Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan
Science
Brigitta’s life growing up was shaped by long days, early mornings and an unwavering determination to keep moving forward.
Growing up on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, Brigitta spent hours each day travelling across the city to balance school with the demands of being a nationally competitive swimmer. Her alarm rang at 3am so she could be in the pool before sunrise, followed by a full day at school and afternoon training sessions that stretched into the evening. It was a demanding routine, but it taught her independence, resilience and the belief that hard work could open doors.
University abroad had always been part of the dream. That dream almost disappeared when an unexpected change in her family's financial circumstances made it difficult to meet everyday needs. At one point, she questioned whether she would even be able to finish high school. Through the courage to dream big and the grit to pursue her dreams, however, she was awarded scholarships that allowed her to rewrite her future once again.
Moving to Australia meant starting again in an unfamiliar city, far from family and everything Brigitta had known. It was both exciting and daunting, but Monash quickly became a place where new opportunities replaced uncertainty.
One moment has stayed with her ever since. During one of the most difficult periods, when she could not see a clear path ahead, an educator offered a simple piece of advice: never give up.
Those words became something to carry forward. They strengthened a mindset that had already been forged through years of persistence and reminded her that their circumstances did not define what they could achieve. That encouragement gave her confidence to embrace every opportunity that followed.
Experiences such as the Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Leadership Program, the Global Immersion Guarantee and the Global Discovery Program expanded Brigitta’s understanding of the world and what they could contribute to it. A study experience in Fiji reshaped her understanding of sustainability and inspired her to use storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices.
The moment everything came full circle came not in a classroom, but in New York City. Standing before Monash alumni from across the world, including leaders working at the United Nations and major global organisations, Brigitta shared how the Global Discovery Program had encouraged her to dream even bigger. Looking around the room, she realised they belonged to a community connected by a shared Monash experience and a belief in creating positive change.
If someone had told my younger self that one day I'd be standing in New York sharing my story with Monash alumni from around the world, I wouldn't have believed them. Now I know that where you begin doesn't define where you can go. ”
Announced as one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 recipients for 2026, Brigitta’s story is only just beginning.