Are you an aspiring leader or at the early stages of your journey into leadership? Come and learn from our panel of STEM leaders!

* Discover tools and strategies to gain more confidence in yourself and your skills, as you lay the groundwork for your journey into leadership.

* Find out how you could build a meaningful career that makes a difference and thrive as a leader in STEM.

* Be inspired to break the glass ceilings through innovation and thought leadership.

This panel discussion and networking reception is jointly organized by the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology and Women Techmakers, with Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS of BC) as a community partner.

SPEAKERS

FARIBAH PACHELEH , Director, Corporate Projects, BC Liquor Distribution Branch; Past President, SCWIST

Fariba is a passionate leader and strategic thinker with over 25 years’ combined industry and advisory services experience, in corporate management roles and on non-profit boards. After earning a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Shiraz University in Iran, Fariba has continued advancing her skills in Canada through earning certificates from SFU, UBC and PMI. She currently serves as Director of Corporate Strategic Projects at BC LDB. As a skilled, business-focused, and multi-cultural leader in Information Technology and Project Management, Fariba has a consistent track record in building the best practices and processes for programs and cross-functional teams to deliver strategic initiatives and tactical business solutions. For her advocacy and volunteer activities, Fariba has served and supported a number of organizations: Currently, she is the Chair of BCIT School of Computing PAC (Program Advisory Committee), Vice-Chair of the WEB Alliance of Women’s Business Networks in BC, and Advisory Council of SCWIST, a non-profit association that encourages and empowers women and girls in science and technology. During her tenure as President of SCWIST, Fariba made a presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women and under her aegis, SCWIST’s input was requested a second time.

CATALINA LOPEZ-CORREA, Chief Scientific Officer and VP- Sectors, Genome BC; Co-founder, Immigrant and International Women in Science (IWS)

With more than 20 years of international experience in both the academic and private sectors, Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa’s deep understanding of genomics has inspired leaders in science and industry to collaborate toward solving some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Prior to joining Genome BC, Catalina was the CSO and Vice-President Scientific Affairs at Genome Quebec, where she was instrumental in developing competitive teams for national and provincial research projects raising the profile of Canadian genomics on the global stage.

Before becoming one of Canada’s leading advocates for genomics research and translation, Catalina held senior research positions with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and the renowned deCODE genetics lab in Iceland. From leading teams to identifying genomic biomarkers in therapeutic areas of oncology, cardio-metabolic, and neurosciences to developing screening strategies associated with disease, Catalina’s leadership helped drive the discovery and development pipelines.

As part of her commitment to international development, Catalina has championed several initiatives aimed at demonstrating the impact of genomics in developing countries, including a book on Genomics in Emerging Economies and several articles. Since 2002 she has served as evaluator for large multinational projects funded by the European Commission and has been recognized with several awards nationally and internationally.

Catalina holds a Medical degree from the UPB in Colombia, a Master’s degree in Human Genetics from Paris V University in France, a PhD in Medical Sciences from the KULeuven in Belgium, and a mini MBA from McGill University in Canada.

In 2017 she received the Canadian Senate 150th Anniversary Medal. In 2013 she was recognized by National Order of Merit Award in the Rank of Officer, appointed by the Honorable President of the Republic of Colombia. This honorable distinction is conferred to Dr. Lopez-Correa for her outstanding professional and academic career and the scientific contributions in the field of Genomics in Canada. In 2012 she was recognized as one of the 100 Colombians living abroad that have been highly successful on their professional career.

BETHANY LEFFLER EDMUNDS, Associate Dean and Vancouver Lead Computer Science Faculty at Northeastern University

Recently named as one of BC Business’s Most Influential Women in STEM, Business in Vancouver’s Forty under 40, and YWCA Women of Distinction, Dr. Bethany Edmunds has a background in software development, artificial intelligence, and educational innovation.

Prior to joining Northeastern University, Bethany was the first female Associate Dean of Computing at BCIT, where she envisioned and initiated the TEC (Technology Education and Collaboration) Hub. In developing ground-breaking classroom designs that provide students with the opportunity to actively participate in their own education, this new platform has set the standard for new best practices in computing education in BC.

While earning her PhD in Machine Learning, Bethany co-organized the second international Women in Machine Learning Workshop and continues to actively encourage women and girls to pursue a career in tech as a mentor and speaker at events like DigiGirlz Day.

IGOR FALETSKI, CEO, Mobify

Igor Faletski is the founder and CEO of Mobify, the leader in front-end solutions for headless commerce. Based in Vancouver, Canada Mobify powers digital experiences for brands like L’Oreal, Under Armour and Cornerstone Brands.

Igor has successfully scaled Mobify from three people working in a downtown Vancouver apartment to the global leader in mobile commerce and engagement solutions for retailers. With a strong background in computer science and software engineering, Igor is a passionate spokesperson for the future of mobile and its positive impact on society. He is frequently quoted in media outlets such as Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Mashable and VentureBeat.

PIYALI DEY, Regional Program Manager AI + Cloud, Microsoft

I am a computer scientist by training, software developer by trade (guess this is partly computer science and partly art), and community activist by passion. I am known across the technical community in Silicon Valley and Vancouver, Canada as an active community event organizer and a relentless advocate for diversity and equality in tech. Past few years have seen me in various lead roles at major events and community groups such as Girls who Code, Women Who Code, IEEE Women in Engineering, Google’s Developer Groups, and WomenTechmakers Vancouver. Building communities and empowering minorities in tech are two of my biggest passions. Currently, I am employed by Microsoft as a Regional Program Manager for the Cloud Advocacy team.

Moderator:

LORRAINE GRAVES, Journalist, RIchmond Sentinel

Combining her education in science and her love of news media, Lorraine became one of the first three TV science journalists in Canada. Her first science TV story was in the late 70s on pheromones, a result of a happy accident. Starting her own production and science writing firm in 1986, she named her company, Pearl Productions Ltd, after her grandmother. Lorraine went on to create, produce and host Breakthrough™ which was Canada’s second national TV science series and the first hosted by a woman. Lorraine is a vibrant member of the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST).

CHILDREN

Mothers are welcome to bring their children and will be primarily responsible for the care and well-being of their children. STEM activity kits will be available for school-aged children. Toys (train and tracks, dolls) will be available for preschool children.

If you are bringing children, please inform Khristine Cariño at director-communications@scwist.ca.

PHOTO AND VIDEO CONSENT

Please be advised that photographs and videos will be taken at the event and may be used by SCWIST , Women Tech Makers and ISSBC on their website, marketing materials, and other publications.

By being at this event, you consent to SCWIST, Women Tech Makers and ISSBC to photograph and use your image and likeness.

Grant of rights: You irrevocably and wholly grant SCWIST and Women Tech Makers the exclusive use of your name, voice, picture, and likeness as recorded during this event. You also irrevocably and wholly grant the exclusive use of any statements and actions you make as recorded during this event. This grant of rights shall be effective throughout the world and in perpetuity.

Use by SCWIST, Women Tech Makers and ISSBC: These organizations may use any footage it obtains at this event for any purpose, including but not limited to live and recorded transmission, advertising, promotion, sale, and transfer, in all media now known or hereafter devised throughout the world and in perpetuity.

You agree you have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in this event.