International Women's Day 2026: High Tea Social

Director of Advancement, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo

Meaghan is the first woman Director of Advancement in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo. Prior to her that, she was Director of Development at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and Associate Director of Advancement and Senior Development Officer in the Faculty of Science at Waterloo. Meaghan has a proven track record in fundraising, working with alumni and corporations to establish multiple endowed funds and scholarships for our graduate and undergraduate students. She led several strong advancement and engagement initiatives, resulting in a significant increase in donor activity and alumni retention. 

Away from work, Meaghan is an avid football fan, (very) amateur golfer and a fan of everything with fur and four legs.

What #GiveToGain means to Meaghan:

"Philanthropy matters to me because it is one of the most direct ways we can turn our values into action. From sponsoring a child through Plan Canada as a teenager to serving as board chair for organizations like the Guelph Humane Society and Planned Parenthood, I’ve seen how volunteering and financial support expand access, protect rights, and create real, lasting impact. There are few things more meaningful than using what we have to help others thrive."

Director of Corporate and Business Development, DuckDuckGo

Diana Chiu is Director of Corporate and Business Development at DuckDuckGo, where she leads strategic partnerships, investments, and acquisitions that advance the company's AI and privacy-focused search products. Her career spans diverse industries across technology, aviation, and medical devices, bringing a unique cross-sector perspective to technology partnerships. Diana graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Science and Business (Biology/co-op) and a Master's in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET). She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband (also a UWaterloo grad) and their two children. Outside of work, Diana is passionate about environmental sustainability, wellness, and fitness.

What #GiveToGain means to Diana:

"I believe that "Give to Gain" best embodies the essence of philanthropy. Whether through my time, attention, or financial support, I have found that giving fosters personal growth and creates meaningful connections through supporting the causes I care about."

3rd Year Biomedical Sciences Student, University of Waterloo

Talina Papazian (she/her) is a third-year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Waterloo, a children's author and disability advocate. In 2023, she launched You Taught Me, and published its associated children's book under the same name, with the mission to empower young readers to champion inclusion and accessibility. Since then, she has collaborated with organizations and hospitals nationwide, presented at schools and conferences, and participated as a panelist on national webinars and podcasts.

Now available internationally in English, French, and Mandarin, Talina’s work has gained recognition through several avenues notably on CTV, Radio Canada, and in the Toronto Star. For her continued commitment to creating a more inclusive future, she received the 2024 Rick Hansen Foundation Difference Maker of the Year Award and the 2025 Empowered Kids Ontario Rising Star Award. Today, she proudly serves as Vice-Chair of the Rick Hansen Foundation Youth Leadership Committee.

As a budding author, Talina is currently working on her second children’s book, and hopes to pursue a career in paediatric medicine.

What #GiveToGain means to Talina:

"When the focus of giving to gain is rooted in the well-being of the collective, it creates a sustainable system in which what is given empowers others to lead their own initiatives, creating lasting positive change that enables others to do the same."

Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager, Parfums Christian Dior

Charmaine Rodriques is a senior regulatory affairs leader whose career integrates science, sustainability, and regulatory strategy across North America. With more than a decade of experience in the cosmetics and consumer goods industries, she has built a reputation for guiding organizations through complex compliance challenges while advancing sustainable product development.

Charmaine earned a BSc (Chemistry) from the University of Waterloo, a MSc (Environmental Studies) from Long Island University, and an MLS (Legal Studies and Public Policy) from Northeastern University School of Law. This multidisciplinary training equips her with a unique perspective — blending scientific rigor, environmental responsibility, and legal insight — to shape effective and forward-looking regulatory strategies. Her expertise spans advertising claims review, packaging and labelling compliance, chemical management, and product stewardship. She has led cross-functional teams in developing claims substantiation programs, ensured compliance with Canadian and US frameworks, and embedded sustainability principles into corporate product management practices.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Charmaine is committed to advancing science and mentorship. As a member of the University of Waterloo Chemistry Advisory Council, she aims to strengthen the link between academia and industry, helping prepare future scientists and regulatory professionals to meet the challenges of a sustainability-driven marketplace. She mentors emerging leaders to pursue careers at the intersection of science, policy, and industry.

What #GiveToGain means to Charmaine:

"Giving back is central to my faith. I see it not simply as a responsibility, but as a privilege. Whether through volunteering my time or giving financially, I value those opportunities that can make a positive difference for someone else."

Director, Academic Partnership Program, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories