Driving diversity and delivering value for defence industry
As a Program Director leading a team of consultants, Karen Hughes brings with her a wealth of experience in the defence industry.
Originally born in England, she migrated to Australia as a child when her father was employed by the federal government in Canberra, moving to Adelaide soon after.
Once school was complete, Karen began a maths degree at university, sparking an interest in computer science. And that set the direction for the rest of Karen’s career.
“Computer Science just felt like such a natural way of thinking to me.” said Karen. “And it was an interesting time. That was the early days of computing where it was mainly just computers and a room full of guys,” she added.
Successfully completing a BSc in Computer Science, Karen spent the next decade sharing her knowledge as a lecturer at Flinders University, and later UniSA.
Ms. Hughes reflected, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a lecturer and helping guide the workers of the future. But after ten years I felt like it was time for a change, and that’s when I joined Saab.”
Working first as a Software Engineer, Karen progressed into Systems Engineering and then Project Management and Capture Management.
“I was so fortunate with my time at Saab. I was surrounded by a diverse team with strong female representation and was always in a team with amazing women.” Karen said. “I felt like I was lucky enough to naturally have what other companies didn’t. And as I grew through the company, there were even more senior women joining the ranks with me,” she reflected.
Now working at QinetiQ Australia, Karen’s days are spent managing a team of consultants that deliver solutions for aerospace surveillance and reconnaissance.
“Our focus is on understanding client needs and finding ways to work more effectively to deliver value for money for government,” explained Karen. “We’re a part of everything from procurement decisions to support decisions and delivering and maintaining aircraft, all with a firm focus on planning ahead.”
Karen is also keenly focused on the future, having recently joined the TFTC Mentoring Program as a mentor. The program is a one-of-a-kind, aiming to tackle the issues of diversity in STEM head on by supporting the development of women within the engineering and project management disciplines.
“I’ve always been focused on delivering value within the industry, and the notion of diversity and inclusion is squarely set in that. It’s not just about women in the industry, although that is important,” Karen explained. “It’s about bringing diversity of thought and problem solving, opening our minds to different solutions and different ways to deliver value.”
“Defence is a crucial industry, and innovation in the industry helps maintain a peaceful path for us as a nation,” commented Karen. “I believe that you can’t be it if you can’t see it, so I feel privileged to represent and help encourage what a focus on value and diversity can deliver.”
