Women leading the way in ICT at CQUniversity

Friday, 24 April – International Girls in ICT Day

In the lead up to International Girls in ICT Day, CQUniversity is celebrating the women shaping the future of technology — challenging stereotypes, expanding access and showing girls that there is no single pathway into ICT.

For Katrina Johnston, Associate Lecturer and Discipline Coordinator – Computing in the School of Access Education, visibility and access have been life changing. Leaving school at 15, university once felt out of reach. That changed when CQUniversity established a presence in Bundaberg, making higher education feel possible. At 30, Katrina returned to study through the STEPS enabling program while raising young children, later completing multiple ICT qualifications and building a 13 year career at CQUniversity.

Today, she teaches computing within STEPS and supports students across all levels, with a strong focus on confidence, belonging and digital literacy. Reflecting on her journey, Katrina said, “ICT, at its best, is not just about technology — it’s about people, possibility and transformation.”

Associate Professor Meena Jha has built her career at the intersection of ICT, education and leadership. Teaching across all levels and leading innovation as Head of the Technology and Pedagogy cluster, Meena is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that support student success.

“My role is about teaching, research and leadership,” Meena said. “But at its core, it’s about supporting people and creating inclusive learning environments where students can succeed.”

She believes representation is critical to encouraging girls into technology. “Representation shapes confidence,” Meena said. “When girls see women working and leading in tech, it challenges stereotypes and shows them that they too can thrive.” Meena also highlights the importance of diverse voices in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to ensure ethical and inclusive outcomes.

For Mikaela Maskell, Analyst/Developer in Digital Services, ICT felt like a natural fit. “I’ve had my hands on a keyboard since I was five years old,” Mikaela said. Now working across complex systems and major projects, she values problem solving skills and mindset over following a traditional pathway into the field.

“I didn’t get that early head start,” she said. “But it showed me that you don’t need to start young — you just need curiosity and opportunity.”

Looking to the future of technology is Stephanie de Hoog, Senior Systems Engineer and newly appointed Project Manager for Generative AI. With 17 years at CQUniversity, Stephanie is focused on the responsible adoption of AI in higher education.

“I’m genuinely excited by the potential GenAI has,” Stephanie said, “but it’s just as important to keep pedagogy and people at the centre.”

Together, these women demonstrate that ICT is diverse, creative and people focused — and that girls belong at every level of technology.