Let's talk robotics with Ruth "Rocketwoman" Harrison

Eps 17: Joining me in today’s episode of “Let’s talk robotics” is Ruth Rocketwoman Harrison! Ruth is on a mission to helping technology businesses become more diverse through “Mature Age STEM Internships”! Ruth works with engineering companies to create opportunities and increase diversity by leveraging the experience of mature age candidates through internships and training opportunities. She is a change management agent and believes diversity in Engineering matters, diversity in STEM matters and most of all, people matter!

Ruth says “To truly create change we must look at the problem from all angles, not just the easy ones. We need everyone to understand what engineers do, how they do it and why it is important. But we must also create an environment where everyone's ideas are heard and validated not just the ideas of the few.”

"Merit is defined by the people in charge" "Culture is what exists when people don't understand what makes everyone different."

Ruth can be contacted on 0400149787 or email info@rocketwoman.com.au!

Today we covered of the following!

1. You have a degree in Aerospace Engineering but didn’t actually work in this field for a while– tell us about your journey?

2. You have just completed a Graduate Certificate, Space Operations at the University of NSW – what motivated you to do this? It sounds daunting, was it easy to go back and study?

3. You have a passion for diversity and equality - you have just gone out on your own and now work with engineering companies to create opportunities and increase diversity by leveraging the experience of mature age candidates through internships and training opportunities – tell about this and how can companies come onboard with this initiative? What’s your advice to women wanting to enter the workforce later in life after caring for children?

4. Talk to me about STEM for women in Australia, what are the stats around this and how can we improve? This of course touches on all professions such as robotics.

5. You are treasurer for the Diversity Practitioners Association – what does this organisation do?

6. Do you have a mentor? Do you think it’s important to have one?

7. On a lighter note, you are president of the Redlands Dog obedience club – what sort of dog do you have?