Actuaries Institute Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship
International study opportunity supporting senior leaders working in AI and Data Science.
2025 recipient announced!
Andrea Cross, Chief Information Officer at Commonwealth Treasury, has been awarded the 2025 Actuaries Institute Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship.
As CIO of the Australian Government’s lead economic advisory body, Andrea brings a unique perspective to the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science and public policy. This scholarship will enable Andrea to attend the Stanford Graduate School of Business's Executive Program in Leadership in the United States.
The Actuaries Institute Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship run in partnership with Chief Executive Women (CEW), is offered to develop the leadership capabilities of those working in areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science to further their opportunities in leadership and governance.
Actuaries Institute Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship
2025 recipient: Andrea Cross
Andrea Cross is a digital leader, currently serving as Chief Information Officer at The Treasury - the Australian Government's lead economic adviser. With over 20 years of experience in technology roles, Andrea started her career as a digital creative working at tech start-ups, before moving to the public sector where she has specialised in digital transformation, digital policy, and emerging technology. She is particularly passionate about harnessing the power of AI and data to improve digital services for Australians at scale.
Scholarship reflections
The scholarship program represents an opportunity to pay it forward—to strengthen my leadership capabilities so I can be an even more effective mentor and role model for the next generation of women in technology.
Actuaries Institute Women Leader in AI and Data Science Scholarship
2024 recipient: Zilinka Jiang
Zilinka Jiang is an Executive, Data Science at Quantium. Zilinka leads high-impact projects across telecommunications, retail, and finance, delivering value through AI and data-driven transformations. She holds a Fellowship from the Actuaries Institute and a degree in Applied Finance and Actuarial Studies from Macquarie University. This scholarship gave Zilinka the incredible opportunity to attend the Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Executive Program in Leadership.
Scholarship reflections
My goal is to drive outcomes that improve the lives of everyday Australians through data-driven decision making.
Actuaries Institute Women Leader in AI and Data Science Scholarship
2023 recipient: Lisa Green
Lisa Green, Telstra Executive, was the recipient of the inaugural Chief Executive Women and Actuaries Institute AI and Data Science in 2023. As part of her scholarship, Lisa travelled to the United States to study at the Harvard Business School in 2024.
Scholarship reflections
I know that Australia has many incredible women in AI and data science, I am humbled to be among them and pleasantly surprised to have been awarded the scholarship. My level of excitement has made it extremely difficult to keep this news to myself!
Scholarship information
The scholarship to the value of AUD $25,000 is awarded to one executive woman working in AI or data science specifically, who has at least three years senior executive experience within this sector as part of their overall career. The successful candidate can undertake their choice of study at either:
