Ms Hopewell is a descendant of the Bundjalung people of Northern New South Wales from her maternal grandfather. She is currently in the second year of her Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She is also alumni and Student Ambassador of the Science and Infrastructure Development (SID) school, a residential program established by WSP and QUT in Brisbane. The program inspires Indigenous Australian secondary school students to consider higher education in STEM careers.
Ms Hopewell says, “Inspiration comes in many forms, some from peers and mentors and some from the most unlikely places. I volunteered at the STEM.I.AM and Girl Geek Academy’s #missmakescode workshop for Indigenous girls aged 5-8 years last year. One of the girls asked me to be her mentor upon gifting me with a bracelet at the end of the workshop. At that point, I realised that I have a chance to shape the next generation of Indigenous Australian women in STEM and that inspires me to keep going.
“Growing up, I had great family role models that championed the importance of education. My journey was not smooth, but I had support along the way. Education is vital and my advice to young people is there are many opportunities for support – don’t be afraid to just ask. Surround yourself with positive people and get out of your comfort zone to experience new things.
“As I progress in my education and career, I hope to mentor Indigenous students, particularly women in IT. My vision is that we continue to support young Indigenous Australians with education pathways to further their careers and build a brighter future.”