Zilinka Jiang: Fellow. Data Scientist. Leader.
As artificial intelligence (AI) and data science revolutionises industries, actuaries are harnessing these powerful tools to our practice to drive organisation.
Zilinka Jiang is one such actuary, exemplifying how embracing cutting-edge technology can drive innovation and create real-world impact.
As the recipient of the 2024 Actuaries Institute Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship, Zilinka embodies the future of a profession that’s risen to meet the complex challenges of our data-driven world head-on.
The $25,000 scholarship, offered in partnership with Chief Executive Women (CEW), will see Zilinka attend the Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Executive Program in Leadership. This program is designed to hone the leadership capabilities of already accomplished professionals, providing them with tools to drive innovation and change in their organisations and the broader industry.
“Through this scholarship, I hope to gain new insights and skills that will help me scale data science excellence within our organisation,” Zilinka says.
A rising star in AI and data science
With 15 years of experience driving client-focused solutions and innovative data strategies, Zilinka is no stranger to breaking new ground. As Executive, Data Science at Quantium, she has led high-impact projects across telecommunications, retail, and finance.
In her words, she is “focused on building high-performing teams that can deliver innovative AI solutions while also fostering an inclusive culture that encourages diverse talent to thrive.”
Zilinka’s career is marked by significant achievements that showcase the power of data science in addressing real-world challenges:
- Transforming hospital planning during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Implementing a personalisation engine for a US bank
- Optimising insurance portfolios
Her overarching goal? To drive outcomes that improve the lives of everyday Australians through data-driven decision making.
Beyond these projects, her focus on technical leadership and mentoring has shaped the careers of data scientists internationally, leading global teams, developing data science practices, and overseeing the career growth of over 100 data scientists.
Breaking the tech glass ceiling
The tech industry, particularly in fields like AI and data science, has long grappled with gender disparity.
According to the National Skills Commission, only 32% of data science professionals in Australia are women. Across the whole STEM workforce, at the CEO/head of business level women represent only 11% of positions. This scholarship is a concerted effort to address this imbalance at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
The impact of the initiative extends far beyond Zilinka’s own career. “This win is not just for me, but also for the team and the women in STEM I hope to inspire to pursue their dreams of leading in this field,” says Zilinka.
By empowering women leaders in AI and data science, the Institute and CEW initiative aims to create role models and mentors for the next generation of women in tech.
Actuaries Institute CEO Elayne Grace emphasised this point:
“This scholarship is a testament to our commitment to fostering female leadership in data science and AI. It is essential to support and develop leaders who can harness the power of data and AI to address the pressing challenges of our time.
“We are proud to support Zilinka Jiang in her journey and look forward to the impact she will make.”
Building an equitable future
As we celebrate Zilinka’s achievement, it’s clear that initiatives like these are crucial for building a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. The Actuaries Institute Women Leaders in AI and Data Science Scholarship is not just an award—it’s a statement of intent, a commitment to a future where women’s voices are equally heard and valued in shaping the technologies that will define our world.
The tech community will have an opportunity to hear from Zilinka at AI.Con [2024]: Data to the Power of AI, in Sydney on 7 November 2024. There, alongside other influential speakers like Dr. Cassie Kozyrkov, former Chief Decision Scientist at Google, Zilinka will share her insider’s knowledge on the future of AI and data science.
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