Recipients of the 2024 Chloe Munro Scholarship

This fourth round of the scholarship was hugely popular, with the Clean Energy Council receiving over 130 applications from women across the clean energy, energy management and carbon abatement industries. Each application was individually reviewed and assessed by a selection committee. The applicants who were invited to interview were selected based on their demonstrated excellence in their field, commitment to the clean energy industry, leadership potential and their desired developmental objectives in completing the leadership training.

Each of the recipients will receive a fully funded scholarship to undertake one of two courses offered by education provider Women & Leadership Australia in 2025. Three recipients will undertake the Executive Ready course, a seven-month development program for middle to senior leaders, and seven recipients will undertake the Leading Edge course, a four-month development program for early career leaders and managers.

The Clean Energy Council would like to sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in the scholarship and for taking the time required to complete the application process.

Executive Ready recipients

Hear from the three recipients who will undertake the Executive Ready course, a seven-month development program for middle to senior leaders.

Megan Aspinall
Director, Infrastructure Advisory (Energy), KPMG

“The energy transition is a phenomenally complex and critically important task that will likely define our generation. The challenge ahead of us is multi-dimensional and will require diverse skills and perspectives to navigate the path forward. The Chloe Munro Scholarship for Transformational Leadership is such a fantastic opportunity, empowering women to lead the solution. I hope to show young women entering the clean energy industry that your voice is valued and that your career can be impactful and rewarding.”  

Uduak Ekpenyong 
Associate, Aurecon 

“Women are great leaders with the natural ability to network and share resources. The clean energy industry requires such transformational leadership to succeed and thrive. This program will provide us with the tools to coach, mentor and support young professionals which will help shape the future leaders in the industry.”

Carla Evans 
Senior Development Manager, OX2 

“The clean energy transition is hugely complex and challenging. Diverse organisations and teams are best placed to succeed in this environment. We must strive for gender equality and women to be represented at every level of the industry, from graduate grid engineers through to CEOs and board members. I am very excited to have been selected for the Chloe Munro Scholarship. By further developing my leadership skills, I hope to be able to support and inspire other women to achieve success in the industry.”

Leading Edge recipients

Hear from the seven recipients who will undertake the Leading Edge course, a seven-month development program for middle to senior leaders.

Bethany Du 
Senior Legal Counsel, RES

"Active participation from women of all cultural backgrounds across different parts of the renewables industry is vital to fostering equitable leadership and well-informed decision making. We should be able to and indeed, be encouraged to, bring our full feminine selves to the workplace, rather than needing to assimilate by taking on “male traits” or playing down our cultural identity to be seen as more professional in the workplace. Don’t assume the status quo will always remain the same and that you will not be able to influence it. However small, every sign we have of improvement in diversity is worth noting."

Victoria Cannon 
Project Development Manager, Aula Energy

“I’m thrilled to be included in the Chloe Munro Leading Edge Program. The scholarship demonstrates the CEC’s commitment to uplifting women in our sector, and I know this opportunity will foster valuable skills that will help each of us to enhance our advocacy and impact within the renewable energy industry. We’ll need as many smart, passionate, driven people as possible to be on board if we’re to succeed in transforming our nation’s energy story, and, we’ll only succeed in bringing in diverse voices if they can see themselves represented in the leadership of the industry and know that this is somewhere they can truly make a difference – no matter their background or gender.” 

Kirsten Lee 
Stakeholder, Compliance & Sustainability Manager, Beon Energy

"My career has been spent working in male-dominated industries, building strength and resilience and advocating for gender diversity. I am hoping to use this amazing opportunity to inspire and influence change within our industry. We are at a critical acceleration point in the energy transition, where we need inclusive and diverse perspectives at all levels, in order to succeed. It is through empowerment and investment, that we support women to reach their full potential. Similarly, this inclusive approach should be extended to our local communities, to ensure the transition is fair and just for all."

Cindy Ng 
Mechanical Engineer, Alinta Energy

“Embracing diversity and inclusion is essential for driving the innovation needed to succeed in the energy transition. We don’t have all the answers, and embracing diverse perspectives is key to finding them. By increasing representation in the energy sector, we can attract more female talent, bringing diverse perspectives that lead to enriching discussions, creative problem-solving, and innovative solutions. It’s not only vital for progress but also the right thing to do for equity.” 

Kavya Santhosh 
Solar Plant Asset Manager, NovaSource Power 

"Women Representation in Clean Energy is vital to believing that we could be in a position of power to inspire change. Having opportunities, will empower women to lead charge towards a sustainable future and not only elevates individual voices but drives innovation and inclusivity. I believe supporting women helps in a field that literally shapes our planet's tomorrow, helps in not only bridging the gender gap but inspires future generations to break barriers and achieve their dreams women today paves the way for a more equitable tomorrow." 

Lucy Sinclair 
Senior Community Engagement Manager (ANZ), Aquila Clean Energy

"I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, not only for my personal leadership journey but for the doors it opens for emerging female leaders in the clean energy sector. It’s crucial that we continue pushing for more women in senior leadership roles, as we have so much to offer. I’m looking forward to collaborating with the other scholarship recipients, expanding my network and learning new skills, while exploring the type of leader I want to be in the next stage of my career. Ultimately, I hope to inspire future women to push for equal representation and diversity in their roles."

Lucinda Walker 
Senior Renewable Engineer, DNV Australia

"I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partake in this transformational leadership course, and to challenge myself to grow in ways I genuinely aspire to, but so often doubt I can achieve. I am a huge advocate for promoting and bolstering women in the clean energy industry, and am inspired to contribute to creating an environment where women can thrive and are valued for the unique perspectives and approaches they bring."