Interview by Janelle Dixon Edited by the Robogals APAC Marketing Team Robogals is composed of bright young individuals who work towards Robogals’ Mission to inspire, engage and empower young women into engineering and related fields. One of which is Theresa Needham who was given the Legend of Robogals award during the APAC Seminar Inducting New Executives (SINE) 2024 held last July 13-14, 2024 in University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. The Legend or Robogals award is given to exceptional individuals for their exceptional work within the Robogals community and for having positively contributed to the mission and vision of Robogals. And in this feature, we will be sharing our wonderful interview with our new Legend of Robogals awardee, Theresa! *** Janelle Dixon: Congratulations on your nomination as a Legend of Robogals this year! How did you feel when you found out you had won? Theresa Needham: I was thrilled and honoured when I found out I had won the Legend of Robogals award. It was a wonderful surprise, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. This recognition means a lot to me and reflects the collective effort of everyone involved in Robogals. Janelle: What does it mean to you to be part of Robogals? Theresa: Being part of Robogals is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s about contributing to a cause that I am deeply passionate about— encouraging and inspiring young girls to explore STEM fields. Robogals has provided me with the opportunity to make a tangible difference, whether it’s through developing new workshops, training volunteers, or leading initiatives that help expand our reach. It’s fulfilling to be part of an organisation that aligns with my values and allows me to grow while giving back. Janelle: Tell us a bit more about your journey to the award, how you got here, and what contribution you’ve made that is most meaningful to you? Theresa: My journey to this award has been shaped by my deep commitment to Robogals and the incredible opportunities I’ve had to make a difference. I started as a general committee member where I quickly became passionate about our mission to inspire young girls in STEM. This passion led me to take on leadership roles, including Training Manager and eventually President. Throughout this journey, I’ve focused on creating and expanding programs that have a lasting impact. One of the contributions I’m most proud of is facilitating the creation of our Python workshop, which has been instrumental in reaching new audiences and inspiring more girls to pursue interests in STEM. This workshop, along with the events and training sessions I’ve led, has allowed us to engage with a broader community and reinforce our commitment to empowering the next generation of female STEM leaders. Janelle: Do you have a favourite Robogals memory? Theresa: One of my favourite memories was during our rural trip to Kalgoorlie. It was a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience. The impact we made in the rural communities was profound. Many of the kids we engaged with had never been exposed to STEM activities like this before, and seeing their excitement and curiosity was incredibly fulfilling. The trip also strengthened the bond within our team as we worked together to deliver these workshops under unique and sometimes difficult conditions. It’s a memory that constantly reminds me of the importance of our work and the difference it can make in the lives of young girls, no matter where they are. Janelle: What are your plans or goals for 2024? Theresa: In 2024, I’m focused on continuing my work with Robogals while also advancing in my studies and career. I aim to lead more initiatives that can expand our reach and impact. On a personal level, I’m looking forward to starting my honours next year, and exploring opportunities in data science and technology, where I hope to merge my passion for STEM education with my career. Janelle: Is there anything else you’d like to share? Theresa: I’d just like to express my deep gratitude to everyone in Robogals Perth and the APAC team who has supported and inspired me along the way. This award is as much a reflection of their dedication as it is of mine. I’m excited to see where the future takes us and how we can continue to grow and make a difference together.