Ethical hacker changing the face of cybersecurity

A desire to improve things is the ethos behind Electric Kiwi, and their support of a unique Women in STEM Scholarship at AUT.

The independent energy company has supported an AUT student for the last two years and the 2023 recipient of the Electric Kiwi Women in STEM Scholarship is Sarah Manikam.

Sarah is majoring in cybersecurity for her Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences degree.

“Technology is always evolving and will continue to change industries for a very long time. The skills that this degree teaches can be implemented in so many ways. Networks and Cybersecurity, my major, were my chosen specialties because there's a growing demand for these skills. It's a field where problem-solving and continuous learning is essential, and I can feel like I make a positive impact on other people's lives.”

Electric Kiwi is in an industry that heavily depends on technology and the company understands the value of diversity. In a recent blog about Sarah and the Scholarship, the company noted:

“In order to support women to succeed in STEM industries, Electric Kiwi have been collaborating with the AUT Women in STEM community over the last 2 years, focusing on connecting female STEM students with inspiring role models and organising workshops to help students transition from their studies to professional careers.

“As part of this partnership, we have provided an annual academic scholarship to a student aspiring to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. These fields play a vital role in shaping New Zealand's future, particularly as we strive towards achieving net zero emissions.

“Just like AUT, our goal is to ensure that women have equal access to education and rewarding careers in these sectors. This scholarship is one of the ways we are actively contributing to this goal.”

The Electric Kiwi Women in STEM Scholarship covers one year of tuition fees and includes connecting STEM students with female role models, engaging them in workshops and talks and helping develop female tertiary students for the careers of the twenty-first century.