tHe's two days a year Women and Leadership in Engineering, Infrastructure, Innovation Conferences Hosted by Pinpoint Stewards, the company will return to its fourth year on March 12th and 13th in Johannesburg with the aim of developing, uniting and empowering more women in these sectors.
“The Ministry of Basic Education reports that few students attempt important subjects related to the STEM field, and this could affect SA's economic growth. Combined with the disastrous statistics that only 13% of STEM graduates in South Africa are women, it is clear that change is necessary and fast,” says Sudhira Sewsunker, a women-owned conference company that aims to enhance women and impacts in SA's business growth forecasts.
The keynote speech for the conference will be given by Tertus Simas, Regional Minister of Infrastructure in Western Cape. He partnered with the conference to support current opportunities with women available within the infrastructure. Also adding his voice to the speaker's platform is Vishaal Lutchman, MD, Transport and Greater Africa from Zutari.
Some of the speakers this year are:
Dr. Gugu Moche, Group Executive: Digital Transformation and Acting DCEO – Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Progress (RIISA), National Research Foundationwho deal with unconscious bias in the workplace that influences women's career trajectories and leadership opportunities. Dr. Mosh's admiration includes taking on academic management positions locally and internationally before joining the NRF. She holds a PhD in Pure Mathematics from Howard University in Washington, DC, focuses on topology semi-groups and is a member of the SA Mathematics Association and the American Mathematics Association.
Some of the disciplines she served include lectures in the Faculty of Mathematics Science and Technology at the University of South Africa and in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Catholic University in Washington, DC.
Natasha Ramkirpal, Group Lead – Water Security Optimization, Coca-Cola Beverage Africafocus and use the power of women in diverse teams to create a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. Natasha is an experienced sustainability leader with a broad background in foresightful approaches and process engineering within the Beverage Manufacturing sector.
Over her over 15 years of practical industry experience, she combined strategic insight, technical capabilities and innovation management to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability efforts within her region and demonstrate her expertise in optimizing manufacturing processes.
She is extremely skilled in developing water safety strategies internationally and implementing advanced sustainability initiatives. She is currently leading the space for Cocabevaj Africa, navigating the challenges of water scarcity across 11 African countries. She may have a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Meng in Technology and Innovation Management, and BCOM in Management (focused on the supply chain). She holds a PhD in Technology and Innovation Management and has the ambition to focus on integrating academic research into pioneering progressive industry practices.
She is currently the Exco executive of the manufacturing circle by helping to promote sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector in South Africa.
Nosihle Dlamini, Senior Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing South Africatackle, looking at female leaders trying to become everyone to everyone, tackle fraud syndrome. Nosihle is a passionate, conscientious, and results-oriented leader with over 13 years of experience in manufacturing. She is currently VP of the Twims Alumni Board.
She was awarded the award as a 2023 Comprehensive Leadership and Positive Role Model Finalist, part of the 2023 KZN Top Cohort of Businesswomen, and leads as a 2024 Desmond and Riattus Foundation finalist and a 2024 Transunion Rising Star finalist.
Celeste Le Roux, Founder and CEO of React Groupdismantle your belief in your abilities and continue to develop confidence to make a significant contribution to your career. Among Celeste's achievements, she has received multiple ERWIC (Empowerment and Recognition of Women Under Construction) awards.
Monique Schmidt, Implementation Coordinator Engineering & Capex. , Abinbevby shining the spotlight and connecting with fellow female engineering innovators, mentors and allies, you will build a strong support network and gain ways to gain valuable guidance and encouragement through your career path. Monique is the first female implementation coordinator of the Abimbef African Zone. In 2024, one of Abinbev's major strategic priorities provided a 20% volume of 20%, helping to launch the Engineering In Engineering program.
Other speakers participating in the panel are: Letangsandra MastomaEngineer Highway, AECOM, Zandile PoolSNR Manager: Asset Optimization, Strategy, Systems Global, Gold Field and Nosihle DlaminiSenior Manager, Toyota Motor Manufactured South Africa.
Your support for Women and Leadership in Engineering, Infrastructure, Innovation Conferences Indirectly support young professionals. PINPINED stewards are attended by 20 graduate students each year and find opportunities for mentoring or job shadowing at two-day meetings.
The discount on priority registration will apply by the end of January or a table will be held to show support for women's empowerment.
Instruct all enquiries and identify the steward info@pinpointstewards.co.za To talk, support, exhibit, attend Follow us on LinkedIn.
