Australian Space Diversity Alliance takes shape

The Australian Space Diversity Alliance (ADSA) has been developed by a group of space industry professionals to support higher involvement and development of diverse and under-represented groups in the sector.

The 8 ASDA co-founders consist of leaders from throughout the Australian space industry representing innovation, college, federal government and consultancy.

Along with supporting senior leaders in the area sector to take actions towards equal access to and inclusion, ASDA intends to reduce the barriers marginalised groups deal with in going into or remaining in a space career.

" Evidence reveals more diverse workforces are correlated with greater innovation, better decision-making, higher partnership / collaboration, and longer retention for employees," stated Spiral Blue Business Development Officer, Mei He.

According to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, females represent usually just 20% of the global space industry, a figure which has remained stayed stagnant over the last 30 years. In Australia, women comprise just 28% of the labor force in science, innovation, engineering, and mathematics. According to ASDA, the participation of women in the space sector in Australia is likely closer to 20%, with other minority groups even lower, at less than 5%.

" There is an enormous opportunity for Australia to be both an global leader and representative of our country, striving for equality and diverse leadership right from the start of our relatively young space sector," stated the Global Institute for Women's Leadership Deputy Director, Dr Elise Stephenson.

ASDA is being released with the assistance of numerous federal government agencies.

The ASDA co-founders are:

Caz Craven, Advisor and PhD student, the Australian Space Agency and Flinders University
Anntonette Dailey, Defence and Space Industry Advisor, Defence Council of Victoria
Mei He, Business Development Officer at Spiral Blue
Tiffany Sharp, Director Space Research and Development, Cambrian Executive
Linda Spurr, Director Leadership Talent & Culture, Raytheon Australia
Dr Cassandra Steer, Deputy Director-- Mission Specialists, the Australian National University Institute for Space (InSpace).
Dr Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director, Global Institute for Women's Leadership.
Stephanie Wan, Associate Director, and Space Industry Practice lead for Adelaide, KPMG.