22 Oct 2018
#STEM4Every1, Blog, Contest, Engineering, Girls in STEM, Math, Mathematics, Science, Space, STEM Spark, Success, Technology, Women In STEM Conference
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why we need to continue to break barriers in the 21st Century

During our 2nd Annual Sold Out Canadian Women in STEM Conference, we brought together elite speakers from all walks of life who shared stories and strategies for breaking barriers and including women in STEM.

The attendees could not stop talking about how much they are enjoying the conference and how excited they are to be there. It is always so great to see that because of the support of our community, many students were able to take part in this yearly event. Like last year, we were able to include 40% of students attendants at the conference while some were speakers. It is imperative to have everyone at the table if we want to create change for the better.

When organizing events such as these, we always wonder if they are actually making an impact. Sometimes it is very hard to know unless people talk about it. Gladly, in our case, we had one student who was given a ticket to the conference in a contest she wan, express how she felt after the conference and because of it:

Thank you, Ashima for sharing your insight. Thank you for being open and for dreaming big. Thank you for being a part of the change. Thank you for breaking barriers and for being part of the solution and for including you and other women in STEM.

If you attended the conference on October 13, 2018, we would LOVE your feedback. We strive to always make it better a better experience and we would love to hear from you how to do that. Please take 5 minutes of your time to share your thoughts here.

 

11 Oct 2018
#STEM4Every1, CanWomenSTEM150, Engineering, Girls in STEM, LGBTQA+, Math, Media, Science, Space, STEM Spark, Success, Technology, Women In STEM Conference
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why An Inclusive Education Must Be Fostered During International Day Of The Girl Child and Beyond

“Education is neither eastern nor western. Education is education and it’s the right of every human being.”
― Malala Yousafzai

 

International Day of the Girl Child is a day we cherish now more than ever. We know that many girls and young women are still not able to develop the skills they need to enter and advance in their future careers. When a young woman comes to us and says that she is happy to be able to join an all-girl program because she doesn’t feel comfortable in being in a room full of boys at her school, is the evidence we need that enforces the concept of why these days are needed. It is important for girls and young women to see themselves as the leaders of tomorrow. 

The International Day of the Girl Child reinforces that our programs, workshops, and events such as our annual Canadian Women in STEM Conference, are much needed to help girls and young women highlight the idea that they are capable of great things. 

Last year, around this time, when we run our conference it was only because we wanted to raise awareness on the amazing talent pool of women in Canada and towards some amazing women who were behind the curtains of their jobs and never seen for the impact they made to our society. It started with the numerous questions asked by diverse students and community stakeholders: Who out there is in STEM that looks like me or has achieved success despite challenges? What are the many opportunities in STEM that everyone talks about and why would I care to learn more about STEM? It is questions like these that drive us to create change in a meaningful way, to create opportunities for inclusion for the diverse communities that exist in this community of ours called Canada.

We are honoured to celebrate this day with pride, not only on October 11 but throughout the year by ensuring that we provide more opportunities for girls and young women to become the best version of themselves and proud participants in the future workforce. 

“Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”― Oprah Winfrey

10 Oct 2018
#STEM4Every1, Blog, CanWomenSTEM150, Engineering, LGBTQA+, Math, Mathematics, Media, Science, STEM Spark, Success, Technology, Women In STEM Conference
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chandran Fernando, Promoting STEM to Young Women & Girls by Breaking Down Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusion

TORONTO, ON Canada – October 10, 2018 – Toronto based STEM advocacy organization,hEr VOLUTION, is proud to announce Chandran Fernando, Managing Partner at Matrix360, as Keynote at the annual Canadian Women in STEM conference – Breaking Down Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusion, held on October 13, 2018. Matrix360 is an advisory platform whose mission is to elevate a new tone for business with a global and inclusive mindset. Matrix360 is to build sustainable and successful organizations that foster inclusive workplaces where people embrace their differences: gender, ethnicity, race, orientation, age, abilities, education and all backgrounds.

We believe that the solid mission that Matrix360 has followed for numerous years, “To create accessibility to opportunities for all, and encourage open thought processes that effectively puts the heart back into business.”, is exactly what needs to be highlighted during this conference, hence why we are delighted to have Mr. Fernando as the keynote at the conference.

“People are the heart of every business and organization. It is imperative that business leaders recognize the importance of diversity in the workplace as a value-add for business and not just a checkbox-a feel-good gesture.  Business leadership teams must reflect the communities it serves. We must systematically work together towards actionable solutions that not only provide access to opportunities but access to the leadership decision making tables and rooms. There must be a push for representation of all diverse people. It is time business leaders confront biases, prejudice and lack of awareness that impede fair representation in all platforms of leadership.  We must use our voice, mind, and heart to elevate our presence in leadership within Canada. The time is now to embrace the human experience.” says Chandran Fernando, Managing Partner at Matrix 360. More

26 Sep 2018
Blog, CanWomenSTEM150, Engineering, LGBTQA+, Math, Mathematics, Media, Science, Space, STEM Spark, Success, Technology, Women In STEM Conference
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Venture Out is Unleashing the Power of Inclusion by Leading the LGBTQA+ in STEM Breakout Session

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Doina Oncel, Founder/CEO

504- 101 Roehampton Ave,

Toronto, ON M4P 2W2

1-647-878-9285

 

September 26, 2018

 

(Toronto, ON) – hEr VOLUTION is proud to announce Venture Out, as a new sponsor for the LGBTQA+ Breakout Session at the 2nd annual Canadian Women in STEM Conference; Breaking Down Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusion.

Venture Out is a network of individuals, companies and community organizations. Together, they are building an LGBTQA+ tech and entrepreneurship community, with the goal of creating a more diverse & inclusive future.

“Venture Out is thrilled to partner with hEr VOLUTION to help facilitate a conversation on LGBTQA+ inclusion in STEM. Our organizations share the value of community, and we are grateful for Doina’s enthusiastic support of this session. When we think about “breaking down barriers,” one of the first things that comes to mind is intentionally creating a safe space for folks—LGBTQA+ and allies—to share experiences, ask questions, and listen. We hope to provide that opportunity at this conference.” – Lisa Durnford, Co-Chair, Venture Out More

24 Sep 2018
CanWomenSTEM150, Engineering, Media, STEM Spark, Success, Women In STEM Conference
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SWE of Durham Ontario Unleashes the Power of Inclusion as Bronze Sponsor to Women in STEM Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Doina Oncel, Founder/CEO

504- 101 Roehampton Ave,

Toronto, ON M4P 2W2

1-647-878-9285

 

September 24, 2018

 

(Toronto, ON) – hEr VOLUTION is proud to announce Society of Women Engineers (SWE) of Durham Ontario, as a new Bronze Sponsor for the 2nd annual Canadian Women in STEM Conference; Breaking Down Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusion.

Located in Durham Region, Ontario, The Society of Women Engineers Durham Affiliate is a volunteer-run organization with a mission to empower women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. SWE Durham serves its members in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada.

“The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a global, inclusive organization, empowering females in engineering and technology regardless of geography or career stage. In Canada, the SWE Durham Affiliate is pleased to partner with hEr VOLUTION at their 2nd Annual Canadian Women in STEM Conference to champion diversity in engineering and technology to and promote an inclusive environment.”

More

21 Sep 2018
#STEM4Every1, Blog, CanWomenSTEM150, Engineering, LGBTQA+, Math, Mathematics, Science, Space, STEM Spark, Success, Technology, Women In STEM Conference
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?

Now that school started and you are becoming accommodated with the new teachers, making new friends and learning new things, you may not think about the start of your career yet. Why would you?

Depending on what you want to become, or even if you don’t know yet what that is, it is very important to start thinking about your network. Sometimes is who knows you that can give you that big break in your career.

Some speakers at our conference last year (see videos here)  have stated that they did not know what they wanted to be when they grew up and that’s ok because they eventually found their calling and have succeeded anyways. Some of them did not even pursue a STEM education yet ended up working in STEM and encouraged everyone to think about that because STEM is such an important skill to have! One particular speaker is also a rock band lead singer (how cool is that!!!!).

This year, for the 2nd annual Candian Women in STEM conference, we are bringing diverse speakers again to discuss important topics such as Innovation in Technology, LGBTQA+ in STEM, STEM Communication, Financial Literacy (one of my favourite topics) and, best of all, there will be 2 Speed Networking sessions where you will have the opportunity to meet professionals who can become your mentors and guide you in the direction where you need to be.

Did you know: having a mentor will give you a 130% more chances of holding a leadership position later on in life?   More