I was born in the island of Mauritius to a family of teachers and an elder sister. I grew up with 2 passions: leadership and science. I had a natural inclination to fighting for causes, speaking out for others and organising initiatives as a head girl of the school and as a volunteer.
Dad is a biology teacher and brought home microscopes for us to look at insects. This propelled my interest in science and drove me to pursuing engineering. At 18, I left the island to come to Melbourne at Monash University for my Bachelor of Engineering (Civil).
Here it was all about adapting and resilience: to the culture, the language and building confidence. University was a time of discovery and failures – all teaching valuable lessons. Before graduation, I started my engineering career at a consulting firm.
I happily kept growing and moving up the ladders for over 14 years – consuming knowledge and relishing relationships. I have a firm love for project management and leadership – irrespective of the industry but with close preference to infrastructure and communities. As a recipient of the UN Women Scholarship, I also pursued my MBA at the renowned University of Sydney, extending my skills into business and organisation management.
Along the way, yes I got married to another Mauritian and had 2 children that are my rocks. The journey was perilous at times and exposed some deep, complex, cultural and diversity related challenges in our workplaces and society. Sharing my lived experiences and the research to influence and inspire change is my approach.
I have done a number of media appearances with SBS, ABC as well as on the stage at forums like Future Women, the Diversity Council of Australia and on the panels at company functions.
So here I am again on a journey of leadership in science to create a better world by wearing three hats: a project professional, a passionate speaker and a parent.
Mayuri Manraj 