At 4Tel and 4AI Systems, we are passionate about empowering females working in STEM. Women currently represent 15% of people working in STEM jobs and we are proudly driving female representation in the industry through career mentorship and employment opportunities.
We asked just some of 4Tel’s talented women to share their career stories in celebration of International Women’s Day.
Joanne Wust
Group CEO, 4Tel & 4AI Systems
Tell us about your career path
During my 10 years at 4Tel, I’ve been fortunate to start as the Marketing Executive which laid a great foundation for my time in executive positions. I hold various qualifications in the Business fields including Public Relations, Company Director, International Relations, and am very close to finishing my Master of Business Administration.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
Creating employment opportunities. HR is easily the hardest part of my role but when the right person fits into a much-needed role, or we can grow people into new roles, it makes such a difference for the team. It is daunting to be responsible for so many livelihoods but equally a privilege.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
Don’t limit yourself to thinking you need STEM only skills. Companies in this field need all talents including business administration skills. The one thing I have particularly enjoyed is the culture of being around people with problem solving mindsets, they often focus on the job and not the politics and so it creates a nice working environment.
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder of Bumble. There is a photo of her negotiating a $10M deal while heavily pregnant that her husband posted on LinkedIn. At the time I was freshly pregnant and struggling with what it meant for my career – could I do both well? I admire that Whitney created this idea and became one of the youngest self–made billionaires.
Anita Sugo
Senior Data Scientist, 4AI Systems
Tell us about your career path
I graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics with a major in Pure Mathematics with Distinction and Bachelor of Computer Science with Honours Class I. During my Honours year I worked on my project under the guidance of 4Tel staff. I also attended the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute Summer School where I met students and lecturers from across Australia and studied many different areas of mathematics. I was a member of The University of Newcastle’s NUbots team and I participated at the international RoboCup competition in China in 2015 and Sydney in 2019.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
Since graduating, I have worked for five years as a Data Scientist where I write algorithms to derive important features from sensor data. I enjoyed studying mathematics at university and working at 4Tel has given me the opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world setting as part of an interdisciplinary team. Seeing the results of our collaboration operating within the transport network has been rewarding.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
My advice for women, or anyone, entering STEM is to always look for opportunities to acquire knowledge and experience from other fields, alongside your main area of study, to enhance your learning. You never know where these paths might take you and what interesting opportunities may arise.
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
I am inspired by Emmy Noether because she was the first female mathematician whose work was discussed in our lectures. At the time I found this significant and continue to be awed by her determination and achievements.
Alana Noonan
Software Engineer & R&D Coordinator, 4Tel
Tell us about your career path
I completed a Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Newcastle in 2023. During this time, I was a member of NUbots, the university’s robotics research group for developing autonomous humanoid soccer-playing robots. I have been working at 4Tel since then as a Graduate Software Engineer and R&D Coordinator.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
Taking my passion for developing software and getting to apply it to such an interesting and important field. I often use trains and other modes of public transit in my day-to-day life, and so getting to work on, and assist with, projects that are helping to improve the efficiency and functionality of rail and transport systems has been incredibly fulfilling.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
Don’t be afraid to explore new topics and try out working on personal projects. This is a great way to learn the aspects of software/computing you are most interested in, and build confidence and gain skills in new areas. It’s also a great way to keep up to date with current technologies and methodologies, as new ones emerge frequently. Seek out opportunities to connect with others in STEM related fields. There are numerous meetups and events in our local area that are great for finding likeminded people.
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
Margaret Hamilton, a computer scientist who led the development of NASA’s flight software for the Apollo program. She was fundamental in coining the term and popularising Software Engineering. The way she led her team to develop the software for such monumental systems that helped the first astronauts safely land on the Moon, especially considering the processing and memory limitations of the time. I remember seeing the famous photo of her standing next to her team’s code that is almost taller than her and being so incredibly amazed at what she was able to accomplish.
Jill Weaver
Operations Manager, 4AI Systems
Tell us about your career path
Hard to believe, but I’m coming up on 20 years in the railway sector. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats — from logistics and operations coordination to scheduling, planning, commercial administration, and project management. It’s been quite the journey, and I’ve loved every challenge along the way!
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
It might sound cliché but I genuinely love my job! The team vibe we’ve built, the exciting projects we’re delivering, and watching 4Tel grow and compete on an international level is incredibly rewarding. When people ask what I do, I proudly tell them I work with some of the smartest people you’ll ever meet. I also love that our office looks like a scene from The Big Bang Theory, with whiteboards full of equations covering most of the walls.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
Go for it — 100%. I didn’t start in STEM but making the transition has been one of the best career moves I’ve made. It’s such a dynamic, innovative, and yes, wonderfully quirky environment—which suits me perfectly!
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
Honestly, any working mum at the top of her game is my inspiration! Parenthood is a whirlwind, and seeing women excel in both their careers and home life is something I truly admire and look up to.
Anuska Neupane
Data Technician, 4AI Systems
Tell us about your career path
I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology with a major in Business Analysis. My professional journey has included roles as a Business Analyst, Recruiter, and now a Data Technician at 4Tel.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
Being an international student, securing a role at 4Tel has been an incredible opportunity, especially given the challenges around visa restrictions. The support from an amazing team, the encouragement from mentors, and the chance to continuously learn and enhance my skills make this experience truly rewarding.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
Believe in yourself. You belong in this space, and your perspective is valuable. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take up space!
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
My mother. She may not be a leader in the traditional sense but to me she is the strongest, most inspiring woman I know. Her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering support have shaped who I am today, and I carry her lessons with me every step of the way.
Jenny Haidle
Software Engineer, 4Tel
Tell us about your career path
I have worked at 4Tel for four years and have worked in the industry for seven years as a software developer at University of Newcastle then Macquarie University. I was a nurse until my mid-forties before I entered the tech industry and studied a Bachelor of Information Technology with Major in Software.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
Writing code! It’s the same feeling I get when I do a jigsaw puzzle, and time flies when I’m doing it.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
Let’s not sugar coat it – women are poorly represented in Software Engineering and can face sexism. My best advice is to join an organisation that empowers women in the tech industry. Learn to identify what sexism may look like in the workplace – often it is not immediately obvious. Knowledge is power and knowing what it looks like will help you deal with it, move on and thrive. Having the support of other women is amazing when you work in a male dominated industry.
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
Adriana Gascoigne, the creator of Girls In Tech, which is now Her Tech Circle in Australia.
Selina Qu
Senior Finance Officer, 4Tel & 4AI Systems
Tell us about your career path
I have over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance and am an associate member of CPA Australia, currently working through the CPA Program. I also hold Bachelor of Education in Science and MPhil in Engineering, which may not directly relate to finance, yet it helps me better understand the various projects in an engineering firm.
What’s the most rewarding thing about your role at 4Tel?
The most rewarding part of my role at 4Tel has been growing my finance skills while solving challenges and improving processes. It’s super satisfying to make things run smoother and more efficiently. I really enjoy working with different teams, learning from them, and helping the company make better financial decisions.
What’s your best advice to women considering a career in STEM?
If you have a passion for STEM, go for it! Don’t be afraid to take the leap, even if you’re unsure where it will lead. The problem-solving skills and logical thinking you develop in STEM will benefit you no matter where your career takes you—even if you switch to a different industry later on. That’s something I’ve personally experienced, and it’s been invaluable.
Who is a female leader that inspires you?
I deeply admire women who stay true to themselves and follow their own path. Those who have the courage to pursue their passions, make their own choices, and stand by their values inspire me the most.