The Innovators’ Tea Party is powered by a passionate volunteer committee of women in STEM who love science education and WA’s young people. Our committee drives the organisation’s growth and puts in countless hands‑on hours to deliver our programs. Many have been with us for over five years — some since day one — and we’re always excited to welcome new members who bring energy, ideas, and heart. If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.
As our programs have grown, so has our team. We now have a small group of casual STEM Program Coordinators — all STEM university students, many of whom first met us as high‑school participants. We’re proud to support the next generation of STEM women with meaningful work experience, mentorship, and professional development while they study.
Executive committee
Evelyn Chuk
Founder / Chair (volunteer)
Day job: Integrated Operational Planning Manager (Rio Tinto)

Evelyn is a mining industry leader, astrophysicist, and advocate for workplace inclusion. With degrees in Astrophysics and Mining Engineering, she has spent much of her career working fly‑in‑fly‑out in the Pilbara, where the night skies and rugged landscapes deepened her love of science. She now lives in Mongolia, working as Integrated Operations Planning Manager for one of the world’s largest copper mines. After graduating, Evelyn founded The Innovators’ Tea Party, a charity empowering high school girls to pursue STEM through mentorship and role modelling. Outside of work and science outreach, she enjoys sailing, exploring outback WA, and stargazing through her telescope.
Nee Nee Ong
Treasurer
Day job: Senior Electrical Engineer (GHD)

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.
Kimberley Wang
Secretary
Day job: Policy Officer (Mental Health Commission of WA)

Kimberley has a PhD in Medical Science and Master in Public Policy and is passionate about promoting science to the next generation. 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.
Casual Employees
Estela Hogarth
STEM Program Manager (employee)
Day job: Bachelor of Laws (Edith Cowan University)

Estela joined the Innovator’s Tea Party in 2023 as the STEM program coordinator and is now the manager. She is in her third year of law school. As a high school student, Estela used to attend Innovators’ Tea Party 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.
Ruth Ann
STEM Program Coordinator (employee)
Day job: Student at Rossmoyne Senior High School

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.
Molly Martin
STEM Program Coordinator (employee)
Day job: Marine and Freshwater Science Student (Edith Cowan University)

Molly is in her final semester completing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Marine & Freshwater Science at Edith Cowan University. With an interest in conservation, she hopes to work with seagrass or mangroves – whether that be in Australia or elsewhere since she’s keen to travel after graduating. Upon learning about TITP, Molly was eager to join the team to encourage others to consider a STEM pathway; Afterall, science is for everyone! Apart from biology and a good cup of tea, Molly loves anything music, including attending gigs and playing the guitar in her bedroom.
Ordinary Committee Members
Caitlin Stark
Ordinary Committee Member (volunteer)
Day job: Senior Engineering Technical Lead (AEMO)

Leanne van den Avoort
Ordinary Committee Member (volunteer)
Day job: Project Supervisor – Rehabilitation (Rio Tinto)

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.
Rhianna Hepburn
Ordinary Committee Member (volunteer)
Day job: Graduate Software Engineer (Commonwealth Bank)

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.
Kathleen Lieuw-Kie-Song-Drown
Ordinary Committee Member (volunteer)
Day job: Head of Advancement – Faculty of Science and Engineering (Curtin University)

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
Ordinary Committee Member (volunteer)
Day job: Senior Business Analyst (Department of Water and Environmental Regulation)

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.
