3 minute read
WOMEN
<< “More than 90 per cent of Canadian companies are SMEs and they don’t have facilities to do research in-house. We support companies, speci cally those developing products and technologies in the wearable, interactive and mobile technology sector in health care.”
Tyagi inherited her love for science and research from her father, a civil engineer who dedicated his career to bring water to the arid ar Desert in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. She keenly followed the role of scienti c research in developing better, droughtresistant plants that could withstand the desert heat to feed India’s growing population.
After completing her doctoral studies in biotechnology at the University of Rajasthan, where she established a molecular research lab, Tyagi became a research associate with the reputed Council of Scienti c and Industrial Research, India’s largest research and development agency. For her research work in biodiversity and largescale production of endangered plant species, Tyagi earned the Young Scientist Award from the Indian Botanical Society and the nation’s Women Scientist Award.
When she immigrated to Canada in 2009, she was determined to pursue her career as a researcher, and not lose the great momentum and reputation she had achieved in India. “When you come here you are just an immigrant. Some of the main challenges faced by an
International Women’s Day, March 8, is a day to recognize and discuss women and the issues that are important to them globally. In Canada, women of all backgrounds and ethnicities have equality and freedom to pursue their dreams, but they still face labour market challenges, income gaps and struggles with balancing work and life. And multicultural and immigrant women have additional challenges, dealing with foreign credentials obstacles, cultural expectations and lack of female peers.
Following on the success of its Career, Education and Settlement Immigrant Fairs, Canadian Immigrant is presenting its Multicultural Women’s Conference and Fair, to be held in Vancouver, March 31, 2016, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Dr.). immigrant are cultural shock and initial entry in the work force, among other things,” she says.
Tyagi quickly enrolled in a post-graduate program in research commercialization and innovation at George Brown College and, upon graduation, was immediately o ered a position in the college’s research department. She grabbed the opportunity. ere she developed research proposals and managed the work related to applied research commercialization, helping small businesses develop their ideas into marketable products and services. She was also a skilled writer of grant applications, further solidifying her pro le in Canada’s innovation sector.
In 2012, Tyagi joined Centennial’s ARIC. “One of our key objectives was to serve the community’s SMEs to help them improve their productivity, open new markets and innovate products to enhance their prosperity and success,” she explains.
Tyagi says it’s an exciting time in applied research, especially for the public college system. Research has traditionally been the domain of the universities, but businesses are learning that colleges can do the same work quicker and more adroitly, she says.
“Ontario’s colleges are going the extra mile to support students and ensure they are ready for the job. e work we do here in ARIC helps students understand the role of applied research and how it promotes economic activity.”
Be empowered!
By Margaret Jetelina
e idea behind the free event is to provide an environment where women can be empowered, access information to help them succeed, and make new connections with like-minded women.
Emcee Dunia Tozy, Iraqi-born host of Shaw TV’s Open Doors, will guide the day-long event, which will include: • a tradeshow of exhibitors from the employment, education and social service sectors • motivational speakers on career tips, life and success, including a keynote by life coach Claire Yeung called “Become the Heroine of Your Own Story” • a Q & A panel discussion on “Empowering Immigrant Women in Canada,” featuring an inspirational panel of women from di erent walks of life • a yoga/meditation session with Hungarian-born, 71-year-old dynamo Ava Stone • “Ask the Expert” clinics on careers, leadership, homebuying and more • + a children’s activity area if you’re bringing along your baby or preschooler. Learn more and pre-register now at canadianimmigrant.ca/ womensfair.
