Year in Review: 2024
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A Year in Review: 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with growth, innovation, and impact.
From launching new initiatives to expanding our reach and fostering opportunities for women and girls in STEM, this year’s milestones demonstrate our commitment to breaking barriers and creating pathways for success.
SCWIST receives funding for new project, Agency and Action to Prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in STEM Workplaces.
SCWIST was thrilled to be one of 34 BC-based projects to receive funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) to advance gender equality by removing systemic barriers, addressing diverse experiences of gender inequality and ensuring a better future for all Canadians.
Through this 27-month project, SCWIST will collaborate with partners to scale multiple promising practices, such as engaging men to address hierarchical power issues and guided discussions to build empathy and cognitive-behavioral changes. The ultimate goal is to create environments where the spectrum of GBV is recognized and not tolerated. This project will address intersectional needs of equity-deserving groups, including youth, Indigenous, Black, racialized, newcomers and 2SLGBTQ+ across Canada. Read more.
SCWIST launches Diversity Dashboard to help STEM organizations measure and understand the diversity of their workforce
The Diversity Dashboard initiative builds on the federal government’s 50-30 Challenge, which aims to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the private sector. The challenge encourages companies to strive for gender parity (50%) and significant representation (30%) of under-represented groups. By leveraging the Diversity Dashboard, STEM companies can track their progress, benchmark their performance against industry standards, and identify specific areas for targeted interventions. Learn more.
The 2024 Wonder Women Networking Evening creates conversations and connections
Wonder Women Networking Evening (WWNE), now in its 33rd year, uniting remarkable women in STEM for an evening filled with engaging conversations and meaningful connections.
This was the fourth year that WWNE was held virtually, which allowed participants from across Canada to join the conversations. “This was my first networking event. I was blown away by all of these incredible wonder women. I definitely highly recommend the event to extend your network,” said Hannah, first-time attendee. Read more.
P.S. Exciting updates are in store for WWNE! Keep reading to discover what’s next for this inspiring event.
SCWIST receives the 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (CSI) Canada Outreach Award
SCWIST was honoured to receive this award, which recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated the merits of good chemistry in the community with a sustained commitment to excellence in outreach and/or public communication, whose impact on industry or community can be proven and is evidence-based and are focussed on adult or children’s education.
“It truly means the world to us to receive this recognition. It takes so many supporters to collectively journey towards achieving equity in STEM,” said Dr. Melanie Ratnam, Interim CEO of SCWIST as she accepted the award. “We are truly grateful!” Read more.
SCWIST hosts its 5th annual virtual Women in STEM Career Fair
This year’s event, sponsored by software company Enavate, reached new heights as we doubled the number of attendees and significantly surpassed the amount of participating organizations. Over 1000 attendees and 24 organizations for a day packed with inspiring talks, professional growth opportunities, and helpful workshops.
“This is my second time at the event, I always meet new people and learn something new. I would recommend this event to anyone who is in STEM.” — Anu Nair, attendee. Learn more.
Redesigned Quantum Leaps program provides new opportunities for students across Canada
At SCWIST, we recognize the importance of supporting girls and gender-diverse youth to pursue STEM careers. Our Youth Engagement (YE) programs are designed to inspire, educate, and support youth at a young age, providing them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in STEM fields.
Our newly reconfigured Quantum Leaps mentorship program pairs high school students with professional women in STEM fields that closely align with the students’ interests. This program is designed to help students gain confidence, leadership skills, and explore diverse career paths in STEM. Students also have the opportunity to apply for SCWIST project funding to bring their ideas to life. Read more.
Wonder Women Networking Evening enters a new chapter as Ignite: STEM Networking Night
Since its launch in 1991, WWNE has been one of SCWIST’s signature events, bringing in hundreds of STEM leaders, both accomplished and emerging, to meet, mingle and mentor each year.
The event was originally created to fill the need of individuals who lacked access to valuable networking opportunities in their workplaces. Now, as SCWIST embarks on a national expansion, WWNE will become Ignite, representing a refreshed vision and a renewed commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders across Canada. Learn more.
What’s Next? SCWIST leads viral campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
From November 25 to December 10, we joined the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Our #LeadTheChange for Safe STEM campaign put the spotlight on the urgent need to transform workplace cultures and policies to ensure safety for all.
As we reflect on this ongoing fight for human rights, many are asking—What’s Next? With STEM driving future job growth, it’s essential to create workplaces that are both safe and equitable. Learn more.
Keep in touch
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to creating opportunities and breaking barriers for women and girls in STEM. Thank you for being part of this journey—your support and engagement make these achievements possible. Here’s to another year of innovation, collaboration, and impact!