Melissa Tipo: Changing the way students see themselves

Melissa Tipo is a member of the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Academy (YIWSA) team, having joined in June of 2021.

She is a proud Dak Djerait woman from the Finnis River to Point Blaze area with family extending to the Wadeye and Daly River region of the Northern Territory.

‘I was excited to learn about this program for high achieving Indigenous female students as I had previously worked in other mentoring programs and in education,’ Melissa said.

‘There are plenty of fantastic programs supporting Indigenous students in wellbeing and sport in school but there are not many programs that nurture students with their academic aspirations beyond high school.’

Melissa said she has always had a fascination for STEM. Although her background is not in STEM, she is passionate about connecting students to STEM professionals and opportunities that can lead to bigger and better things for them.

‘For any young Indigenous woman interested in a career in STEM there are so many opportunities opening up all the time; 75% of all future jobs created will be in STEM fields,’ Melissa said.

‘The Academy supports young Indigenous women through high school and then we partner with CareerTrackers to support students throughout university and into graduate employment.’

Melissa has been appointed as the YIWSA Academic Coordinator for the Northern Territory. Her priority is to ensure each student’s academic needs at school and home are met.

‘During my school visits twice a term I am always checking that students have everything to ensure every success,’ Melissa said.

‘This includes checking in with support teachers and their families and working with everyone in the students’ circle, so each student feels fully supported.’

Melissa’s duties also include organising STEM Camps, Online Assemblies (all Academy students nationwide attend), Virtual STEM Experiences, linking students to STEM Competitions, and coordinating students to attend STEM events and challenges in their area.

Her role ensures that each student’s journey is individualised to that student’s interests and aspirations.

‘I believe the Academy will change the way these students see themselves. This program has the ability to build confidence and the belief that anything is possible,’ Melissa said.

‘The students have the opportunity to see and meet inspiring Indigenous women that are achieving amazing things in their STEM fields and know that this is possible for them.’

‘It is so important the Academy program has passionate and strong Indigenous women in leadership and program delivery, including as Academic Coordinators, to fully support and inspire the next generation of female Indigenous STEM professionals to help solve Australia’s greatest challenges.’

‘This is what drives change in our systems that have failed us in the past,’ she said.

As for the future, Melissa has great confidence in what the students will be able to achieve.

‘The students always come first. I know they will be the generation of Indigenous women that my daughter looks up to as she goes through the same journey, working to become a marine biologist.’