Best of the WWEST

In this episode, Melanie Mitchell shares her experience as an Indigenous woman in computer science, and discusses the role of technology in empowering indigenous communities. Melanie is a member of the Shuswap Nation and is currently a principal consultant for a global custom software development company.

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Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

In this episode, Olivia Ireland and Joshua Rojas discuss the importance of gender equality and equity, and how individuals can support and encourage opportunities for diversity and inclusion. Olivia Ireland is a UBCO biochemistry student, and co-organizer of the Sciversify UBCO student conference. Joshua Rojas is a Texas high school student who is actively supporting opportunities for women and raising awareness of the need for greater equity, diversity, and inclusion through his podcast.

Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox

Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

In this episode, we discuss Women in STEM and the Canadian Armed Forces and how to empower oneself in a male environment with Lieutenant-Commander Kayla Bouchard! Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox

Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

This episode explores the career progression of women in STEM from university, to industry, and leadership. Dr. Michelle Kunimoto is a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. During her undergraduate degree, Michelle discovered 4 new exoplanets and she has carried that interest forward to now improving techniques for finding exoplanets. Michelle is also dedicated to inspiring young women and exciting individuals about astronomy. Karine Poliquin is a Civil Engineer with 7 years' experience in the consulting engineering industry. She started her career as a structural engineer, but halfway through switched her focus to transportation design. Most of her projects involve low-volume road design and ice road engineering in northern Canada. During her spare time, Karine volunteers for the ACEC-BC EDI committee, and for Women in Consulting Engineering. Nancy Darling is the creator and project administrator for the Women in Trades Training (WITT) Project at Okanagan College. The program introduces women to the building trades and supports women to step into a career in the trades. Nancy received a BA in Community Rehabilitation from the University of Calgary, and was motivated to develop the WITT program after noticing the underrepresentation of women in trades and the systemic barriers to their participation. Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox

Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

Welcome to the first episode of WWEST UBCO's continuation of the Best of the WWEST Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jakobi will outline the goals of the WWEST program and highlight the exciting projects to come. Jennifer (Jenn) Jakobi, is a Professor in Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. She was the Associate Chair Westcoast Women in Engineering Science and Technology (WWEST; 2018-2020), and founding director of the integrative STEM Team Advancing networks of Diversity (iSTAND) Program. Through these programs she worked towards increasing diversity across STEM fields through engaging, mentoring and supporting youth and women in STEM activities that facilitate self-awareness, and professional understanding to empower organizational change through independent contributions. Most recently, Dr. Jakobi was named the new NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) program for BC and the Yukon. We would like to thank WWEST SFU for the outstanding precedent they have set with the Best of the WWEST podcast. We are excited to take on this project and continue the wonderful work they have done! Listen to the Best of the WWEST on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, iHeart, Gaana, and Castbox Visit wwest-cwse.ca to learn more about WWEST and to listen to other available episodes.

Marg Latham was the only woman to graduate in civil engineering from Queen's University in 1974. Since then, she has continued to be a pioneer and trailblazer. Marg is a professional engineer and certified management consultant. She is President of Aqua Libra Consulting Ltd., a management consulting firm. Since starting her business in 2010, she has helped public and private engineering organizations improve professional practice and quality management.

For five decades, Marg has also been a champion for women in engineering and construction across Canada. She is currently the Chair of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT), an organization committed to fostering opportunities for women to enter, stay, grow and lead at all levels in science, engineering, trades and technology careers.

Marg is the 2021 recipient of the RA McLachlin Award, one of the Presidents Awards presented annually by EGBC.

For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/HAjtZe

• 2021 President's Award - Engineers & Geoscientists BC - R.A. MacLachlan Memorial Award
• Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) - Women and Gender Equality Canada
• Skill Builders - WinSETT Centre
• WinSETT Centre

Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: "Positive and Fun" by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey

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Janet T. Phan is the Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Elements, a nonprofit dedicated to creating access and opportunities for underserved, underrepresented girls with long-term, 1:1 mentorship in STEM fields.

For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/yNLlGg

• 3 Key Elements to Thriving Mentorship - TEDxZurich
• Boldly You
• Janet on LinkedIn
• Master of Science in Information Systems, University of Washington
• Thriving Elements
• Weyerhaeuser

Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: "Positive and Fun" by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey

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Sadé Akinbami is a multifaceted Nigerian-Canadian artist and practicing civil engineer. Sadé's heritage has played a major role in the carving of her path thus far; a path which intertwines both the sciences and the arts. Having graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering - Concentration in Management, Sadé has since then followed an unconventional path by being a Project Engineer, Project Manager and also a singer, song-writer, and producer.

For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/hnGxyv

• Carleton University
• Employee Spotlight - Sadé Akinbami
• Sadé's music
• Sadé on Soundcloud

Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: "Positive and Fun" by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey

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Jasmine Shaw is a professional engineer, entrepreneur, and changemaker. She has over 5 years experience of systems engineering and project management in the aerospace industry. Her journey to transform STEM began nearly 10 years ago during her undergraduate degree at Carleton University where she implemented a local youth outreach program, and has since grown to include a business that helps women in STEM achieve their full career potential. She also founded the Ontario Sick Day Relief Project, which raised over $60,000 in paid sick days for Ontario's essential workers through the third wave of COVID-19.

For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/MajTDF

• Amazon Prime Air
• General Dynamics
• Jasmine's website
• Ontario Sick Day Relief Project
• TechTalks

Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: "Positive and Fun" by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey

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Ben Britton is an Associate Professor in Materials Engineering at UBC, teaches on the Manufacturing Engineering programme and holds a visiting Readership at Imperial College London. Ben leads a research group looking at characterising the performance and manufacturing of materials used in high risk high value applications, as well as materials used to support us achieving a low carbon future. In addition to his technical work, Ben works to agitate for improved equity in STEM, including a focus on LGBTQ+ issues.

For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/BuhvRT

• Cech, E.A. and Waidzunas, T.J., "Systemic inequalities for LGBTQ professionals in STEM"
• Dr. Britton on Wikipedia
• Experimental Micromechanical Characterisation Research Group
• Institute of Physics, "Exploring the workplace for LGBT+ physical scientists" report
• LGBT STEM Day
• "No Sexuality, Please, We're Scientists" (talk, Imperial College London)
• Responses from members of 21 STEM professional societies - a Twitter thread
• Safer Spaces

Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: "Positive and Fun" by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey