- Posted on 3 Oct 2025
The UTS Alumni Awards are held annually to honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of our outstanding alumni.
The Awards recognise faculty, community, Indigenous, international and young alumni impact and innovation. We are delighted to congratulate the recipients of the 2025 UTS Alumni Awards for Achievement.
Chancellor's Alumni Award for Excellence
Mandy Richards is the recipient of the prestigious UTS Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and the Community Alumni Award. Mandy is the Founder and CEO of Global Sisters, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to national systems reform and empowering women to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship.
The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recognises alumni who demonstrate exceptional success in their career while also maintaining a strong record of significant achievement and impact that reaches beyond their area of expertise. Mandy Richards has established herself as an accomplished leader in social ventures and international development, with a focus on gender equity, human rights, and poverty eradication.
The 2025 UTS Alumni Award recipients are exceptional leaders in their fields and a testament to the power of higher education, innovative thinking and dedication to social justice.
Young Alumni Award recipient Joel Tozer is a Walkley Award-winning journalist, who has produced media for 60 Minutes, Four Corners, SBS’s Dateline, and international outlets including The New Yorker. Known for his fearless investigative reporting and leadership in current affairs, Joel is currently Executive Producer of the ABC’s 7.30, shaping national conversations through powerful storytelling and rigorous journalism.
Tara Croft is the recipient of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Award. As CEO of Baymatob, Tara is pioneering AI-powered maternal health solutions that aim to revolutionise pregnancy care and prevent life-threatening complications. She is a passionate educator, advocate, and actively supports women in STEM through speaking engagements, committee work, and startup mentoring.
A proud Cabrogal woman of the Dharug-speaking nation and the founder and CEO of Indigital, Mikaela Jade is the recipient of the 2025 Faculty of Science Award. Indigital is an Economic and Social Futures Company which guides corporates and Indigenous communities in Australia to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships by creating spaces of connection where everyone feels valued and Indigenous knowledge leads.
The recipient of the Faculty of Health Award for 2025 is Mary Roberts, whose contributions span clinical innovation, research excellence, and professional health education. As Clinical Nurse Consultant at Westmead Hospital, Mary co-leads Australia’s first Breathlessness Intervention Service (BIS). Her work has improved independence and care outcomes for hundreds of patients and families.
Kate Eastman AM SC received the Faculty of Law Award. A trailblazer in the legal profession and one of Australia’s most distinguished human rights lawyers, Kate has consistently championed justice, equality, and access to the law for society’s most vulnerable. Her legal work, influence, and leadership have had a transformative impact, nationally and globally.
Arielle Gamble, Co-Founder and CEO of Groundswell Giving, received the 2025 Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building Alumni Award. Arielle is a changemaker, strategist, and storyteller, and under her leadership, Groundswell has mobilised millions in philanthropic support, catalysed cross-sector partnerships, and inspired a new wave of climate action rooted in equity and impact.
The Co-Founder and Board Director of Groundswell Giving, Clare Herschell, jointly received the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building Alumni Award. In her role at Groundswell, Clare has helped lead the distribution of over $5 million to more than 100 climate organisations, ensuring that climate solutions are equitable, community-driven, and grounded in collaboration.
Celebrated television producer, journalist, and writer Vanessa Gorman was awarded the 2025 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Award. As a long-time producer of the ABC’s Australian Story, Vanessa has directed and interviewed countless Australians with integrity and compassion. Her dedication to sharing knowledge and amplifying unheard voices has made her a beacon in Australian media.
A pioneering force in Indigenous healthcare and diabetes education, Grace Ward, a Kamilaroi-Yuwaalaraay woman, is the recipient of the Indigenous Australian Alumni Award. As the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner to graduate the UTS Diabetes Education and Management course, Grace led a landmark policy change in 2024, enabling Aboriginal Health Practitioners to become Credentialled Diabetes Educators, a move that has significantly increased Indigenous representation in this critical field.
Dr Phyo Phyo San is the recipient of the 2025 International Alumni Award. Dr San is the Lead Research Scientist at the Australian Government. Her academic research has earned over 2,500 citations and an h-index of 14, and she is a dedicated mentor and educator helping shape the next generation of AI professionals.
A nationally recognised leader in not-for-profit and community service organisations, and current CEO of Mission Australia, Sharon Callister is the recipient of the UTS Business School Award. Under Sharon’s leadership, Mission Australia has championed affordable housing projects, securing partnerships across government and private sectors to deliver safe and secure homes for low-income families.
Congratulations again to this year's award recipients. UTS takes great pride in counting these remarkable individuals among our alumni. We are honoured to recognise their exceptional achievements and contributions to the UTS community and beyond.