The University of Waterloo’s Women in Engineering (WiE) program recently hosted 48 students at its annual Catalyst Conference.
The event provides an opportunity for grade 11 girls and non-binary students to get a sense of what it is like to be an engineering student as they think about their post-secondary plans.
To get that experience, participants explore various engineering disciplines through a mix of presentations, hands-on design and mechanical workshops, speaking with current Waterloo Engineering students and gaining insight into life on campus by spending a night in residence.
The 2024 edition included a workshop with Waterloo Engineering alumni founded business Autocate, which was created to help women car owners become more educated about their vehicles, so they aren’t oversold or underserviced at the mechanic.
Each edition also includes a design challenge, with this year’s focused on creating zero energy homes using common craft materials and learning about passive solar heating and the role engineers play in creating sustainable solutions to the problems.
“My favourite part of the event was meeting the incredible women in engineering who led the sessions and panels,” said student attendee Divya Sivaram. “Their experiences and insights not only motivated me but also made me feel supported and confident about pursuing a career in this traditionally male-dominated field. Their presence as role models and mentors was invaluable.”
The conference is supported by the Yves and Cynthia Bled Future Achievers Foundation, which is committed to assisting women and Black youth in pursuing post-secondary education.
“Opportunities like the Catalyst Conference that give girls the chance to experience and be inspired by engineering are pivotal for the future of the profession,” said Claudette Bled, a social worker and administrator of the Yves and Cynthia Bled Future Achievers Foundation. “It gives them the invaluable opportunity of becoming aware of their potential as an engineer and how they can make an impact in the world.”
Samantha White, outreach coordinator with Women in Engineering, said what sets the Catalyst Conference apart from other programming her team hosts for high school students is the added sense of community afforded by the overnight stay on campus and opportunity to interact with current Waterloo Engineering students.
Get in touch with Sophie Nasato, Senior Manager, Engineering Outreach at the University of Waterloo, to find out how you can support Women in Engineering as a sponsor, donor, volunteer or community partner.
