During the last three years, Chemistry Australia has partnered with CEW to offer one woman working in the chemistry industry an incredible opportunity to undertake the Women Transforming Leadership Programme at Oxford Saïd Business School.
In 2024, Dr Roya Khalil, Director of Research and Development at Incitec Pivot Fertilisers, was awarded the Chemistry Australia Woman Leader in STEM Scholarship, and recently graduated from the program.
Here Roya shares an account of her scholarship journey in her own words, and how the experience and learnings have impacted her career and enabled her to lead with greater impact.
Applying for the CEW scholarship was a deliberate and deeply considered decision. I was drawn to the opportunity to attend a world-class executive education course at the University of Oxford— not only to enhance my leadership skills but also to gain global perspectives that could help me create broader impact in my industry.
As a woman in a technical and leadership role, I was eager to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself, and grow in ways that would accelerate my contribution to both my organization and community.
What truly resonated with me was the program’s focus on women in leadership. As women, we often navigate unique challenges and shared experiences that differ from our male counterparts. The chance to learn in a space that embraced and supported those experiences was incredibly powerful.
The journey began the moment I arrived in Oxford. Walking through its historic colleges and learning about the pioneering women who fought for female education was both humbling and inspiring. Their resilience laid the foundation for opportunities like this, and being there felt like becoming part of something far greater than myself.
Attending an overseas executive education course was extraordinary. I had the privilege of learning alongside 25 exceptional women from 18 countries, each bringing diverse insights shaped by their professional and personal journeys. The camaraderie, openness, and support within the cohort created an energizing environment that extended well beyond the classroom.
The course, masterfully designed by Oxford’s educators, blended practical leadership tools with deep reflection. It helped me identify my leadership style, leverage my strengths, and adapt to today’s dynamic global environment—politically, environmentally, and culturally. Through case studies, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving, I gained fresh perspectives that will directly inform my leadership approach moving forward. It was a safe, empowering space—intellectually and emotionally—that allowed me to explore multidimensional leadership and develop a renewed vision for myself and the world I engage with.
This experience has expanded my thinking, strengthened my confidence, and equipped me to take on greater challenges with clarity and purpose. It will remain a cornerstone of my leadership journey.
Receiving the CEW scholarship and attending the executive leadership program at University of Oxford has been a truly transformational experience. It strengthened my leadership skills, broadened my global perspective, and gave me renewed confidence—not just as a leader, but as a female leader—to embrace my strengths and lead with purpose. I’m certain the experience and learnings will have a lasting impact on my career and enable me to lead with greater impact.
To any woman considering applying for a CEW scholarship—believe in yourself and take the leap. It’s more than a scholarship; it’s an investment in lifelong growth and a gateway to a powerful network of inspiring women. The transformation you’ll experience will ripple far beyond your own career.
To find out more about the Chemistry Australia CEW (Chief Executive Women) Woman Leader In STEM Scholarship, visit the Chief Executive Women website: cew.org.au
The winner of the 2025 Woman Leader in STEM Scholarship will be announced later in 2025 on chemistryaustralia.org.au and LinkedIn.
