International Women’s Day 2025: Empowering Women in STEM
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women all around the world. Since 1911, the day marks the advancement of women worldwide and the need for women's rights and gender equality.
The University of Guelph embraces International Women’s Day as an opportunity to show appreciation and support for women in various fields, including engineering. One such initiative is its student-driven Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE).
WiSE runs a Big Sisters, Little Sisters (BSLS) mentorship program, designed to connect and support women in engineering. This program pairs upper-year students with first-years, providing guidance and meaningful relationships through social connections.
“Big Sisters, Little Sisters ensures that women in engineering are seen, heard, and supported, providing all with a safe space to learn and grow. It has been amazing to witness the relationships built and strengthened, not only among our club members, but also within the U of G engineering community,” says Jacqueline Zenobio, one of the two BSLS program coordinators
“Mentorship is a critical part of both academic and professional growth, and seeing these relationships thrive has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this role,” adds Laine Young, BSLS co-coordinator.
Zenobio and Young say they’ve grown the program to more than 100 participants, with a focus on fresh energy and dedicated events.
“This is just the beginning and I am so excited to see the program continue to grow in the years to come, building even stronger relationships and creating a more supportive community for everyone involved,” says Zenobio.
The two coordinators attribute the program’s success to the WiSE executive members, as well as Dr. Jana Levison and CEPS Manager of Outreach Jean Hein, who work closely with WiSE and Women in Engineering (WiE) to organize and support their initiatives.
Lucy Al Haj Ali, a big sister in the program, helps her little sister, Aisha Ahmed, develop relevant skills in engineering and navigate life as a U of G student.
“This experience allows me to share my insights and advice while also developing my leadership skills,” says Al Haj Ali. “I have expanded my professional network and had the opportunity to attend the annual WiSE National Conference last month alongside Aisha and the inspiring Guelph WiSE executive team.”
Al Haj Ali encouraged Ahmed to attend the WiSE National Conference from January 25th to 26th, where they connected with industry professionals and engineers.
“This program has proven to be incredibly valuable, with Lucy supporting me through her guidance and encouragement. Many of my friends have reached also out to her, which highlights the importance of mentorship for female students in engineering,” says Ahmed.
Programs like Big Sisters Little Sisters exemplify the power of mentorship in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment, add the coordinators.
Read about more ways to celebrate International Women’s Day at U of G.