Mikalya (she/her)

Hi there! My name is Mikayla, and I am a third-year student studying a Bachelor of Engineering (majoring in Robotics and Mechatronics) at Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus. I have three years left in my course. 

I have experienced a variety of hardships throughout my life regarding my gender and sexuality. Overcoming challenges associated with this has led to me being a strong advocate for equal rights, treatment, and opportunities for LGBTIQ+ people in our society, especially Trans and Gender Diverse individuals.  

My goal is to inspire my fellow Trans siblings towards confronting their struggles and striving for success, much like the individuals I looked up to early in my own transition; I also continue to strive to guide and help TGD (Trans & Gender Diverse) individuals, so they do not feel as lost as I did. I aspire to help improve society by increasing the acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people as much as possible, so we may overcome our hardships and live our best lives. Finally, I wish to demonstrate that anyone can achieve their dreams – just as I am studying engineering now and am living an incredible life I can truly say I would have never thought possible a few years back. 

I am beyond grateful to have received a scholarship from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. I look forward to representing both the CBA and The Pinnacle Foundation in the future and cannot wait to experience all the new opportunities and experiences afforded to me by their generosity, as well as being a part of the Pinnacle family. Thank you, so much!