The Innovators’ Tea Party is an entirely volunteer-run organisation, led by a team of women in STEM professionals who are passionate about science education in WA.
Evelyn Chuk (she/her)
TITP Position: Founder / Chair
Day Job: Integrated Operations Planning Manager (Rio Tinto)
evelyn.chuk@innovatorsteaparty.org
Evelyn is a mining industry leader, astrophysicist, and passionate advocate for inclusion in the workplace. After completing degrees in both Astrophysics and Mining Engineering, Evelyn has spent her decade-long career working fly-in-fly-out in the Pilbara, where the vast night skies and rugged landscapes deepened her love of science and exploration. More recently, Evelyn has moved to Mongolia where she works as Integrated Operations Planning Manager for one of the world’s largest copper mines.
When first graduating from university, Evelyn founded The Innovators’ Tea Party, a charity dedicated to empowering high school girls to pursue STEM careers through mentorship and role modelling. Inspired by her volunteer work with students across Western Australia, she remains driven by a belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to choose a career aligned with their passions and strengths. When she’s not working or championing science outreach, Evelyn can be found sailing the oceans, exploring outback WA, or stargazing through her telescope.
Nee Nee Ong (she/her)
TITP Position: Treasurer
Day Job: Senior Electrical Engineer (GHD)
neenee.ong@innovatorsteaparty.org
Nee Nee has been an Innovators’ Tea Party mentor since 2016 and is a passionate advocate for girls in STEM, specifically women in engineering since graduating engineering. As well as her experience with TITP, Nee Nee has been on various Women in Engineering and Diversity and Inclusion committees. Nee Nee’s hobbies include reading, baking and barre.
Estela Hogarth (she/her)
Team Member Position: STEM Program Manager
Day Job: Bachelor of Laws (Edith Cowan University)
estela.hogarth@innovatorsteaparty.org
Estela joined the Innovator’s Tea Party in 2023 as the STEM program coordinator and is now the manager. She’s in her third year of law school. As a high school student, Estela used to attend Innovators’ speed networking sessions and is now pleased to be part of the team that inspires the next generation of women in STEM. Estela has always been fascinated by science and hopes to specialise in medical law. In her spare time, she enjoys competing for Australia in judo.
Kimberley Wang (she/her)
TITP Position: Secretary
Day Job: Medical Research Scientist (UWA)
kimberley.wang@innovatorsteaparty.org
Kimberley has a PhD in Medical Science and Master in Public Policy and is passionate about promoting science to the next generation, in particular encouraging young girls to consider medical science as a career. She believes that it is important to start the encouragement early in life to provide them a boost of confidence that they can do it. When possible, Kimberley likes to travel.
Ruth Ann (she/her)
Team Member Position: STEM Program Coordinator
Day Job: Student at Rossmoyne Senior High School
ruth.ann@innovatorsteaparty.org
Ruth became part of The Innovators’ Tea Party team in 2026 as a STEM Program Coordinator. Having attended many speed networking sessions herself, which helped shape her own decision to pursue a career in software engineering, she is passionate about paying it forward. Driven by a deep love for people, Ruth hopes to combine computer science and AI to devise healthcare solutions, especially for those in underserved communities. She aims to inspire young girls to step outside their comfort zones, spark an interest in STEM and fearlessly chase their goals. Outside of her studies, she is a content creator who loves arts and crafts, staying active, travelling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Kathleen Lieuw-Kie-Song-Drown (she/her)
TITP Position: Ordinary Committee Member
kathleen.lieuwkiesongdrown@innovatorsteaparty.org
Kathleen has been volunteering as a mentor for the Innovator’s Tea Party since 2021 and is passionate about creating awareness and cultivating curiosity about the exciting range of opportunities in STEM amongst the next generation. She has a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Business Administration and has spent more than 25 years in Senior Management roles in the corporate world before joining Curtin University.
Marjan Emami (she/her)
TITP Position: Ordinary Committee Member
Day Job: Senior Business Analyst (BHP)
marjan.emami@innovatorsteaparty.org
Marjan has been a mentor at TITP since 2019, with a focus on introducing Mathematics and IT disciplines to the youth. Her aim is to render Mathematics and Computer Science enjoyable for students, thereby encouraging their sustained pursuit of these fields. Given her parental responsibilities, she engages with the cultural dynamics and perspectives of high school and university students.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, complemented by dual degrees in Master of Commerce and Information Systems from Curtin Uni. With over two decades of experience in the IT industry and mining sector, Marjan brings a wealth of expertise to her professional endeavours.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and watching movies during her free time.
Rhianna Hepburn (she/her)
TITP Position: Ordinary Committee Member
Day Job: Software Developer and International Cybersecurity Student
rhianna.hepburn@innovatorsteaparty.org
My interest in the Innovator’s Tea Party comes from a desire to increase female representation in STEM fields and to help showcase the opportunities available to young girls. Having personally encountered a lack of exposure to potential careers in technology while growing up. After initially volunteering with the organisation, I thoroughly enjoyed the supportive atmosphere and the people involved. I aim to increase my engagement with the charity by becoming a committee member and, hopefully, a mentor in the future.
Leanne van den Avoort (she/her)
TITP Position: Ordinary Committee Member
Day Job: Mining Specialist Project Delivery at (Rio Tinto)
leanne.vandenavoort@innovatorsteaparty.org
Leanne joined the Innovator’s Tea Party in 2023 as a mentor before joining the committee in 2025. She has navigated the challenges of a male dominated industry and is committed to paving the way for future generations of women in STEM. As a member of TITP, she is driven to inspire the next generation of girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By sharing her journey and experiences, she hopes to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and empower young minds to follow their ambitions in STEM.
The Innovators’ Tea Party 