14 October 2015
Chemical engineer makes Women of Influence list
The Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence has been announced. Several female leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) made the list, a positive indication that gender equality in 'non-traditional' roles is improving. Working in tech start-ups through to global corporations, the announcement comes after research suggests just 28% of STEM jobs in Australia are occupied by women.
The list includes Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Fellow Kathy Hirschfeld in the Board/Management category. An IChemE member for 36 years, she became a Fellow in 2008.
Previously managing director for BP’s Bulwer Island refinery in Brisbane, Australia, Kathy’s current roles include non-executive directorships at three companies: Toxfree Solutions (waste management), Transfield Services (construction and logistics) and InterOil Corporation (oil and gas). These varied roles draw on core chemical engineering skills in the oil and gas industry, as well as her construction experience and 24 years service in the Australian Army Reserves as Major.
Hirschfeld was delighted to secure a place on the list, and said: “It is a great honour. It's so important for women leaders in STEM careers to show up as positive role models. I hope that being included in the 100 Women of Influence list will help encourage other women in engineering, science and 'non-traditional' careers. I continue to have an interesting, challenging and rewarding career, which uses all of my talents and experience.”
IChemE’s diversity champion, Dr Alana Collis said: “It is important that we improve the number of women in STEM globally. A vital part of this is recognising those who are in a position of influence; visible to others as leaders and role models. Kathy is a great example of successful, female chemical engineer."
The 100 Women of Influence were chosen for their significant contribution in their respective fields. Kathy joins Microsoft’s Pip Marlow and GE’s Mary Hackett in the Board/Management category. The most influential woman in each category and the overall winner will be announced tomorrow (15 October), at the awards ceremony in Sydney, Australia.
Related links
Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards 2015
Notes to media
For more information please contact:
Tara Wilson, PR and communication manager, IChemE
tel: +44 (0) 1788 534454
email: twilson@icheme.org
About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
About IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the global professional membership organisation for people with relevant experience or an interest in chemical engineering. With a growing global membership of over 42,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. IChemE is the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Engineer and Professional Process Safety Engineer status.
About Kathy Hirschfeld
Kathy Hirschfeld, FIChemE, is an experienced chemical engineer, non-executive director and senior executive. After graduating the University of Queensland with a degree in chemical engineering, she continued in the profession.
Kathy joined BP in 1990 where she spent 20 years in refining, as well as upstream and logistics - working in Australia, UK and Turkey. She was Refinery Manager of BP's Bulwer Island Refinery in Brisbane, Australia, and a member of the Executive Committee for BP Australasia. She was also a Director of the New Zealand Refining Company, an NZX 50 company. Kathy also belonged to the Australian Army Reserves for many years, serving part-time as Major.
Kathy is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of leaders and realises this as a member of a number of high profile boards and non-profit organisations. In 2015, she became the 9th woman to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Engineers Australia and was appointed as a non-executive director of InterOil Corporation. Further info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyhirschfeld
About Australian Financial Review's 100 Women of Influence Awards
The Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards is committed to increasing the visibility of women’s leadership in Australia, highlighting the important contribution women make in creating a bold and diverse future for Australia.
Its mission is to uncover and promote Australian women who have dedicated their time and energy to help and encourage other women in their industry, and who are fighting for change every day – be it in their workplace, their community or among their peers. Further info: http://www.100womenofinfluence.com.au