Dr. Saina Beitari
PhD in Microbiology, Research Associate at National Research Council Canada, Director of Finance, SCWIST
Jasmine Parmar
MSc Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology, Category Manager, Procurement at STEMCELL Technologies, Director of Marketing, SCWIST
Since 1981, SCWIST has advocated for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in STEM education, policy, business and Canadian society.
Diversity Leads to Innovation!
The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) leads several programs designed to advance EDI, including Make DIVERSITY Possible to advance gender diversity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workplaces, and the STEM Diversity Champions Toolkit to create positive change and reach equitable outcomes for all people in STEM.
“A diverse team needs to be a crucial part of any STEM project,” said Dr. Saina Beitari, SCWIST’s Director of Finance. “Studies show that groups of people with different backgrounds, who have different lived experiences and perspectives, develop more innovative solutions to problems and increase the likelihood of success in STEM.”
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion across Canada
Jasmine Parmar, SCWIST’s Director of Marketing, also keeps EDI in mind when developing programs for the organization.
“We’re committed to making SCWIST inclusive and accessible to all,” she said. “We’re thinking about every aspect of EDI – from the graphics we use in our digital media to our event speakers to our collaboration partners — to ensure that everyone knows they are always welcome.”
The Wonder Women Networking Evening and Career Fair, two of SCWIST’s annual signature events, are widely recognized in the STEM community for creating opportunities and removing barriers. SCWIST has also recently launched STEM Streams, a new program for women from equity-deserving groups who want to build their pre-employment skills and career pathways.
Along with engaging youth, removing barriers in education, and advancing women in leadership, SCWIST continues to move the dial forward for women in STEM.
