In 2026, the global focus on women and girls in STEM is not just about opening doors. It is about ensuring those doors stay open, that leadership pathways are visible, and that young women are supported to rise, influence and reshape the industries they enter. Ellie Cooper's journey reflects exactly what that future looks like.

Named AECOM Canberra's Young Professional of the Year, Ellie's recognition signals more than individual excellence. It represents a shift toward inclusion, retention and leadership in technical fields, particularly for Indigenous women who have historically been underrepresented in STEM careers.

This year's International Day for Women and Girls in STEM, under the 2026 theme "Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls", calls for collaboration across disciplines to create stronger, more equitable systems. Ellie's pathway sits squarely within that vision. Her work and leadership development demonstrate how technical expertise, cultural knowledge and cross-sector thinking can combine to build futures that are not only innovative, but inclusive.

For Ms Cooper, the award carries deep meaning.

"It was such a proud moment of mine to be named AECOM Canberra Young Professional of the year. What made it so special was that I was nominated by my colleagues and voted on against all other young professionals in our office," she said.

"To be honest, standing out from a crowd is something that I avoid at all costs, but I think it's important to realise that in this instance what made me stand out from the rest was just how much I had grown as a professional and a person. Being an Indigenous woman in the first year of my STEM career; it is an award I don't take lightly."

Her first year in the Graduate Program set the tone for what leadership in 2026 looks like: stepping forward early and with intention.

"Talking on a leadership role in my very first week of the graduate program definitely contributed to my growth and confidence to be a role model, not only within the business, but within the Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy, and as CareerTrackers Alumni," Ms Cooper said.

"I sit on the board of AECOMs early professional team, who aim to enhance the experience and help further develop the skills of employees in their first five years of their career. AECOMs graduate program is all about perseverance and building confidence in your first two years in a professional role, and no doubt something I took with both hands."

Now an advocate within the STEM Academy, Ms Cooper understands how powerful representation and structured support can be for young Indigenous women navigating technical industries.

Central to her growth has been the power of intentional support.

"To me, having a support network who push and encourage you is the number one driver of a person's success. Without a manger who is willing to go that extra mile to get approvals, or that mentor who signs you up for things you sometimes would rather not go to, I would never have gotten to where I am today," Ms Cooper said.

"Being supported by AECOM to attend the Indigenous STEM Leadership Dialogue, my horizons for what is possible expanded enormously. The Dialogue's focus on STEM Diplomacy and Indigenous leadership on a global stage showed me how our knowledge systems and technical expertise can influence conversations far beyond our immediate workplaces.

"To be paid to learn and know that the leadership team had full confidence to support my journey, made me understand what I want to be as a leader. Be supportive, push boundaries and advocate for people whose voice might not be the loudest in the room."

Her message to young women watching in 2026 is direct: "The STEM industry needs us. They need a different perspective, they need people who are willing to push the standards, people who drive success and people who don't follow the straight line.

"A lack of representation in the industry is not a reflection of our abilities. Our past and our future is STEM, so get involved, try it out and see where it may take you," she said.

Looking ahead, Ms Cooper is clear about what must change.

"While getting women to enter the STEM industry is one thing, creating inclusive spaces for them to stay is another," she said.

"One key focus to improving the retention of women in the STEM industry is visible and open access to role models and mentors. There is an evident lack of women in senior technical and leadership positions, meaning many young women struggle to see themselves be there too.

"Expanding mentorship programs like the YIWSA, industry partnerships with schools, and opportunities for women to connect across career stages would help build confidence, belonging and keep many exceptional women in positions they deserve to be in."

The 2026 theme challenges institutions to think beyond silos and build collaborative ecosystems where technology, finance, policy and social understanding intersect. Expanding programs like the STEM Academy, strengthening mentorship pipelines and embedding inclusive leadership practices are critical to delivering on that ambition. Ellie Cooper is not waiting for inclusive futures to be built. She is already helping construct them.