By Amanda Maslin, 29 October, 2025
QUT IT student, Inano Knowles, has been named the 2025 Rising Star of the Year at the Women in Digital Awards, recognised for her exceptional leadership, community impact, and commitment to empowering others in the tech community.
Balancing study, work and motherhood
'The Rising Star Award means so much to me because it celebrates my passion for empowering others; whether it’s helping young minds explore coding or supporting my peers to grow and connect across the digital community,' said Inano.
Currently expecting her second child, Inano has impressed those around her with her ability to balance pregnancy with her studies and professional commitments. Beyond her studies, she shares her passion for technology as an Instructor with Junior Engineers, guiding children aged 5–16 to explore coding and develop real-world problem-solving skills.
Empowering students and building community
Inano’s leadership extends well beyond the classroom. As an Events Facilitator with QUT Women in Tech and Volunteer Facilitator with the Australian Computer Society, she helps create spaces for students to connect, collaborate and grow in their tech journeys.
Her drive to support her peers also led her to establish the Emerging Coders Hub: a student club she founded to help emerging IT professionals build their skills and professional networks. Through workshops, events and mentoring opportunities, Inano has helped countless students develop confidence and make meaningful industry connections.
Start your future in the tech industry
Inano began her studies at QUT with the Diploma of Information Technology before progressing straight into the second year of the Bachelor of Information Technology. Are you ready to make an impact in the digital future? Explore where the DIploma of IT can take you.
Recognised for leadership and impact
Judges of the Women in Digital Awards praised Inano for her “outstanding leadership and community impact, demonstrating exceptional initiative, balance, and dedication to empowering others while fostering growth and connection within the tech community.”
Celebrating Women in Digital
The Women in Digital Awards were founded on the belief that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see.’ Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate the incredible women, organisations and diversity champions shaping the future of Australia’s digital industries.
This year’s finalists and winners represent a broad spectrum of talent, innovation and leadership. Inano’s success is a shining example of the impact that QUT students are making across the tech landscape.
