Meet SCWIST’s 2023/24 Board of Directors!
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2023/24 Board of Directors
SCWIST is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to our Board of Directors.
Every June, SCWIST convenes members for our Annual General Meeting (AGM), where we reflect on the achievements we have made over the past year, discuss plans for the year ahead and vote in the newest members to the Board of Directors.
This year, four new faces have joined the board: Tam Pham, Joelle Laudisio, Melisa DiPietro and Nirali Rathwa.
“We are thrilled to have you on board and look forward to the immense value, strategic vision, and perspectives you will bring to our organization,” said Melanie Ratman, SCWIST President. “We are excited that your passion for SCWIST’s mission will inspire meaningful actions to positively impact lives in the coming year. On behalf of everyone at SCWIST, welcome to the board!”
They will be joining returning members Melanie Ratnam, Saina Beitari, JeAnn Watson and Maria Gyongyossy-Issa in continuing SCWIST’s mission to create an environment where women and girls in Canada can pursue their interest, education, passion and careers in STEM without barriers.
The AGM is also the final meeting for the outgoing board members who have finished their terms – Dr. Poh Tan, Erin DeBruin, Aimen Akbar and Jasmine Parmar – and we thank them for their incredible contributions.
Being on the Board of Directors is one of the most complex roles at SCWIST. In addition to monthly board meetings and subcommittee meetings, board members participate in strategic planning to drive our programming across Canada, engage with the STEM community to advance our advocacy efforts, and help develop collaboration opportunities to extend our impact.
“SCWIST is profoundly grateful for the countless hours outgoing board members have dedicated over the past year,” said Melanie. “Your contributions will continue to reverberate throughout our organization and serve as an inspiration to current and future board members, staff, volunteers and the whole SCWIST family. As you embark on new endeavours, we wish you every success. Thank you so much for your invaluable and exceptional service to SCWIST.”
Introducing the newest members of the SCWIST Board
Tam Pham (they/she/chanh) is an AuDHD Viet protein researcher and PhD candidate at Rainey Lab from Dalhousie University. Their research interest is in characterizing and understanding small protein interactions. Tam is passionate about science communication, especially in making science accessible to the general public and members of historically excluded communities. Outside of research, they are an advocate for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in STEM.
Joelle Laudisio (she/her) is a Director of Quality in the pharmaceutical industry. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Science from the University of Guelph. Her area of expertise is change management and she is passionate about implementing smart and creative solutions, seeing big exciting changes, and driving even bigger wins. Joelle has been involved in and is a supporter of many initiatives related to supporting women and girls in the STEM fields for over a decade and continues to be involved wherever possible. Joelle is a mom to 3 girls – all big STEM enthusiasts!
Melisa DiPietro (she/her) is a lifelong learner with a decade of experience working in education and human resources with diverse people and organizations. She has a passion for STEM, fostering equitable and inclusive environments, enjoys sustainable living and having fun. She is thrilled to join SCWIST in support of its mission.
Nirali Rathwa, PhD, (she/her) is a biochemist specializing in small-molecule therapies for diabetes management and regenerative medicine. With a strong academic background, she has immersed herself in the dynamic world of biotech and digital health startups. Nirali is fueled by a passion for advocating innovative platforms and technologies that enrich human lives, with a special emphasis on empowering women founders. She is dedicated to reducing the barriers women face in accessing professional job opportunities and achieving career growth.
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