
Meet our scholars
Get to know the everyday Aussies bringing big ideas to life.

Francesca Cassandra Pacheco
Young Technologists
2025
Western Sydney University
New South Wales
Focus are
Thriving tech sector
About me
Being a teenager can be challenging, luckily I noticed early on that I needed to balance my studies with other activities, so I chose to play netball and sing as hobbies and volunteer my time helping others. Volunteering was one of many sparks that led me to realise how I could impact the world, especially through technology.
Then, in year 11, while studying design and Technology, I found a way to help others by creating a self-esteem mirror through which teenagers would receive encouragement and improve confidence. During this project I learnt different aspects of technology such as user interactive designs and emerging technologies including touchscreens, raspberry pi’s and coding, the feedback I received from teachers and peers was amazing and that´s increased my passion.
I am now fascinated by how technology can bridge gaps and improve everyday life. In the future, I aspire to develop innovative and sustainable products that enhance the way people interact with their environment.
“My goal for this scholarship is to learn about different technologies and implement them in everyday life to aid in the growth of diverse fields. I'm excited to grow with this scholarship, meeting new people, becoming a part of innovations, and finding ways to contribute ideas and new perspectives. I aim to connect the dots between the problems people try to solve and the tech that can help provide the solution.”
My passions
- Helping people
- Problem solving
- Making a difference
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills