#NVW2020 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT OF THE DAY SERIES
In 2019, Faculty of Mathematics volunteers gave nearly 8000 hours to committees, mentoring, speaking, launching events, and marking math contests! In honour of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), we are kicking off the celebration with a series of profiles introducing you to some of the incredible people who help to advance the work of the Faculty on campus and across the globe. #CheersToVolunteers #NVW2020
Sasha Fay, BMath '10, Senior Manager, Analytics at Cineplex
What Waterloo volunteer opportunities have you participated in?
- International Women's Day Pacesetters Forum
- Speed mentoring
- Technovation
- Women in STEM panel
Get to know Sasha...
1. Why did you choose Waterloo and the Faculty of Math?
It’s funny to think back on this! My last years of high school in Trinidad were focused on my one goal of getting into the University of Waterloo’s Math program! Waterloo’s reputation precedes itself, even in my small Caribbean country. I always knew that I wanted to be in Math, it is what comes naturally to me and even today I cannot see myself in another field! I live the saying that you don't work a day in your life if you enjoy what you do. I thank my father for this, as he always encouraged me to go where my passion lies. He even helped me fill out my application to Waterloo!
2. Did you participate in campus and extracurricular activities? If so, which ones?
I was a part of the Lego Initiative Club and enjoyed building to-scale replicas of our campus buildings out of Lego. Building E5 was especially difficult, there was a lot of glass panes!
3. What’s your favourite Waterloo memory?
Moving into MKV in my first year. My roommate, Katy, was randomly assigned to me and I can only thank Waterloo for giving me a lifetime friend. We are friends today, and Katy even flew to Chicago for my wedding!
It was inspiring seeing so many students getting dropped off by their families, and being introduced to a diverse crowd from all over the world. I remember the feeling of anxiety mixed with happiness to kick off my next few years as a Waterloo student.
4. How did your experience at Waterloo help you find your first position after graduation?
I started my first position in May right after graduating. The co-op program taught me how to be professional and a hard worker, and prepared me for challenges in the workplace. I interviewed with confidence, and was excited to start putting what I learned in action.
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done professionally since leaving Waterloo?
My data science team recently built an algorithm that switches out products in our Cineplex theatre’s menu boards to products that are more relevant to the demographic in front of it. We target and trigger content intelligently with machine learning, to ultimately lead to high spend by the consumer. I always remember my Waterloo days as I find myself reverting to my statistics background to ensure we design our experiment appropriately.
6. What motivates you to volunteer?
I want to be for young women, what I needed when I was younger.
7. Why do you choose to donate your time to Waterloo?
I didn’t grow up with a lot of technology and having a female mentor in data science was not possible in Trinidad when I was younger. Now, I want to make sure that young women who come from a similar background, can ask me the personal questions they have to align their career. I also use this time to amplify young women who show a strong interest in data science and help them get started.
8. What would you tell others about the positive benefits of volunteering?
Meeting young women who have a drive to succeed only inspires you more. Now, meeting young women from Waterloo’s Math Faculty is a wonderful experience. You will be challenged, inspired and leave a better person than you came in!
Visit Volunteer Ties to view the Spotlight of the Day for National Volunteer Week. #NVW2020