How SCWIST Acts as a Diversity Champion for Women in STEM
The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology has been making strides for gender parity in STEM fields since 1981.
Ashley van der Pouw Kraan, SCWIST
Gender parity is a crucial aspect of achieving a just and equitable world. It goes beyond merely balancing numbers — it involves recognizing and addressing the systemic biases that have historically marginalized women and non-binary individuals. Yet despite meaningful advancements, gender parity remains elusive in Canada.
Policymakers at all levels of government play a pivotal role in driving gender equality. They must design and implement initiatives that promote equal representation, such as the 50-30 Challenge, which seeks 50 per cent representation of women and
30 per cent representation of other equity-seeking groups in board settings.
Establishing a level playing field Civil society organizations such as the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) also do vital work to dismantle barriers and establish a level playing field. The SCWIST’s policy team is excited to build on the federal government’s 50-30 campaign, stating: “Women and other equity-seeking groups have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields, therefore STEM companies are an essential part of achieving gender equality. By creating a STEM Diversity Champions
Kyne Santos Became a Popular Drag Queen and STEM Educator
Mediaplanet chatted with Kyne Santos, a world-class drag queen known simply as “Kyne” and best known for competing on Canada’s Drag Race — also a mathematics communicator who’s popular on TikTok, about making waves as both a drag queen and a math queen.
How did you get into drag?
I spent all my high school years playing with makeup on my YouTube channel and playing with clothes from the girls’ section, but the very first time I went on stage as a drag queen was in university in 2017. It was a Halloween show and I dressed up as a pop art zombie and lip-synced to “Turn Me On” by David Guetta and Nicki Minaj.
How did you make the move from drag queen to math queen?
The drag was always a given because I’ve always thought it was more fun to appear online as a clown rather than my regular self. The math videos came about after I started using TikTok at the beginning of the pandemic. I had a YouTube channel with over 100,000 subscribers where I made wig and sewing tutorials, but I wanted to make TikTok videos in a different niche. I started posting math riddles because I wanted to share my love for my favourite subject!
What lesson do you want to share with youth who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)?
Growing up, I used to think I was too gay or too effeminate to be respected as a scientist or mathematician. It’s important to me now to show people that STEM is for everyone. All you need is an enthusiasm for learning.
Dashboard, we’ve created a tangible tool for companies to monitor and benchmark their progress in achieving 50-30, thus fostering a more equitable tomorrow for female scientists, engineers, and technologists.”
SCWIST also runs several other programs to help achieve gender parity, including MakePossible, an online mentoring community, and Make DIVERSITY Possible, which helps organizations ensure that embracing diversity is at the forefront of their policies.
Why Promoting Representation is Critical to Advancing Cardiac Care for Canadian Patients
This non-profit is leading the way when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, not only within its direct network, but with patients.
We want to see equal, patientoriented care, at the highest level, for everyone.
Women's visibility for their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has gradually improved over the years as governments, academic institutions, and businesses put funding into their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives.
For years, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have been predominantly male-dominated fields. It’s a trend that organizations like CANet — the Cardiovascular Network of Canada — are working to change, recognizing the significant barriers to entry that underrepresented groups not only face when joining these industries, but the role representation and equity must have in critical research and moving the fields forward. This vision isn’t new for CANet, who have been working to embed equity into their network for many years. “We want to turn the tides in what has been historically, a male-dominated field,” says Dr. Anthony Tang, Cardiologist and CEO, Scientific Director of CANet.
CANet, a non-profit, was established nearly a decade ago, built with the aim of promoting research and development in the cardiovascular space and funding ground-breaking cardiac research. During this time, the organization’s goal has been focused on transforming the healthcare system, driving quality care for better health outcomes. More recently, it has put increased focus into prioritizing patientdriven, digital health technologies, building a more equitable treatment landscape for cardiac patients across Canada.
Dr. Ratika Parkash, Researcher and Associate Scientific Director at CANet notes, “There is no question that diversity was not at the forefront with respect to patients and researchers prior to a decade ago, but we’ve seen a major shift in the last five years. It’s critical to embrace everyone’s viewpoints when it comes to research.”
Patient-centered approach
at CANet says. “From the beginning, CANet has considered patients to be equal partners. They have a huge voice in the network and are embedded into every committee. As a researcher, I can think I know the problems, but if it’s not relevant to patients, it’s useless.”
Leveraging digital solutions
Customized strategies must be developed to help integrate patients — regardless of where they live, who they are, or where they come from — into their own healthcare journeys, empowering them to seek the quality care everyone deserves, while also gathering important research insights as they go through these experiences. “We don’t need to change what we’re delivering to patients, but we do need to find ways to deliver the same level of healthcare to patients, irrespective of access,” Dr. Parkash says.
VIRTUES is a holistic, comprehensive digital health approach that provides equity of care aiming to meet the needs of all patients, regardless of geographical, cultural, and systemic barriers. It’s a CANet-led patient-driven cardiac care initiative, offering patients an innovative solution to managing complex conditions. It can be accessed and delivered to Canada’s remote regions, helping these patients not only receive the same level of cardiac care and information, but ensuring they have a forum that allows their voices to be heard and incorporated into research.
We don’t need to change what we’re delivering to patients, but we do need to find ways to deliver the same level of healthcare to patients, irrespective of access. We need to advocate for system-level changes that prioritize culturally safe and responsive care.
From the beginning, CANet has prioritized diversity, integrating underrepresented groups into all levels of the organization. Currently, CANet’s research training program (CHAT) includes more female trainees than male, and this same approach can be seen threaded throughout the organization from the Board of Directors, through to education and training
Understanding culturally responsive Healthcare Canada’s Indigenous communities, for example, are one group that require culturally responsive health research, services, and programming, something Dr. Alexandra King of Nipissing First Nation and co-lead of Pewaseskwan Indigenous Wellness Research Group, knows well. She notes that rates of heart disease are higher within Indigenous communities, and culturally responsive healthcare is necessary to ensure Indigenous people feel safe and heard across Canada’s healthcare system. “We need to advocate for system-level changes that prioritize culturally safe and responsive care,” Dr. King says.
CANet and Pewaseskwan are working together to help incorporate Indigenous voices when it comes to heart-related healthcare and research. “We need to find ways to prioritize community-based, community-informed
From the beginning, CANet has considered patients to be equal partners. They have a huge voice in the network.
A holistic, comprehensive digital health approach that provides equity of care to meet the needs of all patients, regardless of geographical, cultural, or systemic barriers. VIRTUES provides access to expert care at home in patients’ community.
more at www.virtues.care
Sonya Friesen
Dr. Anthony Tang Cardiologist & CEO, Scientific Director, CANet
Dr. Katherine Allan Senior Research Associate in Cardiology, St. Michael’s Hospital & Chair, Training & Education Committee, CANet
Advancing New Canadian Women in Technology Prepares for New Cohort
Advancing New Canadian Women in Technology’s new cohort will prepare new immigrant women with technical STEM skills for the Canadian job market.
Mandy Lewis
Sawsan Abdul-Majid established Advancing New Canadian Women in Technology (ANCWT) in 2016 at the University of Ottawa to help immigrant and refugee women with technical skills in STEM fields to transition into the Canadian job market. From 2016 to 2023, ANCWT has had six cohorts (four in person and two virtual), with 80 graduates.
Cohorts consist of three phases: eligibility assessment and participant selection, training (in person and online), and networking. ANCWT cohorts provide professional development workshops with topics including: job market awareness; resume-writing workshops; LinkedIn profile creation; engineering licensing in Canada; equality, diversity, and inclusion; and worker rights. Cohorts also include a three-minute technical pitch competition to develop participants’ communication and showcase technical skills, campus lab tours, and an industry panel with potential employers from technical fields. Cohort alumnae receive ongoing support including networking events and professional development opportunities. ANCWT also offers seminars with relevant experts for both alumnae and the general public.
Introducing the fall cohort
If you’re interested in being involved with this fall’s cohort as a
gmail.com To learn more, visit ancwt.ca
ANCWT is pleased to announce that it will be conducting the ANCWT 2023 cohort from October 25th, 2023, to November 17th, 2023. The sessions are scheduled for three days per week (Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays) from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This cohort will be hybrid. The four-week program will help newly immigrated women who already have a background in STEM fields to hone their skills, build a professional network, and find opportunities to work in the Canadian industry. Every module in the program is carefully designed to help newcomers develop a clear understanding of their respective job markets through various expert lectures, assignments, and activities.
Dr. Shaun Ghafari, P.Eng. Dean, Engineering, Humber College
Firoozeh Khalily
How Appleby College's STEM Education Fosters Bright Minds and Futures
Appleby College uses STEM education to encourage its students to think differently and to prepare themselves for the future.
Claire Kelly, Assistant Head of School, Student Life
At Appleby College, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) approach to education fosters creativity and divergent thinking alongside fundamental disciplines. It motivates and inspires students to dream beyond the here and now, and to look at everyday activities and imagine “what if.”
Relying on inquiry-based learning, STEM education gives students an under standing of concepts and encourages knowledge application. Students are free to exercise what they learn and embrace mistakes in a risk-free environment. Project-based learning and problem solving vhelp learners to form a special mindset that encourages flexibility and curiosity to ideate solutions to real-world challenges. STEM educa tion prepares the world for the future.
Empowering students
Having a dedicated space for access to advanced technology and a place where students feel empowered to engage in high-level problem solving is critical for student development in the 21st century. Since 2016, Appleby students have embraced the opportunity to combine their knowledge of science, mathematics, and structural, with imagination, creativity, and artistry to explore solutions to everyday problems that challenge people to think differently — all in the school’s state-of-the-art Design Lab. What’s more, in 2022, Appleby introduced a new dedicated Robotics Lab for students to collaborate and test prototypes, complete with six work stations and an open display wall of electronic gadgets designed to help students conceptualize their robot from the moment they walk through the door.
New this year, Appleby is piloting the Appleby College Diploma with Distinction in STEM Leadership, providing students the opportunity to dive deep in this area of study and to take active ownership of their learning as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.
Through STEM learning, students are acquiring the skills and knowledge to be future problem solvers and leaders of industry.
How Humber College Is Addressing the Lack
of Diversity in STEM
Humber College is undertaking a variety of initiatives to address the lack of diversity in STEM.
Tania Amardeil
It’s 2023, and yet a lack of diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains a challenge.
Humber College is dedicated to challenging the underrepresentation of equity-deserving groups and ensuring its STEM education is inclusive and taught by diverse faculty.
“Historically, STEM fields lacked diversity and as a result, engineering problems were solved through only one lens,” says Dr. Shaun Ghafari, dean, Engineering at Humber College.
“Today’s challenges need innovative solutions that come from engineering teams that are multi-disciplinary and diverse. At Humber, we are building these teams in our faculty, our staff, and our students.”
Smart EDI initiatives
As a leader in STEM education, Humber has undertaken a variety of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives to address the lack of diversity in STEM.
The diversity of the student body is reflected in their diverse faculty members and instructors, who are role models for students’ future success. Humber has also
implemented training for staff and faculty on how to embed EDI into the curriculum. These are just some of the school’s initiatives that instill a set of values in students known as the Humber Learning Outcomes, says Ghafari.
"These values inform how we develop the curriculum, who teaches it, and whose experiences are reflected in the learning,” says Ghafari. “These mindsets are crucial for our graduates as they inform how to approach challenging situations and interact with others.”
The college’s EDI Toolkit, released in 2022, acts as a guide for faculty to apply EDI practices in the classroom to ensure students feel a sense of belonging, which in turn increases engagement, retention, and graduation rates.
Cultivating belonging “Humber really reflects on how it structures what it teaches, whose voices it surfaces and makes visible, whose experiences are reflected in the material, and whose knowledge is centered,” notes Firoozeh Khalily, Chair of Humber College’s Electronic Engineering Program Advisory Committee (PAC) and Vice-President of National
Field Operations at Rogers Communications. “The more students feel a sense of belonging, the more likely they are to succeed, which increases representation in society as a whole.”
Humber works with its PAC members, like Khalily, to support engineering programs with current curriculum. “We help Humber create programs that are relevant by keeping the college connected to industry needs and trends,” says Khalily.
Humber’s three engineering degrees launched in 2021 and are now part of a new cluster within the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology that addresses skills gaps and keeps pace with the fast-changing field. Through industry partnerships, students are able to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom in a real-world setting using cutting edge technology found at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation at the college’s North Campus.
In addition to evolving to meet industry needs, Humber is committed to being a strong community partner by ensuring that its classrooms are environments where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.
The Space Industry Leader Proving Why Diversity in STEM Matters
Dr. Minda Suchan Vice-President of Geointelligence, MDA
Canadian-based, global space technology company MDA is a shining example of why prioritizing diversity in STEM leads to greater success. Diversity in thought, in culture, and in
In 1968, Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders took a photo of Earth from space that ushered in a new perspective on the world.
Seeing the Earth’s beauty from the distance of space elicited feelings of awe and the realization that everyone and everything on the planet is connected.
“That photograph captured the imagination of the whole world, and particularly young people. Some say it launched the environmental movement,” says Dr. Minda Suchan, Vice-President of Geointelligence at MDA, a Canadian-based, global space technology company. “I think of it sometimes when I’m working on our new satellite constellation, CHORUS. I think about the power of seeing images of our world and how they can inform our perspective.”
CHORUS: A next-gen Earth observation mission
Dr. Suchan is leading one of MDA’s largest and most technically ambitious initiatives — a market-leading commercial Earth observation mission called CHORUS, which will provide realtime collaborative insight about the planet, using a next-gen, multi-sensor satellite constellation.
“Those images, that real-time data, are critical to solving problems here on Earth. We can monitor crops, map wetlands, detect pollution, monitor maritime activity, spot illegal fishing and deforestation, and overall keep an eye on Earth,” says Dr. Suchan. “CHORUS will be able to take images of unprecedented scale and precision — from a 700km-wide swath all the way down to less than one metre — to capture very high-resolution spotlight images.”
Dr. Suchan is proud of the work her team at MDA is doing. “We’re solving interesting realworld problems with the application of next generation technology. Many companies lay claim to being innovative, but at MDA we are putting innovative technology in space to not only help us see and understand what is happening on Earth, but also to create viable Moon colonies, deep space exploration, and life saving communications.”
Diversity as an innovation driver
A critical part of innovation is bringing in different perspectives. “Diversity in thought, in culture, and in how you approach a problem is so critical to improving problem-solving capabilities. I think part of our company’s innovation and success can be attributed to the MDA team’s diversity,” says Dr. Suchan.
Dr. Suchan notes that the space industry writ large tends to attract — and celebrate — diversity.
For example, within the Canadian space sector workforce, those identifying as female represent 28 per cent of the workforce compared to about 25 per cent in other sectors.
However, she sees MDA as being especially intentional in its efforts. Rather than relying on broad industry trends or the fact that it’s based in three of Canada’s most diverse cities (Brampton, Ont., Montreal, Que., and Richmond, B.C.), the company has taken a proactive approach to broadening perspectives. Dr. Suchan, who is a passionate advocate for diversity in hiring processes, applauds the efforts that MDA is making in this regard.
Removing barriers
“Our company tries to remove as many barriers as we can for folks coming into the work force,” says Dr. Suchan. “For example, we have a hybrid work environment, and we try to develop policies that will attract diverse talent. Throughout our organization, we have everyone from seasoned long-time engineers to new graduates working in integrated teams together. This fosters mentorship, on-the-job training and knowledge transfer that is rare in Canada and globally in the space industry.” Today, of MDA’s three main business areas — Robotics and Space Operations, Satellite Systems, and Geointelligence — two are led by women, with Dr. Suchan helming the Geointelligence team and Holly Johnson leading Robotics and Space Operations.
“While STEM industries have traditionally been male-dominated, things are changing and we’re breaking new ground,” says Dr. Suchan.
Adopted from South Korea and raised in Minnesota before immigrating to Canada, Dr. Suchan knows something about the difficulties that accompany breaking new ground. “I had barriers to overcome,” she says. “As one of very few women in my graduate program, I had to navigate perceptions about my role as a woman engineer, and then learn how to establish myself in my role and responsibilities in the workforce. I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors, so I always like to offer my mentorship to those who are still coming up the ranks. Being able to share those experiences lets people know they’re not alone in their journey.”
Dr. Suchan says she feels very fortunate to work in a company that’s so committed to inclusion. “We bring a diversity of perspectives into our day-to-day business operations to solve problems at MDA and in space. MDA’s mission success on and above the Earth is proof of the power of bringing that diversity to the table.”
radar imaging capacity available on the market.
Satellite imagery mosaic created by 300 RADARSAT-2 images of Canada stitched together.
Why Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Culture in Construction Matters
Fostering diversity in the construction field presents immense opportunities for progress and innovation. Here, women in the field share their views.
Pomerleau, a leading Canadian construction company, has made a commitment to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The builder has always been dedicated to creating a work environment that enables its employees to fulfill their potential and to ensure that all its teams and
Sara Evely, B.Sc., B.Eng.
Assistant Project Manager, Pomerleau
stakeholders feel represented. As the industry grows and transforms, the inclusion of DEI values within companies is imperative. Three employees from Pomerleau have delved into the discussion about the state of diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Read more about how they envision the future of STEM.
From your perspective, what is the current state of diversity in STEM in our industry? What are the key challenges and opportunities?
Lately, there has been a lot of focus on creating equity and providing opportunities to women and visible minority groups. These initiatives are opening doors and driving the diversification we see within our industry. However, I think the true measure of our success will not be known for another generation. The women within the industry today are the trailblazers. For the first time, our youth are witnessing diversity in the workplace. They see people who look like them or don’t fit the stereotype in their head. The visibility of these role models and industry trailblazers, paired with initiatives within schools and workplaces to expose youth to our industry, will hopefully create a huge impact and usher in a permanent shift in our industry’s demographic.
How do you envision the future of diversity and inclusion in STEM? What changes would you like to see in the coming years?
I envision a future for STEM where diversity and inclusion are intrinsic values in the industry, not mere initiatives. This would mean a STEM landscape where people of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, race, socioeconomic status, and other identifiers, have equal opportunities and representation. Collaboration between industry and educational institutions should grow stronger, fostering an early interest in STEM among underrepresented groups. Continuous training and awareness programs can ensure evolving understanding and practices related to diversity. Ultimately, the goal should be a STEM environment where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to innovate,
In your opinion, how important is representation in STEM, especially for young individuals who are considering their career paths?
I’ve done some TEDx talks, and in them, I explored many of the underlying factors that lead to a lack of diversity in STEM. I believe that the largest contributor to this problem is self-concept. Science says that girls must see a reflection of themselves in their education and future careers if they are to pursue them. Historically, the engineering industry has not been inclusive, which makes it difficult for certain demographics to envision themselves in engineering roles. The work that’s being done to encourage women and visible minorities to pursue careers in STEM is creating role models for future generations, and is not only benefiting the industry today but impacting generations to come.
leading to richer perspectives and solutions in the field.
What advice would you offer to young individuals from underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing STEM careers?
Believe in your potential and remember that your unique perspective is an asset to the field. Seek out mentors who can guide you and tap into networks and organizations tailored to support diverse individuals in STEM. Continuously invest in your skills and education, and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and others. Facing challenges is inevitable, but with perseverance, support, and resilience, you can navigate them successfully. Lastly, remember that you're trailblazers and your journey inspires others.
How does a lack of diversity in STEM impact innovation and progress?
Diversity in culture and gender brings different and innovative visions. When everyone is cut from the same cloth and thinks in the same way, it takes longer for innovation to take hold. When we have diversity in our work, it creates a new dynamic and synergy that encourages the emergence of new ideas that are beneficial to innovation. The more women and visible minorities are exposed to examples and role models in STEM, the more the vision of seeing themselves in STEM will become a reality.
Alaleh Pouyan, M.Sc. Eng Regional Quality Manager, Pomerleau
Isabelle Paventi, B.Eng.
Closing the Pay Gap in STEM Fosters a Healthy Innovative Ecosystem
Mitacs's investments in research and entrepreneurship allow women to have sustainable careers in STEM across Canada.
Women's visibility for their contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has gradually improved over the years as governments, academic institutions, and businesses put funding into their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives.
Canadian non-profit research organization Mitacs is contributing to this change by addressing pay inequities in STEM. In 2022, Mitacs provided grant funding for innovative research and internships to over 15,000 individuals, 44 per cent of whom identified as women.
Studies show that the pay gap between men and women in STEM starts at 17 per cent and grows to 21 per cent as education and experience increase in Canada. Women are also less likely to be awarded the equivalent grants as men and are often provided with fewer resources (such as lab space, equipment, and interns) for their research. Additionally, women carry higher responsibilities to mentor and teach.
Through grant funding, Mitacs propels women in STEM by providing a source for appropriate compensation, access to adequate resources, and the opportunity to tap into a dynamic network of innovators.
Providing viable career avenues for women in research
Inverted AI is a startup that makes human non-playable characters for autonomous vehicle simulation. Frank Wood, CEO of Inverted AI and an associate professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), shares that Mitacs’s funding helps make it possible to have a robust and diverse research team by offering researchers more and fairer compensation.
Mitacs takes proactive steps to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements, which promotes an inclusive environment where diversity is valued.
Thanks to Mitacs’s support, Inverted AI was able to attract talented researcher Xiaoxuan Liang who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at UBC. Through her Mitacs internship with Inverted AI, she took part in invaluable learning experiences which broadened her application of STEM research.
“Mitacs takes proactive steps to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements, which promotes an inclusive environment where diversity is valued,” says Liang.
Enabling women to pursue entrepreneurship in STEM
The majority of women-owned small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada have lower success rates compared to the majority of men-owned SMEs across industries. Mitacs recognizes this barrier and has supported startup businesses like Genuine Taste with access to funding.
Emily Farrar, a PhD student at the University of Toronto, co-founded Genuine Taste. Through her research, she figured out how to recreate animal fat using stem cell biology in order to improve the taste, texture, and nutrition of alternative meats. She explains that the cost of ingredients to culture cells and repetitively conduct experiments is expensive. Mitacs funding helped to cover these expenses, allowing Farrar and the team at Genuine Taste to develop a minimum viable product and to secure their first global consumer packaged goods customer.
We know that women play a crucial role in Canada’s innovation landscape, bringing much-needed talent to science and technology organizations nationwide.
According to Farrar, one of the biggest challenges to successful entrepreneurship is understanding the ecosystem and building a network. To this end, Mitacs supported Genuine Taste by providing funding that enabled the team to build industry connections internationally and to pitch their product abroad.
Improving Canada's research and innovation portfolio internationally
In Canada, women make up only 23 per cent of the STEM workforce, which pales in comparison to the European Union's 43 per cent representation of women in STEM. For Canada to expand its innovation presence internationally, women must be better represented and positioned in the workforce.
“At Mitacs, we understand that diverse perspectives are essential in driving inclusive innovation,” says Anne-Marie Thompson, Mitacs’s Chief Programs and Policy Officer. “We know that women play a crucial role in Canada’s innovation landscape, bringing much-needed talent to science and technology organizations nationwide. Through the consistent evaluation of our program offerings, Mitacs is working hard to create meaningful and accessible opportunities for research and talent across equity-deserving groups, including women.”
Through strategic investments in research across provinces, Mitacs provides competitive opportunities for women in STEM and pushes innovation forward internationally.
Emily Farrar PhD student, University of Toronto, & Co-founder Genuine Taste
Xiaoxuan Liang PhD Student, Computer Science, University of British Columbia
To learn more about how Mitacs is bringing innovation into reach, visit mitacs.ca This article was sponsored by Mitacs
