Each year, International Women’s Day presents the opportunity to reflect on the progress made, and the progress yet to be made, to create a more equitable world.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain”, centers on a powerful truth: when we give, we gain.
When we invest in one another, through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, advocacy, visibility and opportunity, collective progress accelerates. Giving is not a subtraction. It’s intentional multiplication.
The work we do at Oritain is deeply rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and scientific discovery with fields being strengthened daily by the diverse perspectives and contributions of women.
This year, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by spotlighting five women in STEM from across Oritain and the role models who helped shaped their journeys. In light of this year’s theme, while reflecting on what they have gained from role models, our employees will also be giving advice to women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM.
The Give to Gain theme encourages a mindset of generosity and reciprocity, a reminder that advancement isn’t achieved alone. In STEM especially, where women remain underrepresented, the support offered to one another can turn doubt into confidence.
Giving time, encouragement, expertise, or opportunities strengthens more than just individuals but entire teams, fields, and industries. Below, our featured Oritain scientists share the people who gave to them and how that shaped who they’re become today.
1. Rachel Yzelman - Data Interpretation Technician
Was there a particular role model who inspired you to pursue your career?
“I have been inspired by many, and I’m grateful to have my parents as my key role models. They noticed my love of learning early on and encouraged me to follow my interests. They taught me to trust that learning something new is always possible, even without a technical background; it just takes grit. Their example taught me to approach life with a sense of wonder.”
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
“Pursue your passion with a mindset of openness, curiosity, and persistence. I’ve found that success often shows up when preparation and opportunity meet. Each of us brings our own strengths and unique experiences into STEM and having mentors who see and nurture that potential can serve as a guiding beacon in an at times challenging maze.”
2. Milona Campos - Sample Preparation and Workflow Specialist
Was there a particular role model who inspired you to pursue your career?
“I don’t have one particular role model in this field, but several people inspired me through this journey. Firstly, my husband, who is also in STEM, supported me throughout my career here in NZ. Second is my family, who motivated me to finish my studies, and my college mentors who prepared me for this career. Lastly, my colleagues who trusted me before I had professional experience.”
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
“To women interested in pursuing a career in STEM, it is worth it. It is an exciting field to be in. There will be times when it can get tiring, but there is always a sense of fulfilment at the end of the day. Follow your curiosity about this vast world. There is so much to explore.”
3. Jessie Trotter - R&D Research Associate
Was there a particular role model who inspired you to pursue your career?
“My first lab manager was a big influence. He started as a lab assistant like me, and seeing his progression showed me what was possible. He pushed me to figure things out for myself, which fit how I learn. The work hooked me too - I loved getting to the bottom of broken instruments and strange results. That mix of guidance and hands-on problem solving pushed me forward.”
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
“STEM is always changing, and it needs fresh thinkers to keep moving forward. If your mind works differently, that’s a strength. Follow your curiosity, do not be afraid to take things apart, and never stop asking questions. Look for what isn’t working, whether it is a machine, a system or a reaction, and work to understand them. That skill will take you far. I love growing and finding better ways to do things, and science has given me the space to do exactly that. It is a field where you can make a real difference, which is why Oritain felt like a natural fit.”
4. Shwetha Krishna Rao - Senior Software Developer
Was there a particular role model who inspired you to pursue your career?
“Leaders like Sudha Murthy, Indra Nooyi, and Julie Sweet inspire me through their purpose-driven leadership and commitment to integrity, values that strongly align with Oritain’s mission to use science for meaningful impact.”
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
“Believe in your ability to learn and grow, you don’t need to know everything to get started. Be curious, ask questions, and seek out hands-on experiences that help you build confidence and skills. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, and don’t be afraid to take up space in technical conversations. Your perspective matters, and STEM needs diverse voices to create solutions that truly make an impact.”
5. Dr. Anjali Gupta - Head of Data Science
Was there a particular role model who inspired you to pursue your career?
“My mother has been my most influential role model, despite not coming from a science background. She instilled in me the habit of questioning, seeking evidence, and never accepting uncertainty without exploration. She ensured I had access to a wide range of learning resources, and whenever she couldn’t answer a question herself, she proactively sought out experts and teachers to ensure I received accurate and reliable information. As a teacher herself, she modelled lifelong learning - an approach that has shaped how I lead, mentor, and build teams today.”
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
“Women remain underrepresented in STEM, and this can sometimes lead to self-doubt or a sense of not belonging. My advice is to invest in finding the right mentors and sponsors - people who will support your development, challenge you constructively, and advocate for your growth. Believe in your capabilities, remain resilient, and persist through setbacks. STEM rewards curiosity, discipline, and perseverance, and there is no ceiling on what you can achieve when you combine technical excellence with confidence and determination.”
Across these five stories, a clear pattern emerges: no one succeeds alone. Parents, teachers, public figures, mentors, and colleagues have all played a role in nurturing confidence, curiosity, and resilience. Their influence helped unlock potential that now shapes the science and innovation happening at Oritain. This International Women’s Day we are reminded that every act of support can fuel someone else’s progress.
At Oritain, we are committed to creating an environment where women in STEM can grow, lead, innovate, and inspire. We believe in the power of mentorship, representation, and continuous learning, and we will continue building and supporting the environments that allow women to thrive. Diverse perspectives, strong mentors, and supportive communities create better science, better workplaces, and better outcomes for everyone.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this document does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Instead, all information presented here is for general informational purposes only. Counsel should be consulted with respect to any particular legal situation.
Oritain Team
The Oritain team is made up of a group of multi-disciplinary experts covering subjects including science, research, regulation, market insights, and business.
