Episode 16: Mentoring a New Generation of Quantum Tech Women
In this episode of 'The Quantum Spin by HKA,' host Veronica Combs discusses how to support women in the quantum industry with Biljana Rajevic, Head of Strategy, Corporate Development, and Public Relations at Quantum Brilliance and the founder of Quantum Women. The conversation explores the motivations and initiatives of Quantum Women, including mentoring, networking, and raising the visibility of women’s work in quantum sciences. Biljana also shares her strategies for building relationships, and her thoughts on responsible quantum computing. Tune in to learn about her efforts to create an inclusive, equitable environment in the quantum industry and her insights on the vibrant quantum ecosystem in Australia. 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Spin Podcast 00:36 Meet Biljana Rajevic: Quantum Brilliance and Quantum Women 01:18 Empowering Women in Quantum: Initiatives and Goals 05:00 Power and Influence in the Workplace 10:09 Building Relationships in the Quantum Industry 12:37 Responsible Quantum Computing 14:35 The Vibrant Australian Quantum Ecosystem 16:00 Communicating Quantum: Progress and Misconceptions 17:01 Conclusion and Call for Volunteers About Biliana Rajevic Biliana is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience across financial services, technology, and quantum technology. She has held leadership roles in large organisations, boutique firms, and start-ups across Australia, the U.S., and Europe. Biliana began her career in New York as a B2B SaaS Product Manager before transitioning to Wall Street, specialising in capital markets, leveraged finance, and structured finance. After 18 years in New York, she relocated to Australia, where she continued her impactful career. Currently, she is the Strategy and Corporate Development Lead at Quantum Brilliance, a full-stack quantum technology company, directing strategic corporate and partnership initiatives. She is also the Co-founder and Director of Quantum Women, a not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to empowering women in quantum technology. Biliana serves as Co-Chair of the Australian Quantum Alliance, sits on the Swinburne Industry Research Advisory Board, and is a Working Group Member of the World Economic Forum’s Quantum Applications Hub initiative. Previously, Biliana led strategic engagement at QuintessenceLabs, an Australian quantum cybersecurity company and played a pivotal role at Sydney Quantum Academy as their inaugural Industry Engagement Manager. Biliana holds an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. Host Veronica Combs is a quantum tech editor, writer and PR professional. She manages public relations for quantum computing clients as an account manager with HKA Marketing Communications, the #1 agency in quantum tech PR. Veronica joined HKA from TechRepublic and has covered technology, healthcare and business strategy for more than 10 years. Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicacombs/ HKA Marketing Communications https://hkamarcom.com/
