Born: 1959 (Launceston, Tasmania)
Biography:
Sonja Bernhardt OAM is an Australian information technology industry figure who has made significant contributions in mentoring and role model programs for women in IT. Born in 1959 in Launceston, Tasmania, Bernhardt is the founder and Inaugural President of WiT (Women in Technology) in Queensland, established in 1997. She is also the co-founder and Inaugural President of AWISE (Australian Women in IT, Science, and Engineering) in 2005. These not-for-profit industry groups run community-based projects and programs to encourage women and girls to pursue technology careers.
Before establishing her own software development firm called ThoughtWare Australia in February 1999, Bernhardt worked as a consultant for Mincom Limited. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about supporting women in IT, particularly addressing the under-representation of women in technology. She has been actively involved in various projects aimed at altering the perception of girls and women in technology, raising awareness, providing mentoring opportunities, and serving as a role model.
Bernhardt has initiated several notable community projects, including the controversial Screen Goddess IT Calendar in 2007. This calendar featured 20 female role models in poses inspired by famous movies. She also initiated the IT’s Million $ Babes Award, which recognizes successful Australian female entrepreneurs. In 2008, she launched Doing IT Around the World, a diary and series of e-booklets showcasing the work and lives of 36 women in technology around the world. This project, released on August 11—chosen as the date Hedy Lamarr was awarded the spread spectrum patent—demonstrated Bernhardt’s dedication to celebrating and highlighting women’s achievements in the field of technology.
In addition to her work with WiT and AWISE, Bernhardt has held various volunteer positions, further demonstrating her commitment to the IT industry and supporting initiatives. She was a Technical Committee invited member of the ACIITC (Aged Care Industry Information Technology Council) in 2010 and a Foundation Member of ACIVA (Aged Care IT Vendors Association) in 2009. Bernhardt served as the Regional Coordinator for the Asia Pacific Centre for Women and Technology and as a member of the APEC Digital Forum committee in 2007. She was also appointed to the UN-supported International Taskforce for Women and ICT’s in 2007.
Throughout her career, Bernhardt has garnered numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the field of technology and her advocacy for women. In 2005, she became the first Australian inducted into the WITI (Women in Technology International) Hall of Fame. She has also received the Optus ICT Achievement Award in 2009 and the Queensland Government Our Women, Our State Awards in the Industry or Business Category in the same year. Additionally, she has been listed in multiple Australian Who’s Who publications. In recognition of her remarkable achievements and contributions, Bernhardt has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Awards:
– Inducted into the WITI (Women in Technology International) Hall of Fame (2005)
– Optus ICT Achievement Award (2009)
– Queensland Government Our Women, Our State Awards – Industry or Business Category (2009)
– Listings in multiple Australian Who’s Who publications
– Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)