SCWIST Welcomes 2024/2025 Board of Directors
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SCWIST Welcomes 2024/2025 Board of Directors
As we transition from celebrating Gender Equality Week, SCWIST is proud to introduce our new Board of Directors for 2024/2025.
Their diverse accomplishments, experiences, and expertise will guide SCWIST in advancing its mission and future vision in alignment with a rapidly evolving STEM ecosystem in Canada. Building on the strong foundation of SCWIST programming and events, in collaboration with partners who share our vision of supporting Canada’s diverse future workforce, this year’s board remains committed to ensuring that all of this work will be underscored by decades of collective advocacy from equity leaders across Canada. With a major focus on cultural paradigm shifts in the workplace, they believe that the next two years will be pivotal in understanding how we can drive systemic change in STEM as a collective.
Dr. Tam Pham and Dr. Vicki Stronge will co-lead SCWIST as Co-Presidents. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to promoting equity in STEM.
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Dr. Tam Pham, PhD (they/she/chanh) is an AuDHD Viet protein researcher at Rainey Lab, Dalhousie University, with a focus on characterizing small protein interactions. Tam is passionate about science communication, especially in making science accessible to the general public and members of historically excluded communities.
Dr. Vicki Stronge, PhD (she/her) is a passionate advocate for women and equity groups in the life sciences and biotech industry, with extensive leadership experience in bringing innovative products to market and growing diverse teams. She aims to inspire and guide people in their careers by sharing her expertise to help them succeed in science and business with confidence.
Dr. Nirali Rathwa, PhD (she/her) SCWIST’s Vice President is a biochemist specializing in small-molecule therapies for diabetes management and regenerative medicine. As a vital member of the Startup Team at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, Nirali supports entrepreneurs in navigating the business landscape. She actively supports women founders and advocates for reducing barriers to professional opportunities and career growth for equity groups.
Dr. Gigi Lau, PhD (she/her) works in higher education program administration as a Program Manager for the undergraduate Biology program at The University of British Columbia. She held postdoctoral research positions at the University of Oslo, Norway, and UBC, focusing on the environmental adaptations of fish. SCWIST played a crucial role in her career transition, where she contributed as the Donor Engagement and Partnerships Lead on the Strategic Partnerships Development and Fundraising team from 2021 to 2022. Gigi is eager to continue supporting SCWIST as Director of Partnerships and Secretary.
Tharsini Sivathasan (she/her), SCWIST Treasurer is a CPA with a BBA from the University of Toronto and has extensive experience supporting financial workflows for life science professionals in the healthcare and education sectors. Currently the Director of Finance for the University of Toronto’s Hart House, she specializes in developing financial strategies to improve institutional governance and support long-term financial and capital planning. Tharsini is thrilled to support SCWIST in its ongoing legacy of helping talent thrive in STEM fields.
As a Board that represents a visionary and exciting representation and diversity, including racialized, multi-generational women and members with 2SLGBTQI+ identities and with disabilities hailing from various regions from B.C. to the Maritimes, this board is dedicated to pursue and uphold SCWIST’s mission, and stand for its values. They are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to the innovative ideas and transformative impact they will bring to SCWIST’s mission and vision for the years to come.
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