Science 3 Cropped

Atlantic ConnecTions Conference to take place at the Mount May 3 and 4, 2017

According to 2011 Statistics Canada data, only 26.9% of people working in natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics at that time were women, though women made up 48% of the Canadian workforce.


The Atlantic ConnecTions Conference – to be held at Mount Saint Vincent University May 3 and 4 – aims to advance women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (SETT) through a focus on identifying solutions to the barriers faced by women in these fields and the young women who aspire to join them.

The conference provides an opportunity for women in SETT from Atlantic Canada, and their male colleagues, to share their experiences of studying and working in male-dominated fields, build their networks and develop action items with the goal of advancing women in SETT. Women and their male colleagues in SETT from a cross-section of industries, education, government, and not-for-profit organizations are invited to attend.

The conference is hosted by Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal, Professor of Biology and NSERC Chair of Women in Science and Engineering – Atlantic Region (WISEatlantic) at the Mount.

Media and the general public are welcome.

When
May 3 and 4, 2017

Where
Multipurpose Room, Rosaria Student Centre
Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax
[map]

Who
Keynote speakers include:
Vandana Juneja, Senior Director with international NGO Catalyst, will share groundbreaking research behind engaging men in gender inclusion and the qualities of inclusive leaders. She will explore how we can leverage this information to create more inclusive cultures and transform workplaces, highlighting how organizations can better attract and retain women from day one.
(Vandana will present on May 3 from 3 to 4 p.m.)

Gloria Montano, experienced engineer, administrator and Director of the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre), will present a framework on pacing yourself through a successful career life – “finishing the marathon with your soul intact” – while sharing her personal journey that crossed disciplines, areas of inquiry, and even literal borders. (Gloria will present on May 4 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.)

Workshop facilitator:
Shari Graydon, founder and catalyst of Informed Opinions, is an award-winning author and women’s advocate. She will lead a workshop designed to build women’s leadership capacity and enhance their credibility and influence by providing them with the confidence and tools to contribute their expertise to the public discourse.

For more information or to register: www.AtlanticConnections.ca or WISEatlantic@msvu.ca

Media contact:
Gillian Batten
Manager, Communications
Mount Saint Vincent University
(902) 457-6439
Gillian.Batten@msvu.ca

Media visits during the event are welcome and will be coordinated upon request.