Visibility matters: Amanda Spencer on breaking barriers in engineering

When I reflect on my journey in engineering, one thing is clear: visibility matters. It matters when you're the only woman in the room. It matters in a male-dominated industry. And it especially matters when you're working to clear a path for those who'll come after you. 

This International Women in Engineering Day, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we've come and how far we still have to go. 

My journey 

I didn't plan to work in tech. I chose this path out of necessity. I needed a stable career to help support my mum, who was doing it tough at the time. A friend of mine had studied IT and was doing well, so I decided to give it a go. 

I enrolled in a three-year IT diploma. It wasn't smooth sailing in the beginning, as I was a novice when it came to computers and IT - but I stuck with it. Due to getting exceptional grades, by my final year, I had multiple job offers and began my career at a global tech company. That decision opened doors to an industry I never imagined I'd be part of — and one I've come to love. 

Facing bias and driving change 

Gender bias in STEM isn't new. In Australia, women make up just one in four tech workers and in engineering, bias isn't the exception. It's the norm. It shows up daily in how ideas are received, whose voices carry weight, and who gets to lead. It's not incidental - it's structural. And it won't shift unless we keep pushing for change. 

Early in my career, I believed that if I just kept my head down and worked hard, that would be enough. But I soon realised that while performance is important, visibility is just as critical. It's not about being the loudest voice - it's about knowing when to speak up, asking the difficult questions, and creating room for others to contribute.

Taking up space and challenging norms isn't always comfortable, but it's necessary. What's helped me most over time is consistently investing in my own growth. I've pursued advanced certifications and built on my expertise to lead with credibility and confidence. I've learned that strong leadership isn't static - it requires continually learning, adapting, and staying engaged, especially in a field that's constantly evolving.

Change doesn't happen when things stay hidden. Culture doesn't evolve if no one is willing to question it. Speaking up is what challenges norms and moves workplace dynamics forward. It's about creating spaces where everyone's contribution is recognised. The barriers aren't always obvious. That's exactly why they need to be addressed.

Why visibility matters 

Now that I'm in a leadership role, one of the most rewarding parts for me is seeing how diverse perspectives enrich a team. Women often bring different communication styles, leadership approaches, and ways of thinking - and that difference is powerful. In cybersecurity, especially, collaboration and trust are essential. We need teams that reflect a broader spectrum of voices and lived experiences. 

But diversity on its own isn't enough. Without equity and inclusion, it doesn't lead to better outcomes. People need the support, safety, and opportunity to contribute meaningfully - not just a seat, but a voice.

I've seen how access and advocacy can shape a career - including my own. As I progressed, I was fortunate to work with leaders who challenged me and made space for me to grow. Now, having moved through the ranks into a senior leadership role, I'm intentional about doing the same for others. Supporting people to navigate the system, find their footing, and see themselves in this industry isn't a side effort — it's central to how we lead. Representation at every level matters, especially for those watching from the outside and wondering if they belong here too.

Advice for current and future leaders

To women starting out in engineering: believe in yourself. You're more capable than you think, and you don't need permission to contribute or lead. Your perspective matters — and persistence is how cultures shift and how space is created for others to see what's possible.

Stay curious. Keep learning. And get involved in shaping the future of the industry. Tech is dynamic, fast-paced, and full of opportunity. While we've made progress, there's still plenty of work ahead. But lasting change doesn't happen overnight — it happens when we keep showing up. For ourselves. For each other. For the next generation.