Donor scholarship sets student on cyber security path

Swinburne University of Technology have announced the inaugural recipient of the Adrian Di Marco Women in Software Development Scholarship, offered by TechnologyOne. 

The scholarship recipient is Teisha Damman, who is studying a Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology. To support Teisha’s studies, she will receive $10,000 towards her tuition each year, for up to three years. 

Teisha will also be offered opportunities to develop professional skills to support her chosen career through mentoring and other meaningful engagement opportunities provided by TechnologyOne, including an offer to participate in their internship program. 

With the support of this scholarship, Teisha can step away from full time work and concentrate on her studies. 

“I’ve been working full time since I was 16, so being able to step up and receive that support has helped me to focus more on building that goal of mine,” she says.

Supporting the next generation

TechnologyOne CEO Ed Chung recognises the importance of a scholarship in both relieving a financial burden, as well as encouraging women to enter a male-dominated industry.

“All Australians are affected by the cost-of-living crisis, but the student population is probably hit the hardest. This scholarship is an opportunity to support the next generation of coders, architects and entrepreneurs who will power Australia’s economy.

“TechnologyOne will continue to encourage more women to explore a career in STEM through scholarships like these, our grad program and internships, and our goal to bring more women into senior roles across our organisation,” Ed Chung says. 

The scholarship is named after TechnologyOne’s founder, Adrian Di Marco, who started the company with one goal in mind: to transform business and make life simple for higher education, healthcare, councils, and government departments through a new generation of software. 

He started TechnologyOne in 1987, as one of the first tech startups in Australia. His vision was to leverage new and emerging technology to revolutionise the industry and build software products in Australia.  

TechnologyOne General Manager for Education and Adjunct Professor, Peter Nikoletatos says, “We are very proud to be supporting young people throughout their higher education journey to help them reach their full potential and succeed in their goals.”

Teisha hopes to use her Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology in a career in cyber security, where she can create safer environments online.  

“It’s been incredible to be able to start achieving the things that I want to achieve finally and start kicking goals for myself,” she says.

Visit Swinburne’s scholarships page to learn more about scholarship opportunities.