Women in Engineering and IT Program Celebrates Five Years of Community and Growth
By Alejandra Fernandez
The Women in Engineering and IT (WiE&IT) Program at the Faculty of Engineering and Design is celebrating five years of empowering students, building community and creating opportunities for women pursuing careers in engineering and information technology.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has focused on supporting women students through professional development opportunities, mentorship, academic support and community-building initiatives designed to help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
This work is made possible by an outstanding network of program partners whose commitment and leadership help bring these opportunities to life. Over the past year, the program was proudly supported by 19 industry and government partners.
During the 2025–26 academic year, the program hosted more than 10 events and initiatives, including a career fair, employer mentorship nights, a workshop about combatting imposter syndrome and industry visits that helped students strengthen students’ professional skills and prepare them for future careers.
“We aim to connect women to industry and government professionals, equipping students with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the workplace, and fostering inclusion in engineering and IT,” said Sharmila Antonipillai, WiE&IT Program Administrator.
Continuous impact and growth
This past academic year also marked significant growth for the program, with participation increasing by 23.5 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting the continued demand for spaces and initiatives that support women in STEM fields.
A key component of the program is its dedicated study lounge, which provides women students with a welcoming environment to connect with peers, access weekly academic support and build strong support networks throughout their studies. This year alone, 316 students accessed the space.
“Participating in the Women in Engineering and IT Program has been a defining part of my journey. As an international PhD student taking on leadership roles while balancing family and academic responsibilities, I found in this program not just support, but a space that actively encouraged me to grow and lead,” said Diana Tutkishbayeva, a PhD student in Environmental Engineering.
Measuring impact
A recent student survey was conducted to better understand participant experiences and measure the program’s impact. More than 80% of survey respondents affirmed that the Faculty of Engineering and Design fosters an inclusive environment that supports women with diverse and intersecting identities, including race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and socioeconomic background throughout their academic journey. 76% of respondents said the WiE&IT Program helped them build professional confidence.
The program continues to play an important role in fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and information technology, industries where women remain underrepresented.
“This experience reinforced that women don’t just belong in engineering and IT; we help shape these fields. I would encourage future participants to fully engage as the program offers not only knowledge and mentorship, but also a lasting network of support that can truly influence your journey,” said Tutkishbayeva.