Women in Print Press Release
Women in Print announced today that Sharna Beck, HP Indigo Digital Press operator from Southern Impact, is the winner of the 2024 HP Dscoop giveaway.
Sharna will travel to APJ Dscoop in Cebu, Philippines, where she will join a global community of HP Graphic Arts users, industry leaders and innovators for a unique opportunity to network, learn and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in the printing industry. HP will cover all related travel, accommodation and seminar entrance costs for her to attend.
The prize was awarded following a comprehensive process. Entries from around the ANZ region were evaluated by a trans-Tasman panel , including Ruth Cobb—PrintNZ CEO, Charlotte Gorham—P.O.S Visual Solutions, Lorraine Fox—On Pack, Samantha Thomson—Prima Printing, and Kimberley Skinner—GM Total Digital Solutions, and WA Patron for Women in Print.
Sharna’s digital print journey began in 2018 in the mail room at Southern Impact in Victoria, where she trained on several Digital Presses before later joining the company’s digital department as an HP Indigo Digital Press Operator.
Within a year, Sharna completed training on the HP Indigo Series 3 and Series 4 digital presses, making her the only digital operator at Southern Impact with the ability to run all four digital presses, which include three Indigo Presses; an HP Indigo 7600, HP Indigo 7800 and B2-sized HP Indigo 15K Digital Presses.
“During my time with Southern Impact, I have found a real passion for the printing industry while learning from other technicians and advancing my skills on the job, and gaining great pleasure from seeing the results of my print production efforts,” Sharna says.
“When I was fortunate enough to be offered a new role in the digital department, I jumped at the chance to work alongside a fantastic digital team, where I’ve quickly become entrenched as the only operator in the department who can operate all four digital presses, validating my love for printing and for achieving customer satisfaction.
“I love my new career, where I have industry-leading technology at my fingertips, and I feel as if the opportunities I have been given have actually changed my world.”
Stephanie Gaddin, Chair of the Women in Print Board, says the organisation was thrilled to partner with HP to provide this opportunity.
“As anyone who has attended Dscoop will attest, the experience is a game-changer and we know the opportunity will deliver immeasurable potential impact for Sharma,” she says.
“We are confident that taking part in APJ Dscoop Cebu will not only not support Sharna's career development by providing unparalleled insights and information, but will help expand her horizons and grow her professional network as she makes new connections from across the globe.
“This aligns perfectly with our mission to support and uplift women in our industry.”
Sharna is supported by her employer, Southern Impact, who provided a glowing reference in the entry process.
“Sharna is a passionate member of our digital family here at Southern Impact, and we love her enthusiasm,” says Rod Mills, Production Manager – Commercial Digital.
“We value our people and the culture we have created here, and we are so proud of Sharna’s achievements – to be trained on the largest press in the digital fleet within a year of moving into the digital family is a credit to her dedication and skill. She’s a superstar,” he says.
Wendy Coss, Committee Chair for Women in Print Special Projects, presented the prize to Sharma at Southern Impact this week, saying, "This giveaway is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Women in Print and our commitment to professional development for women of all levels within our industry.
“We are grateful to HP for their support and thrilled for Sharna, who we know will use this experience to go on and do amazing things in this industry."
For their part, HP says they are delighted to sponsor the initiative, saying it is an important way not only to further career opportunities for the winner, but to shine a spotlight on the achievements of women in the sector.
"HP is proud to partner with Women in Print to support this initiative. Dscoop is all about community and innovation, and we believe Sharna will bring back invaluable knowledge to share with her peers," says Craig Walmsley – HP South Pacific Industrial Country Manager.
"Our goal is to empower professionals in the graphic arts industry, and we are excited to see how this opportunity will inspire and impact the Women in Print community."
Women in Print extends our congratulations to Sharna – we look forward to hearing about her experiences when she returns from Dscoop.
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