#WhyIMap: Kat's Journey with Winyama
Kat is the lead stream and project lead, specialising in business developement and sales optimisation at Winyama, with a wealth of knowledge in cloud partnerships, she has previously worked with the Google Cloud Professional Service team in Singapore.
Her background in geospatial sciences is reinforced by 12 years of professional experience in the Maritime division of Transport WA. Her combined expertise and passion for geospatial and cloud technologies makes her an invaluable asset at Winyama.
Kat is committed to being an ally to Indigenous organisations, understanding the importance of supporting and collaborating with these groups to enhance their technological capabilities and preserve cultural heritage. Her dedication aligns with Winyama’s mission to empower Indigenous Australians with knowledge, digital skills, and tools to look after Country and Mob.
After many years abroad, Kat is thrilled to be back in Perth. She cherishes her time at the beach and enjoys family holidays in Rottnest with her kids. With a rich cultural heritage from a Syrian father and an Australian mother, she also has a passion for cooking Middle Eastern cuisine.
In this blog, we delve into Kat's remarkable journey, her role at Winyama and her vision for the evolving landscape of mapping technology.
Falling into Mapping
Kat's journey into the world of mapping began somewhat unexpectedly during her university years. Initially, she tried a range of different subjects, searching for something that truly resonated with her. Starting with social geography, Kat found it too open and loose, craving something more technical and with more direction. Her interest was piqued when she tried a mapping course at the University of Western Australia, which combined the technical aspect, software, data structure, and science she enjoyed, all with a bonus added visual element.
Early Career and State Government
Armed with her newfound passion, Kat worked for the state government for 12 years. Her role at the Department of Planning and Infrastructure initially involved a lot of data capture, particularly relating to fisheries data and translating scientific data into digital maps. This data was a key inclusion in the Oils Spills Response Atlas highlighting important fisheries habitats that needed consideration during Oil spill incidents. Over time, she transitioned to managing the GIS section, overseeing the department’s custodial maritime data and delivering GIS systems to manage Marine infrastructure during the early days of web mapping technology. As the technology advanced, Kat saw its potential not only for environmental and logisital applications but also for preserving cultural heritage. This technology’s increasing accessibility and usability excited Kat, as it transformed into a tool for business and decision makers, not just for specialists.
Moving to Singapore and Google Maps
Kat's career took her overseas to Singapore, where she pursued a master's degree and worked as a business analyst, temporarily stepping away from mapping. However, her passion for mapping soon drew her back.
She joined the Google Maps team at Google Singapore, diving into the mapping world again. This role exposed her to Google's consumer-based approach, making maps an ever-present part of daily life. Kat was fascinated by the vast amount of data being captured and the powerful impact of making maps accessible to the everyday user.
“The idea that maps were becoming a normal part of life was really cool and I was eager to be a part of the growth of Google Maps.”
Standout Experiences
Reflecting on her career so far, Kat highlights significant times of excitement. The early days of web mapping that felt like building something from the ground up, enabling people to make informed decisions with new technology, which she incorporates into her work to this day. And the visual aspect of mapping; blending art and data only added to the appeal. Then, 25 years later, the advancements in geospatial software, modelling, and data processing capabilities.
“That’s the exciting aspect: there is just so much application, and you really are only limited by your imagination because you’ve got the tools and the ability to process so much more.”
Joining Winyama
Kat was particularly drawn to Winyama's commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation. The opportunity to apply her expertise in geospatial and cloud technologies to support Indigenous communities resonated with her. She values the unique opportunity to contribute to projects that not only advance technological innovation but also safeguard and celebrate Australia’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Mapping, for Kat, is more than just a technical skill; it's a way to connect people with places and stories. She maps to make data accessible and meaningful, transforming raw information into visual narratives that can drive decisions and inspire action. The dynamic nature of mapping technology excites her, as it constantly evolves and opens new possibilities. For Kat, mapping is a powerful tool to bridge gaps, share knowledge, and create a more informed and connected world.
Kat believes in the importance of preserving cultural heritage through innovative mapping solutions. She sees mapping not only as a technical endeavour but as a means of safeguarding Indigenous knowledge and sacred sites. By leveraging cutting edge technology, communities can document and protect their cultural heritage for future generations. Through her work at Winyama, Kat aims to collaborate closely with Indigenous organisations, listening to their needs and co-designing solutions that preserve and celebrate Australia’s rich cultural heritage. She sees mapping as a powerful tool for empowerment, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and their stories are accurately represented on the digital landscape.
If you are looking for a change in scenery or want to continue making an impact like Kat, check out our careers page!
Motivation and Future Outlook
Kat remains motivated by the continuous progress in technology and its applications. She is particularly excited about increasing the accessibility of advanced tools and systems, helping Indigenous organisations kick start their journey in data management. The integration of tools, systems, and skills is crucial for effective use, and Kat is passionate about bridging these elements to foster growth and innovation.
Kat's journey in mapping, from her university days to her current role at Winyama, is a testament to the importance of following your passion within your field and finding your purpose. Kat's impact in technology inspires us and demonstrates how great partnerships lead to even greater outcomes for our communities.
Kat’s excited for her second National Indigenous Mapping Workshop this June in Meanjin (Brisbane)! She’d love to see you there as well, apply here!