Westpac Scholars Trust has awarded 71 scholarships, valued at $1.1 million to undergraduate students around the country who are on a mission to drive positive change through their studies.
Elisha Cordero, from Gladstone, has just been awarded a Westpac Scholar’s Trust Young Technologist Scholarship. Elisha’s inspiration to pursue a Business and Information Technology degree ignited during high school. “I loved being able to stimulate my curiosity, and both Business and technology provided a platform for creative problem-solving,” Elisha says. She also mentions that her long-term inspiration was fuelled by a fervent desire to dismantle the gender gap, especially in STEM. “As a woman, I encountered firsthand the discouragement and limited opportunities prevalent in a field that is often perceived as ‘masculine’. Despite these challenges, I am determined to deconstruct these toxic stereotypes and level the playing field for all.”
Elisha is one of 35 high school graduates to receive a Young Technologists Scholarship this year. The scholarships are for students passionate about technology and eager to explore its potential for good at one of five partner universities. “I feel extremely honoured to be selected as a Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship recipient. Knowing that out of 801 applicants, I was one of 8 to be selected as a Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship from QUT (Queensland University of Technology).”
The scholarships are the latest to be announced as part of the Trust’s commitment to invest in 100 new scholarships a year, forever, in areas of innovation and technology, sustainability, strengthening ties with Asia and social change.
Growing up in Gladstone, Elisha intimately witnessed the geographical barriers that accompany life living in a rural area. “One glaring issue is the difficulty in accessing essential healthcare services, particularly maternal healthcare. Hearing people from the community and their experiences has fuelled my determination to collaborate with major industry leaders to address this pressing issue using technology.” Drawing on her passion for IT, Elisha aspires to innovate on a global scale, leveraging technology to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare, not just in Gladstone but across Australia and beyond. “I am committed to unlocking a future filled with possibilities, where change, creativity, and innovation thrive. Giving back to my community is at the core of my mission, and I am determined to make a meaningful impact by leveraging technology to bridge these gaps.”
Elisha gives some great advice for aspiring young technologists, “ ‘If you cannot see change, then be the change’ This mantra has been my guiding principle on my journey as a young technologist passionate about making a positive impact on society through technology and innovation. In a world where progress can sometimes seem slow or elusive, I’ve realised the importance of taking initiative and leading by example.” Instead of waiting for others to make a difference, Elisha has embraced the responsibility to initiate change herself. “This mindset empowers me to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to innovate and create positive outcomes. Whether it’s addressing societal challenges or championing new ideas, I understand that real change begins with individual action.”