In this workshop, ISSofBC facilitator Gwen Pawlikowski will lead you through strategies to strengthen both your actual physical voice and the linked metaphorical voice that you use when you write or compose thoughts.

Sweta Rajan, founder of IWS, will be shedding light on her experiences as an immigrant women in STEM. Sweta will provide tools on communicating as a female newcomer to Canada in male-dominated fields.

Food is provided.

Agenda:

6pm-7:10pm Introductions & Workshop (Gwen Pawlikowski)

7:10pm-7:40pm Speaker (Sweta Rajan)

7:40pm-8pm Q&A

If you feel like you’re not being heard, you are probably right. You can use your voice to change this. This workshop will help you to access and build your authentic voice in meetings, presentations and throughout your career.

Workshop details:

“Finding your voice physically and metaphorically”,

Control breathing,

Use natural voice,

Overcome stress or problems with accents,

Understand local accent,

Choose and understand which words are kept or thrown away,

Know what is spoken clearly/literally versus implied,

Find style of writing,

Find inner sense of agency (especially for those who are mothers or have gone through trauma), and

Reclaim your confidence!

Gwen Pawlikowski is a Communications Consultant who facilitates ISSofBC’s Advanced Literacy and Essential Skills in the Workplace Soft Skills Training Program for Immigrant Technology Professionals. A former radio/TV reporter and longtime English instructor, Gwen makes a living using her actual voice to narrate online workshops and her metaphorical voice to write and share ideas that help newcomers to Canada build communication skills for success. None of her achievements stem from any natural or inherited vocal skill; every bit has been earned through conscious reshaping of the very modest voice she received at birth.

Sweta is a scientist, speaker, coach, facilitator and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. She believes in a world where innovation and productivity are driven by equitable workplaces.

Her immigrant journey started in 2000 when she moved to North Carolina after an arranged marriage. After several unexpected personal and professional diversions, in 2009 she packed all her belongings in her car and drove up from California to Vancouver for a fresh start. Vancouver gave her the opportunity to prove her mettle as a scientist and work with the best and the brightest in the field.

After a decade working with biopharmaceutical scientists across North America, in 2015, she shifted her focus from creating novel scientific products to creating vibrant, inclusive workplaces. After gaining experience within the professional coaching and training industry, she is currently set to launch her own venture.

Her career journey gives her a deep appreciation for scientists as well as the barriers that underrepresented groups face in entering and flourishing in STEM fields. Motivated by personal experiences, in 2018 she co-founded Immigrant and International Women in Science (IWS Network) to empower newcomers to thrive as valued contributors to the Canadian economy. To date, IWS Network has held 70+ meetings in 9 cities across Canada, led by 15+ leaders to over 500 attendees!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/immigrant-international-women-in-science/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IWS_Network