The NAWIC Diversity & Inclusion Portfolio exists to break down barriers, create opportunities, and raise awareness for the least represented in our community—and for those who don't always feel part of the 'everybody.' As part of platforming, listening to understand, and advocating for these voices, we intend to share the stories, achievements, challenges, and insights of those who don’t typically put themselves in the spotlight—and should!
Come and sit on the NAWIC Couch with us as our host, Rachael Sharp (she/her), chats with Luisa Panuccio (she/her), a civil and architectural engineer and senior project manager based in Melbourne. Luisa is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, using her platform to highlight the barriers women face in the industry and inspire change.
From her early days in university, where she was one of only a handful of women in lecture halls filled with men, to becoming the only woman on-site in her early career, Luisa has navigated a career shaped by resilience, representation, and advocacy. She shares her experiences growing up in an Italian-Australian household, how her grandfather's encouragement fueled her passion for engineering, and how her mother's relentless work ethic shaped her drive for success.
Luisa also reflects on the power of social media as a tool for change, balancing her engineering career with a strong online presence, and the internal conflict of speaking up while protecting her professional future.
Luisa believes in creating space for women in STEM—not just by being present, but by ensuring the next generation feels seen, supported, and encouraged to take up space in industries that have traditionally excluded them.
You can follow both Luisa and Rachael on their LinkedIn Profiles:
Luisa Panuccio – LinkedIn
Rachael Sharp – LinkedIn
You can find out more about the incredible work NAWIC and the Diversity & Inclusion Portfolio do by following us on our social media platforms and listening to The Leaky Pipeline Podcast.
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🌏 Website | www.nawic.com.au
📧 Email | communications@nawic.com.au
We Advocate for Change,
We Educate and Empower,
We Connect,
We are NAWIC.
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