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Entura people set to boost diversity on boards

November 29, 2018

Two of Entura’s emerging leaders have received scholarships to help prepare them for future board positions.

Sandra Thaow (Group Manager, Grid and Power) and Fariba Jaffari (Electrical Engineer, Power Systems) have been named among the 17 successful recipients of Board Diversity Government Scholarships, an initiative under the Tasmanian Government’s Women on Boards Strategy, which aims to increase female representation on government boards and committees to 50 per cent by 2020 (from 42.9% at August 2018).

Entura’s Sandra Thaow (left) and Fariba Jaffari (right)

The scholarships will enable Sandra and Fariba to undertake the Foundations of Directorship course delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), join the AICD as Members and get access to corporate governance mentoring and AICD networking events.

“Two of the main impediments to women aspiring to leadership and board roles are a lack of confidence that they are ready for the role, and having the opportunity to take up such a role,” said Sandra, who has not yet served on a board but is keen to take up a future board position with a not-for-profit or charity.

“One of the benefits I’m most looking forward to from this scholarship is the relationships that I will make, which will help me to find board opportunities,” she said.

Both Sandra and Fariba found out about the scholarships through Hydro Tasmania’s global communications, and have received strong support from their managers.

“I am very pleased to work in a company that values diversity in its workforce,” said Fariba Jaffari, “and to live in a country that gives opportunities to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, Aboriginal women, and women working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) to show their abilities and aspire to be board members and take up leadership roles.”

Entura MD, Tammy Chu, said, “We value diversity.  It makes us stronger together. And what is true of our workplace is equally true of our broader communities.  Diversity of thought and backgrounds leads to better outcomes overall.

“I am delighted with the recognition Sandra and Fariba have achieved.”