2026 Women in Engineering Breakfast

UQ alumni, industry partners and friends are invited to an inspiring morning at the iconic Brisbane City Hall on Friday, 20 March 2026 for the UQ Women in Engineering Breakfast.

Hosted by the Women in Engineering Alumni Ambassador Council and The University of Queensland, this year's event is centred on the UN Women Australia's International Women's Day theme, "Balance the Scales." 

This theme is a promise to every woman and girl – that regardless of background or identity – they should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives.

As leaders and advocates in the engineering sector, this is our opportunity to drive meaningful change toward a more equitable future for women and girls.

Join over 300 engineering industry professionals and UQ alumni for this engaging and empowering discussion featuring esteemed guest speakers including:

Keynote speaker

Merryn York AM

Merryn York is a Non-Executive Director at Transpower New Zealand having recently finished her Executive Career as Executive General Manager System Design at AEMO, leading a team planning for the energy transition. An electrical engineer, Merryn has long held an interest in the broader energy ‘ecosystem’; the crucial role collaboration with industry and consumers plays in its development; and incorporating technology developments as part of the transition to net zero. 

Merryn has worked extensively in the Queensland electricity industry, including eight years as Chief Executive of Powerlink Queensland. Previously she was one of five AEMC Commissioners overseeing development of the national electricity and gas rules and advising governments on energy market development policy. 

Panel speakers

Rebecca Munn
Group Executive People, Wellbeing and Sustainability

Rebecca is an adaptable and experienced executive with more than 20 years’ experience in management and senior roles, both globally and locally. She has worked across public, government and private organisations.

Rebecca is passionate, and results driven and is most effective in large, complex, challenging and diverse environments. She brings a broad range of external experience from multiple industries, including emergency services, mining and manufacturing.

As Group Executive People, Wellbeing and Sustainability, she is responsible for people capability, employee relations, people services, workplace health and safety, environment and sustainability, and planning our future workforce and supporting engagement and well-being at Queensland Rail.

Emily Marschke
Professional Programs & Operations Manager, The Australian Power Institute

Emily Marschke is a Chartered Engineer with a diverse background spanning government, research, and higher education. With expertise in operations, project, and research management, she currently serves as the Program and Operations Manager at the Australian Power Institute (API). In this role, Emily oversees the institute’s full range of professional programs, with a strong focus on managing the Powerful Women Leadership Program.

Her passion lies in increasing the representation of women in the energy sector, championing both gender equality and broader diversity within the workforce.

Will Shrapnel
Managing Director, HeliMods

Will Shrapnel is the Founder and Managing Director of HeliMods, a globally recognised aerospace engineering and manufacturing company delivering world-first mission systems that save lives and transform essential service aviation.

A mechanical and aerospace engineering alum of UQ, Will is a qualified engineer, pilot, aircraft technician and businessman. He founded HeliMods in 2002 and has grown it into a vertically integrated enterprise with world-leading capability across advanced digital design, engineering, manufacturing, certification, integration and in-service support.

Based at Caloundra Aerodrome, HeliMods is founder-owned and led, supported by a growing team of more than 80 engineers, designers, technicians and technologists. Under Will’s leadership, the company has built a strong reputation for solving complex problems in novel ways, driven by investment in cutting-edge technology and a culture that values agility, innovation and diverse perspectives.

Support Women in Engineering 

Please consider a gift to the Women in Action Fund to help remove financial barriers and create meaningful industry and global opportunities for women studying engineering, computer science, design and IT at UQ.

Your generosity will enable talented students to participate in study tours, exchanges and professional development experiences that build confidence, capability and leadership, empowering them to drive change and strengthen diversity across the engineering and technology sectors.

Voluntary donations can be made when completing your ticket purchase.

About Alumni Events

Alumni events are organised by the Women in Engineering Alumni Ambassador Council who works in partnership with UQ to create a sense of UQ community and support amongst engineering graduates. These events are a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates, engage with future engineers, and meet engineering industry professionals.