Founded by award-winning entrepreneur and cultural leader Onnie Chan – who also created Women in Creative Technologies (WiCT) – Power Her Up is purpose-built to uplift women in areas like VR, AR, AI coding, and user experience design, particularly across industries such as digital media, health tech, and education.
Offering a dynamic mix of in-person and online opportunities, Power Her Up will roll out a state-wide schedule of hands-on workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and engaging networking events, alongside a virtual festival – making participation accessible for women across both metropolitan and regional SA.
Despite a notable 31 per cent rise in women enrolling in university STEM courses between 2015 and 2021, the tech workforce continues to reflect a significant gender gap. Power Her Up is poised to change that.
Onnie explained, “I’m so excited to launch Power Her Up to the creative women in South Australia’s technology sector, for those working in areas and industries like VR, AR, coding in AI, and user experience design, across industries like health tech, education, and digital media.
“It’s a great platform where women will be able to turn their bold ideas into impactful tech ventures, and our statewide program will offer both face-to-face events and online experiences, to innovatively make it accessible to regional people”.
From inspiring panel talks to interactive experiences like the Escape Game, VR Game, and curated movie nights, Power Her Up is supported by a powerful line-up of partners including ThincLab, Stone & Chalk Adelaide, ILA, The Mercury, AEDA, and AVCon. Their backing helps to bring these energising events to life.
High-profile speakers from both national and international tech scenes will offer valuable insights and mentorship, empowering participants to think bigger and connect with a global community of change-makers.
In addition to networking, the program offers hands-on training in essential areas such as pitching, marketing, and funding acquisition – the foundational skills women need to launch and scale their own tech-enabled ventures.
Onnie continued, “The initiative fosters collaboration, community, and visibility for women in tech – ultimately strengthening South Australia’s innovation ecosystem and driving inclusive economic growth.
“Power Her Up is more than a training initiative – it is an innovation catalyst. By equipping early to mid-career women with the tools, networks, and confidence to lead, it supports job creation, drives inclusive economic growth, and strengthens South Australia’s position as a globally competitive, collaborative, and forward-thinking state”.
For those interested in staying connected, Power Her Up will also run through a subscription-based digital interactive platform. Members will gain exclusive access to a vibrant community hub filled with peer support, expert guides, member-only forums, discounted event vouchers, and well-being content – a thoughtful addition for women balancing career reinvention and personal fulfilment.
For more information or to join the Power Her Up network, visit powerherup.com.au
