See Yourself in STEM: Women in Engineering and IT Program Welcomes New and Returning Partners
Carleton’s Women in Engineering and Information Technology (WiE&IT) Program, now in its fifth year, is growing again with the introduction of five new program partners, including two new names at the Tier I level.
Since 2021, the program has connected women students with industry professionals, mentors and peers through networking events, company visits, workshops and career-development opportunities. With a dedicated study lounge, women students can easily find academic support and connect with other women in engineering and IT.
“The WiE&IT community is growing, and the program has created a space where women can build confidence, forge meaningful connections, and truly thrive in their studies.” – Cynthia Cruickshank, Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
Strengthening connections with industry
Industry partnerships are a crucial component of the WiE&IT Program, providing students with opportunities to connect with women professionals and discover the many career paths available in STEM. Several program partners have been with WiE&IT from the very beginning, providing years of stability, support and expertise.
As the program enters year five, the team is excited to welcome Calian and OpenText as new Tier I program partners. Additionally, the program is thrilled to bring Cisco, J.L. Richards and Aptiv (formerly Wind River) aboard.
Their support brings new perspectives, connections and opportunities to the program and strengthens the network of industry partners supporting women students at Carleton. The WiE&IT program extends its sincere thanks to all 20 of our partners for their continued commitment to students.
“Our industry partners help students turn connections into opportunities and see how their learnings at Carleton can translate into meaningful careers.”
– Sharmi Antonipillai, WiE&IT Program Administrator
Investing in professional development
Building a career in engineering or IT takes more than academic success. The newly developed Professional Development Fund for Women in Engineering and IT creates new avenues for women students to build their skills and professional networks.
Available to women students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s or doctoral programs in engineering or information technology, the fund was made possible through the program’s partnerships.
By providing financial support for conferences, workshops, seminars and other professional development opportunities, the fund offers students greater access to experiences that can expand their networks, strengthen their skills and support their career goals.
The Professional Development Fund is one more way WiE&IT is helping students move from the classroom into the engineering and IT community with the connections, experience and confidence to see themselves in STEM.
“Attending the 2026 Canadian Women in Aviation (CWIA) Conference in Montreal gave me the opportunity to connect with inspiring women from across the aviation industry and explore the many career paths available in the field. Support from the Professional Development Fund made this experience possible and gave me greater confidence in my own path.”
– Celeste Borjeau, MASc student, Aerospace Engineering
A space to connect, study and belong
As a dedicated space to study, collaborate and build connections, the WiE&IT Study Lounge will reopen to students on September 10, 2026.
Located on the third floor of the Engineering Design Centre, the lounge is designed to provide an informal environment where students can meet peers, ask questions, participate in study sessions and connect with Graduate Assistants who understand the academic experience firsthand.
Our six Graduate Assistants will support the lounge and create opportunities for students to connect throughout the academic year.
Their role is a vital part of the program’s peer-to-peer approach as they offer encouragement, practical advice and a sense of community while drawing on their own experiences as students.
Creating opportunities to connect
Throughout the year, WiE&IT provides opportunities for students to meet mentors and industry professionals, ask questions about careers and build relationships with women working in STEM.
The 2026–27 Mentorship Nights will take place on September 23, 2026, and January 20, 2027, giving students the opportunity to connect with mentors and hear directly about their experiences in engineering and IT.
Additionally, the program hosts an annual Career and Networking Fair, providing another opportunity for students to meet organizations, explore career possibilities and expand their professional networks.
These events build on one of the program’s central goals to help students develop connections that continue long after a single conversation or event. Meaningful conversations with an industry professional can lead to co-op or mentorship opportunities.
Building on five years of partnership
As WiE&IT enters its next phase, the addition of Calian, OpenText, Cisco, J.L. Richards and Aptiv (formerly Wind River) marks an exciting new chapter, while the continued support of the program’s longstanding partners maintains a strong foundation for the future.
Together, these partners have helped create a growing ecosystem of opportunities for women students.