2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
With two decades of experience in industry and education, Claire Hughes has always been driven by curiosity and passion. Despite facing gender and socio-economic biases that discouraged her from pursuing engineering at a young age, she channelled her interests into biomedical science, graduating with honours to begin her career as a pathologist. However, her true calling as a communicator and people person led her to the teaching profession, where she spent many years overseas as a science educator.
Claire’s dedication to STEM education and equity has earned her a strong professional network and a respected reputation within the South Australian education and science communities. She actively contributes to voluntary roles as a committee and board member, serving as Vice President for SASTA and recently appointed to the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
Her commitment to engaging and empowering students in STEM is unwavering. Claire regularly facilitates professional development and outreach initiatives, including her TED-style talks, where she identifies as a STEM rebel who has taken an unconventional pathway to success. Her calling is to share her journey, passion, and expertise to inspire others—especially those who feel like underdogs—to pursue their passion.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
This quote by Dr. Seuss encapsulates the essence of authenticity and self-expression. It emphasises the importance of staying true to oneself and speaking one’s truth, regardless of the opinions or judgments of others. It encourages individuals to embrace their unique identity and values, confident in the knowledge that those who truly matter will accept and appreciate them for who they are. Dr. Seuss’s timeless wisdom reminds me of the power and liberation that comes from living authentically and embracing our individuality without reservation.
// Let’s get to know you
I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to the table, with over 20 years of experience in education and industry, spanning both Australia and overseas. My journey from Scotland to South Australia was one of overcoming educational barriers and societal expectations, which fuels my commitment to empowering others to pursue their own aspirations. It’s been a path shaped by resilience and grit, from rebuilding my professional network after emigrating during the pandemic to immersing myself in the vibrant South Australian science community.
In the three years I’ve called South Australia home, I’ve had the privilege of making meaningful voluntary contributions as a committee member of Inspiring SA, National Science Week, and Educators SA, as well as in my current role as Vice President of the South Australian Science Teachers Association (SASTA) and as a board member of the Teachers Registration Board (TRB). These roles allow me to amplify my impact as both an educator and dynamic science communicator, enriching the local science community while championing accessible and equitable pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
On a personal note, I’m a self-confessed chocoholic, but with a discerning taste for only South Australia’s finest chocolate! I also find joy in caring for my ever-growing collection of rescued houseplants from Bunnings, nurturing them back to life and watching them flourish. As mum to our daughter, I’m dedicated to fostering her curiosity, strengths, and career aspirations by being an active role model. Together, we explore our passion for STEM through kitchen chemistry and backyard experiments, fuelling her engagement and love for learning. Life with my family—including our two miniature dachshunds—is full of beach walks, cozy snuggles, and, of course, countless cups of tea. My stint at T2 during a career break not only showcased my love for tea and natural talent for communication but also left us with an ever-expanding tea collection, which has turned into an ongoing joke with my husband. These simple joys, along with a good blether (chat) with family and friends, bring a warmth to my life that I treasure. From overcoming personal adversity to building a meaningful career in sunny South Australia, I remain deeply passionate about promoting equity and access in education, creating opportunities for all to thrive.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am extremely passionate about promoting equity in STEM education and creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to pursue STEM pathways and careers. Sharing my own story as a role model, I highlight the challenges and achievements of my non-linear journey to a STEM career. My goal is to inspire and empower students who may feel that STEM is not for them, demonstrating that they can overcome barriers and stereotypes that may hold them back. I believe that STEM is for everyone, and by increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, we can create a better and more sustainable future for all.
What truly sets me apart is my extensive involvement in various committees and programs beyond my formal roles. My commitment to volunteer work and community engagement reflects my deep passion for education and my desire to inspire students, educators, and the broader community to see STEM as an accessible and valuable pathway. Even though I am not originally from Australia, I am fully immersed in the mission to enhance our educational landscape and to put South Australia on the map for its pioneering efforts in education and the STEM sector.
Driven by my unique perspective and energetic personality, I am dedicated to making a difference. I stand out as a woman who has risen from the underdog position to become an advocate for others facing similar challenges and disadvantages. I take pride in my accomplishments and am eager to contribute to the STEM education community.
// What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
In 2024, I’m most looking to advancing education initiatives that align with my philosophy of looking beyond the ATAR and celebrating students as whole individuals, recognising their unique talents and potential contributions to society. This perspective drives my approach to fostering meaningful, inclusive opportunities in STEM and beyond, ensuring that each student is valued for their unique abilities.
Additionally, I am excited to continue establishing my own business, leveraging my expertise and passion to create innovative solutions that address challenges in STEM education and engagement. With an emphasis on equity and access, my goal is to support under-resourced communities, bridge the skills gap between education and the workforce, and contribute to a more inclusive future in education and workforce development.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
I would be immensely grateful and humbled to be a Woman to Watch in 2024. It would demonstrate that I have faced my fears and doubts, and that I have followed my passion and purpose with devotion and resilience. It would enable me to make a positive difference in the lives of others, to inspire and empower other women to follow their passion and accomplish their goals. It would aid in my ability to reach my full potential, but more importantly to support others to fulfill theirs. It would allow me to advance my commitment to creating something valuable and enduring, that I could contribute to the progress of society and humanity. Being a Woman to Watch in 2024 would be an honour and a privilege, and it would encourage me to keep learning, growing, and improving as a person and a professional.
It would also allow me to have a greater reach in the work I am undertaking and to further give back to the South Australian community by helping other SA women and girls to not give up hope. I believe that we are stronger together, and that we can achieve more when we collaborate and support each other. I would love to share my experiences and insights with other women who are striving to make a positive change in the world. I would also love to learn from them and grow with them. Being a Woman to Watch in 2024 would be a wonderful opportunity for me to connect with other like-minded women and to celebrate our achievements and challenges.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
As I have navigated my way through various roles, I have encountered first-hand the struggles females (particularly women in STEM) face. Through grit, resilience, support and guidance, I have become the woman I knew I could be and begin to create the change I want to see. Through my journey, I now want to be the role model, to use my experience to empower other women and girls to reach their potential and change the status quo for women by encouraging and lifting others to achieve their goals and stay true to their values. To create a safe community where there is no bias, no gender pay gap and equal opportunity for all to engage in the wonderful world of STEM.
An ideal future for me would be one where women and girls are valued, respected, and celebrated for their contributions to society, regardless of their background, appearance, or field of work. A future where women and girls have access to quality education, career opportunities, and where they can pursue their passions and interests without fear of discrimination, harassment, or violence. A future where women and girls are leaders, innovators, and agents of change, and where they can collaborate and network with like-minded individuals to make a positive impact on the world. We need to continue to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and inclusion. We need to support and mentor each other and celebrate our achievements and successes. We need to be the change we want to see.
Get in touch with Claire:
LinkedIn: Claire Hughes
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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