The handing over of a baton at the recent International Women's Day ceremony in Rockhampton was a symbolic display of the evolution of today's woman.

The baton was passed between three outstanding women from yesterday (Bonnie Beak), today (Janis Littleboy) and tomorrow (Chanelle Harvey), with CQUniversity playing a vital role in the lives of both Janis and Chanelle.

Janis LittleboyJanis became a student later in life, in fact after she turned 40 she began studying a Bachelor of Social Work which she completed in 2004.

She attributes much of her current success in life to her study experience at the University.

The University's Indigenous Centre Nulloo Yumbah provided Janis with personal and academic support throughout her study.

"I remember back when I was working as a medical receptionist that I wanted to do more to help others. You know to me, it is about what you can do to make a difference to someone's life.

"I also wanted to know more about my Aboriginal history. I was told about the Indigenous Learning Support Centre Nulloo Yumbah at CQUniversity, so that was the first step," Janis explained.

"I was really encouraged to give study a go so I took up the challenge and did a 4 year degree in Social Work at CQUniversity and even when it was tough I kept going to finish my degree on time.

"I love my work and to this day it is still my passion. I still love to learn something new everyday. I encourage others that it is possible to do anything with the right support.

"For me, knowing my Aboriginal history and sharing this knowledge with my children and others gave me strength and has helped me to make better choices and help others. Never give up if you have a passion to do something and give yourself a chance because you gain so much more".

Janis now works for the Women's Health Centre in Rockhampton.

Read more about Janis' journey here.

Electrical engineer and vibrant young woman Chanelle Harvey is constantly trying to break the misconception that you can't do a man's job and stay feminine and stylish.

"I've gotten dirty, muddy and sweaty, climbed enormous structures and sometimes feared for my safety. But it's all part of the job and I am so glad that I am able to do it as a female," Chanelle told audiences at the ceremony.

She said she loved her heels, skirts, jewellery and makeup, but didn't mind getting dirty when she had to.

"... it means I stay the woman I am in the job I want."

Chanelle HarveyFollowing in a family tradition, Chanelle decided while still in school that engineering was the career for her.

She later began studying at CQUniversity and along the way was awarded the David McPherson Memorial Trophy for the highest achieving engineering student at the University and also received the Engineers Australia Queensland Electrical Branch Medal.

She has also just been awarded the Institution of Engineering and Technology UK Award for achieving the best overall performance (measured by GPA) in the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Program.

Her toughest challenge during her study was producing her final year thesis which saw her go from "socialite to hermit for 6 months".

The thesis was based on exciting alternative technologies for Ergon Energy.  The company is now in the process of implementing the findings.

The thesis also allowed Chanelle to top Queensland in an Engineers Australia and IET competition and will soon compete at the South Pacific final.

Read Chanelle's International Women's Day speech here.