Ford is again partnering with the Geelong Cats to host the annual Fare on the Field luncheon. Now in its second year, the event will be relaxed and inspiring, and aims to bring like-minded people together in celebration of women who are the pioneers of their fields.

In addition to the sponsorship, Ford will also be inviting guest speaker Jess Selvay, Innovation Team Leader of Ford Asia Pacific and ambassador of the Ford STEAM program, to discuss the importance of developing practical problem solving and collaboration skills in students, so they can go on to find future-proof careers in a rapidly changing world. Since joining Ford as a graduate in 2001, Selvay worked her way up through several engineering disciplines, before taking on the title of Innovation Team Leader with job sharing partner Linda Parkman.

‘‘It’s my belief that a diverse workforce and an innovative mindset are key to solving tomorrow’s problems, today,” says Selvay.

The role of Innovation Team Leader at Ford is an example of innovation in itself. As co-leaders, both Jess Selvay and Linda Parkman spearhead the development of new solutions and technology to move the world forward. The job sharing arrangement enables Selvay and Parkman to achieve their personal and professional goals, and offers the women increased flexibility in their lives.

As ambassadors of the Ford STEAM program, Selvay and Parkman oversee projects to fund and foster talent within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in schools.

Since its inception, Ford has invested $300,000 in developing programs and facilities for students at two schools in communities surrounding its Product Design Centres; Hume Secondary College in Broadmeadows and Northern Bay College in Geelong. 

The program offers equipment and mentorship to students aged 11 - 18, along with the chance to explore opportunities within the STEAM fields. The STEAM Hub at Northern Bay College, provided by Ford, is fitted with state of the art digital technology, including a laser cutter and a Computer Numerical Control Plasma cutter. Both requiring skillsets such as designing and coding which are taught at the hub. 

Richard Ellson, Northern Bay College’s vocational education and training teacher, said Ford’s support is invaluable for students in the northern Geelong community.

“Without the financial support we could never have purchased the new machines. They’d never have seen what an engineer or any STEAM-discipline professional does and that they could become one someday.”

Selvay joins a speaker panel that boasts a wide berth of talent. Keynote speaker Kylie Rogers, the General Manager - Commercial of the AFL, Anna Ross, founder of Kester Black, entrepreneur Lyndsay Sharp, and Rachel Roberston, former expedition leader of Davis Station in Antarctica. Tickets are available now, so to hear these inspiring women share their experiences, click the link below.