity Awards Sponsor, reach out to discuss your return on investment.
Click the above image to see the Sponsor Page.
2023 TechDiversity Awards Winners
Blaze Your Trail – A Technology Social Enterprise, Business Category Winner
Generation Australia, Education Category Winner
MAGNIFY – Women of Colour in STEM Magazine, Marketing, Media and Advertising Category Winner
Diversity and Inclusion at Greater Western Water, Government Category Winner
Liquid Interactive and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, TechDiversity Awards Champion
About the TechDiversity Foundation
TechDiversity is a social enterprise committed to amplifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE+I) and achieving a culture of belonging, through conversation, education, collaboration and action for people who work in technology.
We will only survive, grow and thrive when we diversify our workforce.
Ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to yield higher revenue, while gender diverse companies are 15% more likely to yield higher revenue. Source: McKinsey & Company
Our collective and continuous action towards diversity, equity & inclusion creates big impact. With a focus on strengthening frameworks to increase the participation of all diverse groups within a tech workforce including:
- Cultural diversity
- Racial diversity
- Religious diversity
- Age diversity
- Sex / Gender diversity
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
McKinsey & Company makes it clear: “there is a linear relationship between racial and ethnic diversity and better financial performance: for every 10 percent increase in racial and ethnic diversity on the senior-executive team, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rise 0.8 percent.”
We are here to show the world that tech workforces with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE+I) brings more growth, innovation and joy.
Want to align your brand to TechDiversity?
“I can tell you, without diversity, creativity remains stagnant.”
Edward Enninful (Editor in Chief of British Vogue)
TechDiversity Awards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DO NOT DELETE
Who can nominate?
Absolutely anyone.
Can I self-nominate?
Of course, we encourage it. Back yourself and be proud of your achievement.
What are the Award Categories?
- Business
- Government
- Education
- Campaign of the Year
- Previously called as Marketing, Media and Advertising
- Tech For Good
-
- The Tech for Good category houses four categories:
- Social Impact – addressing societal challenges – helping society flourish and organisations succeed.
- Environmental Sustainability – interacting with the planet responsibly – conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.
- Accessibility & Inclusivity – building a more inclusive and accessible world.
- Health & Wellbeing – helping individuals and organisations create a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
- The Tech for Good category houses four categories:
-
Is the Awards open for Australian companies only?
Nominating a company or organisation doesn’t necessarily have to be an Australian company/organisation. Ideally, it must have some link to Australia i.e., an office or branch office that is based in Australia, beneficiaries of the program include an Australian community, etc.
What are the questions in the nomination process?
For the Categories Business | Government | Education, they are as follows:
- Nominator/Nominee name and contact details
- Team – who worked on the project / initiative
- Please describe your project / initiative in 90 words – this will be made public
- How would you say diversity is embraced within your organisation or sector?
- Detail the approach that was taken to implement the project or initiative, what actions were taken and why?
- What were the challenges/hurdles faced when implementing or extending the initiative?
- Demonstrate the leadership shown in driving the initiative and fostering behavioural and organisational change?
- Detail the follow up or response to the project or initiative by the organisation/industry / sector. For example, has it been extended for a further year, or has the scope been expanded?
- What metrics do you have to support the impact of the project / initiative?
- What do you consider your significant achievement with this project / initiative and why?
- What business value and efficiencies did the diversity initiative have on the organisation’s bottom line?
- Please provide a short reference from a leader not directly involved in the project / initiative to summarise the impact of your project / initiative
- Any attachment to support your submission (limit of 5MB / upload)
For the Tech for Good Category, they are as follows:
- Nominator/Nominee name and contact details
- Please describe your initiative in 90 words – this will be made public
- Define the problem you are aiming to address?
- Describe the product/service/initiative being nominated and how it addresses that problem?
- Describe the team who developed this product/service/initiative.
- What were their roles and contributions to the project?
- What was the approach to the development of this product/service/initiative?
- What is the positive benefit or impact sustained from this product/service/initiative? Please provide quantitative and qualitative data to back up your answer.
- What is the commercial model of the product/service/initiative, and explain how sustainable that commercial model is?
- What are the future goals for this product/service/initiative?
- How does this product/service/initiative impact DE+1?
- Please provide a short reference from a leader not directly involved in the project / initiative to summarise the impact of your project / initiative
- Any attachment to support your submission (limit of 5MB / upload)
For the Campaign of the Year
- Nominator/Nominee name and contact details
- Team – who worked on the campaign
- Please describe your campaign in 90 words – this will be made public
- How would you say diversity is embraced within your organisation or sector?
- Detail the approach that was taken to implement the campaign, what actions were taken and why?
- Were there any challenges/hurdles faced when implementing the campaign?
- Demonstrate the leadership shown in driving the initiative and fostering behavioural and organisational change?
- What was the intended impact expected from the campaign?
- How did your campaign include DE+I / accessibility / inclusivity?
- Detail the follow-up or response to the campaign. For example, has it been extended, or has the scope been expanded?
- What metrics do you have to support the impact of the campaign?
- What do you consider your significant achievement with this campaign and why?
- What business value and efficiencies did the diversity initiative have on the organisation’s bottom line?
- Please provide a short reference from a leader not directly involved with the campaign to summarise the impact of your project / initiative
- Any attachment to support your submission (limit of 5MB / upload)
What are the criteria that submissions will be judged on?
Nominations will be assessed against the following criteria that align with the values of the #TechDiversity Foundation:
Business/Government/Education
Scoring Criteria (scale of 0 – 5 with 5 being the highest)
- Initiative/s (The unique qualities and innovativeness of the nominated initiative)
- Courage (The courage shown in initiating or running the initiative)
- Commitment (The commitment shown in driving the initiative)
- Actions to overcome resistance (How well did the initiative overcome resistance/challenges/hurdles faced when implementing or extending the initiative. Where there has been no resistance consider if this is as a result of how well the initiative was implemented, the timing of the initiative or leadership demonstrated)
- Leadership (The leadership demonstrated in driving the initiative)
- Follow up / response (What was the response to the initiative by the wider organisation / target group? And the follow up, if any, of those responsible for the initiative to progress it further or expand it?)
- Metrics (how the metrics captured support the impact of the initiative)
- Behavioural Change (Did the initiative lead to a behavioural change)
- Overall Impact (what impact did the initiative make toward fostering DE+I)
Campaign of the Year
Scoring Criteria (scale of 0 – 5 with 5 being the highest)
- Initiative/s (The unique qualities and innovativeness of the nominated campaign)
- Courage (The courage shown in initiating or running the campaign)
- Commitment (The commitment shown in driving the campaign)
- Actions to overcome resistance How well did the campaign overcome resistance/challenges/hurdles faced when implementing the campaign (Where there has been no resistance consider if this is a result of how well the campaign was implemented, the timing of the campaign or leadership demonstrated)
- Leadership (The leadership demonstrated in driving the campaign)
- Focus on DE+I (how well did the campaign highlight / focus on DE+I)
- Follow up / response (What was the response to the campaign by the wider organisation / target group? And the follow up, if any, of those responsible for the campaign to progress further or expand it?)
- Metrics (how the metrics captured support the impact of the campaign)
- Behavioural Change (Did the campaign lead to a behavioural change)
- Overall Impact (what impact did the campaign make toward fostering DE+I)
Tech for Good
Scoring Criteria (scale of 0 – 5 with 5 being the highest)
- Product / Service / Initiative (Does the Product / Service / Initiative address the problem described)
- Diversity(is it a diverse team that developed the product/service/initiative)
- Approach (the approach taken to develop the product/service/initiative)
- Commitment (The commitment shown in driving the initiative)
- Impact (The positive impact this product/service/initiative created for its target audience)
- Sustainability (How sustainable / commercially viable is this Product / Service / Initiative?
- Leadership (The leadership demonstrated in driving the Product / Service / Initiative)
- Overall Impact (what impact did the product/service/initiative make toward fostering DE+I)
Can we make more than one nomination?
Absolutely! We want to hear about ALL the great work being done.
What does it cost to nominate?
Nothing. The cost to make a nomination entry is covered by the sponsorship from our supporters. We purposely want to keep it free, to encourage as many nominations as possible. We want to hear about all the amazing initiatives that are making a contribution for a more diverse and inclusive world.
What do I win?
A TechDiversity Award, lots of free publicity, a summary on our website, but most importantly, the ability to showcase your initiative and inspire other organisations to follow your lead in making diversity, inclusion and belonging a high priority. Your nomination could make a world of difference.
Who will see my submission?
First it will be our judges. However, we also want to shine a light in ALL the initiatives, so we will create a case study that can be used to support other organisations looking for inspiration to start/continue their D&I journey/targets. So hopefully lots of lots of other people will see your submission.
I don’t have an initiative ready to nominate at the moment, how else can I get involved?
- Help spread awareness of the Awards via your social media channel.
- Contact any colleagues, friends, or family members who do have an initiative and encourage them to nominate
- Sign up to our community HERE (if not done so already), to be kept up to date with the latest information and awards updates
- Buy a ticket to attend the Gala dinner. The ticket portal will be available soon.
- Buy a table and involve the whole team. The ticket portal will be available soon.
- Can’t attend in person? This year the awards will also be live-streamed. The ticket portal will be available soon.
- Align your brand to the TechDiversity Awards and consider a sponsorship package. They range from $5k up to $20K. Contact stacey@bestcasescenario.com.au to find out more
- For more general information, please go to the TechDiversity Awards page.
How long does it take to complete the nomination form?
Like all things that are worthwhile doing, it takes a little effort. We estimate approximately 2-3 hours. HOWEVER, you can save and edit, restart, continue and enter information at your own leisure until you feel it is ready to submit.
Can I see previous submissions?
Sure can. Click here: PREVIOUS AWARDS
Can I amend my submission?
You can save your submission as many times as required and come back at your own convenience before hitting the final submit button. Once you have submitted your nomination, no further changes are permitted.
I cannot attend the gala dinner in person, will it be live-streamed?
Yes. We will be livestreaming the awards. You can purchase individual virtual tickets or team tickets. Team ticket purchases include a hamper with drinks and nibbles (suitable for 8 persons). Ticket portal will be available soon.
Is my submission confidential?
All submissions are published on the awards site to shine a light on initiatives / projects to inspire others to replicate. The nominee’s organisation name and the summary of the nomination will be shared on the awards website. Nominees can opt out to have personal and contact information published.
Will I receive feedback?
While not guaranteed, some judges may provide feedback on given on submissions.
How do I get started?
Gather the information you need (questions asked are listed above) and head to the awards portal HERE, create a username and away you go.
When are the finalists announced?
The merit and award winners are announced at our gala dinner. We do not announce shortlisted nominations prior the awards night.
I am having issues with entering my submission or need more information. Who can I contact?
Please contact theresa@bestcasescenario.com.au
How big does the initiative / project need to be?
Size doesn’t matter, we accept small to large scale initiatives/projects. What matters is the positive impact of the initiative / project on people and tech workforces.
How old does the initiative / project have to be?
We are seeking new AND established initiatives (greater than 2 years old). So even if your initiative is less than 12 months old, we want to hear about it and the impact it has had. The judges are also looking for innovation around the initiative itself and many new initiatives may meet this criterion!
Even after reading through this extensive FAQ, I’m still unsure about my nomination. Now what?
Please email your question to theresa@bestcasescenario.com.au
Let’s hear from you
We love hearing from our community and what topics YOU think are important.