Bachelor of Business graduate celebrated for outstanding community impact

Violet Minehan was awarded the prestigious College of Business and Law Medal at the Best of Business and Law Awards.

On Tuesday 26 March 2024, the College of Business and Law welcomed industry partners, philanthropic donors, students and their families to celebrate the 70 award recipients at the annual Best of Business and Law Awards ceremony.

These awards play a vital role in connecting RMIT graduates with industry and are a proud moment for them to celebrate their achievements with family, friends and supporters.

Supporters of the awards include professional associations, accredited bodies, private entities and memorial awards in honour of valued RMIT staff members.

The most prestigious award, The College of Business and Law Medal, is awarded to a graduate that demonstrated outstanding academic distinction, community leadership and engagement.

This year’s medal recipient was Violet Minehan, a Bachelor of Business graduate who established GenderQuest, a peer mentoring program for people who identify as transgender, gender diverse or gender questioning.

Interim Deputy Vice Chancellor Business & Law Professor Mathews Nkhoma, who presented the award to Violet, said the medal acknowledges the critical link between community engagement and business leadership.

“Our aim is to equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to solve emerging business and law challenges, contribute to the creation of a fair and sustainable future, and succeed in whatever path they choose,” he said.

“Violet has created incredible impact and is a most deserving recipient of this important award. I congratulate her for this recognition.”

Violet, who was also recognised for her position as President of the RMIT Computer Science and Information Technology (CSIT) Society in 2023 and her industry project with Salesforce Symposium, said it was an honour to be recognised for her work during her degree.

“The award is truly a testament to the enthusiastic encouragement, wisdom and dedication of my mentors, lecturers and champions who continue to inspire and guide me,” she said.

Two women stand in front of a media wall reding ‘Welcome to College of Business and Law’, holding two certificates.

Violet Minehan was awarded the medal for GenderQuest, a program she founded with Lilith Plummer, pictured here.

“I deeply thank the College for recognising every late-night studying, challenging project and nervous presentation.”

Reflecting on her journey at RMIT, Violet said the opportunity to apply business theory to real-life industry challenges was one of the highlights of her degree.

“The WIL course Integrated Perspectives on Business Problems, created by Dr. Jessica Helmi and implemented by Dr. Argho Bandyopadhyay, gave me the opportunity to grow my capabilities as a leader,” she said.

Violet also said her experience leading the RMIT CSIT Society had a lasting impact on her.

“I led a tight-knit team of future professionals through negotiating sponsorship deals with industry leaders, helping our members connect with internship and employment opportunities, and bringing our 400+ member community together through engaging hands-on workshops,” she said.

“I love bringing people together, and student club leadership was a meaningful way for students to get involved and make a difference in their peers' journeys.”

Since graduating, Violet has been working as an analyst for Deloitte in their Digital Banking Solutions Consulting team.

She is also continuing to develop the GenderQuest mentoring program.

“I aspire to bring my spirit of passion, leadership and innovation in all my future endeavours,” she said.

When asked for a piece of advice for anyone contemplating beginning their academic career with RMIT, Violet said,

“It’s your journey, so take control and seize every opportunity that interests you.

“It’s a hard journey, but endlessly rewarding.”

15 April 2024

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Bachelor of Business graduate celebrated for outstanding community impact