#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
Vicki Iverson, BMath ’06, Co-founder & CTO, Iversoft
What Waterloo volunteer opportunities have you participated in?
- J. W. Graham Medal (Selection Committee Member)
- Technovation (mentor)
- #WeBelongInTech – Saluting the Female Trailblazer (speaker)
- professional mentorship
- also volunteers time with groups such as Microsoft Youthspark, TECDE, and the Founder Institute
- She is a strong advocate for women in technology and actively encourages youth to pursue careers in STEM.
Get
to
know
Vicki...
1. Why did you choose Waterloo and the Faculty of Math?
My family actually has a history in computer science, with my grandfather being a pioneer in the industry and my father, aunt and uncle spending time in the industry as well. Despite this, I wasn't sure I wanted anything to do with computers! Luckily in high school I took a programming course and fell in love with it.
Coming out of high school, I knew for sure that I wanted to study computer science in university. So I looked around at Canadian universities, at who had the best program and best reputation, and Waterloo was the hands-down winner. I was also very interested in the co-op program, which turned out to be a great choice.
2. Did you participate in campus and extracurricular activities? If so, which ones?
I didn't participate too much, although I have fond memories of all of the frosh activities! I really wish there had been a group like Women in Computer Science (WiCS) when I was there.
3. What’s your favourite Waterloo memory?
I'm not sure I could pick just one. I loved the classes (I'm a nerd!) and had some great profs, amazing friends. If I had to pick one, reading outdoors on campus during the summer term was one of my favourites.
4. How did your experience at Waterloo help you find your first position after graduation?
Waterloo absolutely helped me, in a number of ways. The co-op program gave me an amazing resume (and some full-time job offers!), the school work and on-the-job training gave me an excellent background to perform on the job and adapt to any situation. And of course, just the fact of listing Waterloo Mathematics on my resume gave me a leg up. I still proudly wear my waterloo hoodie and brag about the program.
5. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done professionally since leaving Waterloo?
Honestly, anything I've done in the last 10 years co-founding and building Iversoft has been interesting. We started out with humble beginnings in our dining room, figuring out how to build iPhone apps just after the app store launched, and have built Iversoft into a thriving 40-person tech consultancy, with an amazing portfolio of clients.
6. What motivates you to volunteer?
One of my main inspirations for volunteering is to help people see some of the joy that I've gotten out of my career as a computer scientist and an entrepreneur, in the hopes that they will love it as much as I do. I especially like volunteering my time to teaching young females to code, or pursue studies in STEM, as well as coaching aspiring entrepreneurs.
7. Why do you choose to donate your time to Waterloo?
I've volunteered my time to speak at Waterloo events a number of times, discussing my experiences as a female entrepreneur and computer scientist, in the hopes of inspiring others. I especially like some of the initiatives that Waterloo has for getting young females involved in computer science, math, and other STEM fields.
I am also a member of the JW Graham Medal selection committee, of which I was a recipient in 2016 (don't worry, I joined the selection committee AFTER winning!) I love the spirit of this award, in celebrating the characteristics of Wes Graham, including entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. It's fantastic seeing and celebrating Waterloo graduates who are truly amazing in their field.
8. What would you tell others about the positive benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering your time is not a selfless act! By that I mean, yes you are giving your time to benefit others, but what you get in return, the feeling of making a difference and helping people, pays back dividends that far exceed the effort you put in. Pro tip: I also secretly use it as a networking opportunity with other business owners and people in a position to give back!
Visit Volunteer Ties to view the Spotlight of the Day for National Volunteer Week. #NVW2020