Nadine Osman
Captain Mona Shindy, a weapons engineer, cultural advisor, and business leader in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has been named the 2015 Telstra NSW [New South Wales] Business Woman of the Year on October 27.
Shindy also took home the Government and Academia Award at the 21st annual awards held in Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont, NSW.
Shindy is one of only 15 Muslims serving in RAN and 88 employed across the Australian Defense Force.
Shindy, who is the RAN’s Director Littoral Warfare and Maritime Support, is responsible for some of Australia’s major defence purchases. She was recently appointed Chief of Navy’s Strategic Adviser on Islamic Cultural Affairs and was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for her commitment to cultural change in the 2015 Australia Day honours.
Her family migrated from Egypt when she was only three years old and she lost her father at the age of 14. From graduating with a degree in weapons engineering to climbing aboard a warship at the age of 23, Captain Mona has shown remarkable effort and dedication
Shindy, who heads up the Guided Missile Frigate System Program Office, accepted the position in March 2013 and has welcomed the opportunity to create better understanding amongst Defence members and the wider Muslim community.
Shindy joined the RAN in 1989 as an undergraduate engineer. She holds a a Masters of Commerce from the University of New South Wales.
She has seen everything from active service at the start of the 2003 Iraq War to shore positions involving overseeing myriad complex programs.
Telstra Chief Operations Officer and Telstra Business Women’s Award Ambassador, Kate McKenzie, said the Telstra Awards judges applauded Captain Shindy’s commitment towards cultural change within the Royal Australian Navy and her ability to push for diversity to make Australia’s defence force a more inclusive one.
“Mona has been a trailblazer during her career with the Navy, driving huge organisational change. Her ability to influence change is a rare thing to witness and is truly inspiring,” McKenzie said.
