Our Story

Dream Big began in 2014 when Managing Director and Founder, Jessica Kahl (then a second year engineering student) realised the number of women enrolled in her engineering courses were rapidly declining. Jessica loved the course content and wondered why there weren’t more opportunities to showcase the exciting reality of STEM fields in the broader community.

In her role as a CQUniversity Ambassador, Jessica began creating videos that featured university projects and engaging with school students by running engaging workshops on school visits. After the success of these endeavours, Jessica was inspired to create more opportunities for students to connect with STEAM careers, and so Dream Big was born.

Jessica is passionate about forging greater links between schools, universities, and industries. She believes that collaboration between these communities is important for creating environments where diversity and innovation flourish.

Her vision is shared by Dream Big’s Directors and the wider community of students, educators, industry representatives, institutions, organisations, and government departments that have been involved.

Innovation and excellence start with the confidence to achieve remarkable feats, and what better way than by encouraging curiosity and leadership in women with aspirations to lead in the industries that will play an increasingly significant role around the globe in the years to come?

Which is why we offer our award-winning professional development and networking Program, STEAM Ahead, free of charge to female and non-binary students in STEAM degrees around Australia.