In this enlightening discussion, Tanya Monro, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist and first female in her role, alongside Deborah Jeppesen, a pioneering female pilot and psychologist at Thales Australia, share their journeys breaking barriers in STEM. They delve into the underrepresentation of women in Defence and engineering, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship and support networks. The conversation highlights personal stories of resilience, the importance of visibility, and strategic initiatives needed to encourage future generations of women in science and technology.