Celebrating International Day of Women & Girls in Science by inspiring the next generation of women

Media Releases | February 12, 2019 | Share on:

(Toronto, ON) Over 400 Grade 9-11 girls from St. Joseph’s College School in Toronto had the opportunity to hear from inspirational women as part of Let’s Talk Science’s celebration for International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Students were able to listen and ask questions from young women in different areas of the science industry.

7 women panel at St. Joseph's College School

“Sharing my experiences in an industry that is truly out of this world will hopefully demonstrate that it is possible for women to succeed in non-traditional roles,” says, Kristen Facciol, Operations Engineer (Flight Controller and Robotics Instructor), Canadian Space Agency. “I am thankful for the amazing female trail blazers that broke down the barriers ahead of me, and hope that I have been able to do the same for those that follow.”

Today, about 22% of those working in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are female. Over 25 years, Let’s Talk Science has progressively seen a change of inclusivity in the sciences and is working towards ensuring that number continues to grow.

“As STEM-based skills become essential for work and citizenship demands, it’s critical for industry, non-profits, government, and education sectors to showcase inspiring women in a variety of roles,” says Bonnie Schmidt, President, Let’s Talk Science. “Connecting youth with these role models shows them that rewarding jobs are attainable in all fields, regardless of gender.”

The dynamic panel of seven women in various stages of their careers, included Jocelyn Bentley, Director & Producer, Science Media Creator; Davida Denich, Senior Market Manager, Amgen Canada; Leigha Mitchell, Software Developer, Flashfood; Sandhya and Swapna Mylabathula, University students, concussion researcher and medical student, Let’s Talk Science volunteers; Pakizah Kozak, Director, Enterprise Information Management, Sick Kids Hospital; and Kristen Facciol, Operations Engineer (Flight Controller and Robotics Instructor), Canadian Space Agency.

ABOUT LET’S TALK SCIENCE

Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators and volunteers across Canada. Let’s Talk Science’s national office is located in London, Ontario. For more information about Let's Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.

Media Contact:
Sarah Hogeveen
Communications Officer
Let’s Talk Science
shogeveen@letstalkscience.ca 
1-877-474-4081 ext. 239
519-933-4490 (cell)