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2026 Volunteer Spotlight of the Day Series

Over the last year, volunteers with the Faculty of Mathematics generously contributed nearly 5,800 hours of their time—supporting committees, mentoring students, speaking at events, helping launch initiatives and marking math contests!

In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–April 25) and this year’s theme, “Volunteers Make Waves,” we’re kicking things off with a special series of volunteer profiles. Throughout the week, we’ll introduce you to some of the incredible individuals who are making a meaningful impact—both on campus and around the world. 

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our fantastic Math alumni volunteers with this special video below!

Your time, passion and dedication make a lasting impact on both our student and alumni community—and we’re so grateful for everything you do. #CheersToVolunteers #MathAlumni #NVW2026

If you are interested in volunteering with the Faculty of Mathematics contact the Alumni Engagement Program Specialist at mathalumni@uwaterloo.ca.

Technovation - Tuesday, April 21, 2026

April 21, 2026

Technovation

Technovation is an initiative at the University of Waterloo that empowers young people—particularly girls and underrepresented groups—to explore technology and entrepreneurship. Through hands-on learning, mentorship and team-based projects, participants design and build tech solutions (often mobile apps or AI-based tools) that address real-world problems in their communities. 

The program emphasizes innovation, problem-solving and confidence-building, while also introducing participants to careers in STEM. By connecting students with mentors, industry insights and a global network, Technovation at Waterloo helps foster the next generation of tech leaders and changemakers. 

black woman smiling with a thumb up

Volunteering with Technovation Girls Waterloo has been deeply meaningful to me, especially as it creates space for girls from underrepresented communities to engage with technology early on. With the strong support from the WiCS team, we’ve been able to grow our reach and help these girls build confidence, think creatively, and develop the capacity to use technology as a tool for innovation to support and enhance whatever path they choose, enabling them to thrive as future leaders

Gwendoline Nubila Technovation Waterloo Chapter Club Lead/Organizer and UWaterloo CSCF Technical Manager, Core Infrastructure 

CEMC Contest Marker Volunteers - Wednesday, April 22, 2026

April 22, 2025

CEMC Contest Marker Volunteers

Thank you to all of our incredible CEMC contest marker volunteers! 

With over 439 volunteers contributing approximately 4,000 hours, your time, dedication, and expertise are what make these contests possible and continue to inspire the next generation of problem solvers.

We are truly grateful for all that you do. 

Please watch this special video thanking the CEMC Contest Marker Volunteers! 

The CEMC is fortunate to have an incredible network of champions for both our mission and for mathematics, generously volunteering their time twice each year to help grade our contests.  

Without them, our work would not be possible.  

Thank you to our volunteers! 

Jen Nelson, Director, Centre for Education in Mathematics (CEMC)