The first quarter of 2025 marked a significant milestone in UNIQ You’s growth journey. As UNIQ You expands, so too have our team, partnerships, Advisor Library, and school memberships.
- In February, we welcomed Rebecca Jeffrey to the team as our first Western Australia-based employee. Rebecca joins us as National Program Manager.
- We are also pleased to announce and welcome our newest industry partner, Construction Skills Queensland, who joined us in April.
- Our Advisor Library has grown by 24 new advisors this year, with another 32 currently being onboarded.
- 14 new schools accessed our service in Term 1.
Some of the key milestones from Q1 are highlighted in more detail in the sections below:
- Record-Breaking Term 1 Results
- National Expansion – Northern Territory and Western Australia
- UNIQ You’s Reconciliation Action Plan
- Raising UNIQ You’s Voice
Record-Breaking Term 1 Results
The impact UNIQ You made in the first few months of 2025 is a testament to the collective effort of the UNIQ You team, industry partners, schools, and—most importantly—the incredible women and students engaging in career-shaping conversations.
National Expansion
One of the most exciting milestones this quarter has been expanding our reach into Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
In March, I visited both WA and NT, officially launching UNIQ You in Darwin and meeting with key representatives from the education sector in both regions to discuss the potential for a strategic, state- and territory-wide rollout.
I also had the privilege of sitting in on UNIQ You’s very first sessions in each location — a significant moment for our team and mission.
NT Launch
On 1 April, supported by our valued Major Partner BMD Group, UNIQ You proudly launched into Northern Territory. This marked a major milestone for BMD, UNIQ You and young women across the Northern Territory. The event, attended by over 80 guests, brought together leaders from education, industry, and government to celebrate the expansion of UNIQ You into the Top End.
I emphasised the critical need to open more opportunities for young women to explore careers in industries like construction, where female representation remains low. BMD’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects the power of partnerships in driving real change, and we are thrilled to continue to work alongside them to create new pathways for the next generation. With more than 100 Advisors from 17 corporate partners nationwide, UNIQ You is now proudly collaborating with Northern Territory schools and employers to empower young women, break down barriers, and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the future.
First WA & NT Sessions
WA’s first session was at St Mark’s Anglican Community School on 12 March with Angela Gu – UNIQ You a Specialist Productivity Analyst from Rio Tinto, in a small group conversation with 6 year 11 biology students.
“Launching at St Mark’s Anglican Community School was a powerful moment in our journey to extend our reach and impact. It’s inspiring to see passionate WA educators embrace the service and champion student career exposure—and just as exciting to witness that spark in students as they explore new career paths and ask their burning questions.”
NT’s first session was at O’Loughlin Catholic College on 31 March. The advisors were Trang Pham and Demi Pye, Trang is a Civil Engineer at Aurecon and Demi is a Health, Safety and Environment Manager at Hutchinson Builders. Kerryn Byrom, UNIQ You’s Operations Manager, visited O’Loughlin Catholic College during their first week with our service. She met with staff, observed a session, and witnessed the powerful impact Trang and Demi had on the students. The school’s enthusiasm for the program was clear, and we are excited to continue building a strong partnership with them.
Raising Our Voice
With our rapid growth, impact and momentum, a critical component of our growth strategy is to increase our visibility and connection with our service and story. The past few months have been packed full of these opportunities.
Impact Report Launch
In March, despite Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s attempt to dampen celebrations, although a little later we proudly launched our 2024 Impact Report and Video alongside our industry and education partners at an event held at ‘The Pit’ in Rio Tinto’s Brisbane office.
Attended by 47 guests, the event celebrated the incredible progress made throughout 2024. The impact data and stories shared in the report are a powerful testament to what is possible when industry leaders step up and invest in the next generation.
We were honoured to hear from Assistant Minister to the Deputy Premier, Rebecca Young, who shared her inspiring personal journey of resilience and determination, reinforcing the importance of the work we do in opening up new career possibilities for young women.
Our Chair, Jacqui Walters, spoke about the vital role UNIQ You plays in shaping the futures of young women and acknowledged the outstanding community of support that makes our work possible.
One of the highlights for me was sharing the news that in 2024, we doubled our impact. This kind of exponential growth is a testament to the incredible efforts of our team, partners, and Advisors.
I’m grateful to everyone who continues to be part of this journey, and to Rio Tinto for providing the perfect setting for such a meaningful celebration.
If you haven’t seen the video or read the report yet, I encourage you to take a look—it’s a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
View our 2024 Impact Report and video here.
International Women’s Day
During the month-long celebration of International Women’s Day, UNIQ You was honoured to present at several key events.
I joined the Women in Economics Network event alongside Demi Pye (UNIQ You Advisor from Hutchinson Builders), the Women in Energy Network breakfast hosted by Michelle Holmes from Iberdrola, and were scheduled to present at the Port of Brisbane’s event, which was unfortunately cancelled due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
It was an absolute pleasure to attend and present at these events — each one offered new knowledge, valuable connections, and fresh ideas to take forward.
Read our International Women’s Day blog post here
Locate 25 Geospatial International Conference
In April, I was invited by the Geospatial Council of Australia to present at the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) | Locate 25 Geospatial International Conference.
It was a pleasure to present alongside Paul Mead from SheMaps and others during a workforce session, where we highlighted the workforce gap in the geospatial and surveying sectors and contributed to a global conversation on innovation in workforce attraction strategies and practices — including UNIQ You’s approach and the celebration of our geospatial Advisors’ contribution: Jennah Williams, Jacinta Burns, Mary-Ellen Feeney, Madeleine Seehaber and Maxine Price.
Val Ridley
CEO, UNIQ You
