Office of Advancement - EC1
Phone: 519-888-4567, ext. 32036
Fax: 519-746-8932
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The University of Waterloo is proud to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in our university community on International Women’s Day and throughout the year.
Stories
These seven Waterloo alumni are making history for women in STEM
In honour of Women’s History Month in Canada, we are shedding light on a few alumni who are making outstanding contributions to the fields of STEM.
A role model for math — and life
Layton, a leader in a field attracting the brightest mathematicians and clinicians in the world, is using math models — much like scientists have used microscopes for hundreds of years — to reveal otherwise invisible processes in the body.
Building a portable brain scanner
Dr. Atefeh Zarabadi co-founded AiimSense to help first responders and doctors diagnose strokes more quickly.
How do we support talent when life happens?
Basir and her colleague, Serena Sohrab, launched the Infertility and Work Lab to understand how infertility affects work and to better inform women, government policy and organizational practices.
Cancer survivor builds startup for pelvic health and better sex
When she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2019, Bartholomew learned the surgery and radiation would affect her pelvic health for the rest of her life. While on bedrest, she began researching rehabilitation options and discovered women were still using devices known as dilators, which were invented in 1938.
UWaterloo community members on list of Canada’s most powerful women
Eleven leaders in education, business and community who have ties to the University of Waterloo are named among the 100 most powerful women in Canada.
Advocating for diversity and inclusion in engineering
The 1989 targeted massacre of 14 women at École Polytechnique in Montreal was the deciding factor for Kim Jones (BASc '95, chemical engineering) choosing to study engineering rather than science for her undergraduate degree.
Breaking the glass ceiling in aviation
Nancy Barber had no idea she would be breaking glass ceilings when she enrolled in the Recreation and Leisure Studies program at the University of Waterloo in 1994.
Embracing my career as a feminist advocate
Once denied, now embraced: Roz Gunn (BA '11) talks about her passion and committment to working with a feminist organization.
Podcasts
Professional moves and personal revelations
Nel Wieman (BSc '88, MSc '91) explains how her career journey — from kinesiology student to psychiatrist and public health leader — brought her personal fulfillment and self-discovery.
The future of work is human
Brigette Lau (BASc '99) created Firework Ventures because we all deserve a fulfilling career and life — and she believes that tech can help.
Supporting today's parents
After years of work in the health tech world, and an MBA, Swati Matta (BCS '10) was ready to take the leap and start her own company: a platform for new and expectant parents.
Communities and resources for women at Waterloo
Alumni and students can access a range of resources that support gender equity.
Community events
The University of Waterloo is proud to support a series of International Women’s Day events hosted by Women in Communications and Technology Waterloo Region. Learn from dozens of accomplished guest speakers including Waterloo alumni and faculty.
Student groups
Many different student groups at Waterloo support gender equity, and often connect students with alumni and industry leaders. Here are a few examples:
Student awards
Waterloo offers a range of financial awards for women who are underrepresented in their fields. Many of these awards are funded by generous donors who support gender equity and inclusion.
Funds to support
There are many University of Waterloo funds that provide financial support for women. Donors created some of these funds, and we’re truly grateful for their generosity!
We invite you to consider a gift to one of the following donor-supported funds:
Supports the hiring and development of women coaches, and increased Athletic Financial Award offerings to women student-athletes.
Women in Pharmacy Leadership Fund
Provides leadership development opportunities (ie: workshops, networking and seminars) for alumni and students who identify as women.
Women in STEM Outreach Program
Creates opportunities for young women to fall in love with STEM through camps, workshops and other initiatives.
Waterloo Women's Impact Network Diversity & Inclusion Fund (Math)
Focuses on early outreach, student supports and investments in unique ideas to build a stronger community for women and underrepresented genders in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Women in Physics & Astronomy Fund
Supports initiatives that will correct the gender imbalance and increase the recruitment, retention and overall support of women students in the Department of Physics & Astronomy.
UW Alumni Women in Technology Entrance Award
Supports outstanding women undergraduate students enrolling in Year One of an Engineering or Computer Science degree program in which women are underrepresented.