June 2008 IssuE
ECONOMY GIVES ALBERTANS OPPORTUNITIES IN LEADERSHIP
WISEST vice-chair discusses how diversity builds a better province, as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary and prepares for its second annual golf tournament
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PASSIONATELY EXPLAINED |
BY GAIL POWLEY, P.ENG.
WISEST Vice-Chair
These are exciting times in Alberta. With our thriving economy to fuel us, we are in a position to do great things. We can lead the nation by example and help ourselves at the same time.
Definitely sounds like the makings of a no-brainer. So what is my case and how do we get started?
I’ll give you a couple more clues. With further support we will be able to
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significantly increase the science and technology workforce available in this province
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increase discovery and innovation
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reduce employee turnover
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build a science and innovation culture
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increase rural and Aboriginal participation in science and engineering
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grow and sustain a mindset of volunteerism
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turn our students and citizens into leaders, through their mentorship
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diversify our science and engineering leadership in industry, government and academia.
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and much more.
What do we need to support that can provide such great value? The answer is diversity.
Business has known this for quite a while. Corporations around the world, the likes of IBM, BP and many others, have shown that diversity is more than a good business practice, it is a strategic advantage. Companies whose leadership has different perspectives are able to identify and capitalize on opportunities that others with a single mindset will miss.
Having a reputation of being inclusive attracts today’s employees, who are looking for companies that offer the kind of flexibility allowing a quality work environment and a quality family life.
How do you support diversity? There are many ways, but one very effective one has been supported by industry, government and academia in Alberta for over 25 years. It is called WISEST, an acronym from Women in Scholarship, Engineering , Science and Technology.
Founded at the University of Alberta in 1982 by Dr. Gordin Kaplan, WISEST was charged with two things — determining why engineering and science were male-dominated, and changing the situation.
That’s a tall order. However, dedicated individuals from corporations, representatives from key provincial and federal government ministries, and professors from science and engineering faculties across the university were up to the challenge. They were pulled together to identify the issues — and to do something about the situation.
With a lot of volunteer effort and a small amount of funding, WISEST and this engaged community launched programs focused at the attraction and retention of under-represented populations in science, engineering and technology. Over the years, these programs have grown from introducing local girls at the elementary and high school levels to the exciting world of engineering and science research, to improving access to university outreach programs for rural and Aboriginal communities through financial subsidies, peer and mentor support, and focused communications.
Add to this the establishment of an undergraduate community called UAWiSE, which works with industry, government and academic supporters to provide information on career choices, peer and mentor networks, and mixers for students to meet with industry and research leaders.
How extensive are these programs? Over 620 Grade 6 girls participate in the CHOICES conference every year, where female university students, academic staff and APEGGA volunteers are role models. These role models lead hands-on science demonstrations and activities that build the students’ confidence in their ability to do well in science. They are visible, breathing examples of career fits for women.
Another program, the WISEST Summer Research Program, has over its 24 years placed over 1,000 Grade 11 students in paid internships with research teams at the University of Alberta, in the areas of engineering, geology, computing science, physics, chemistry, microbiology, forestry and others. And recent undergraduate student events have been generating record attendance from students, industry and research.
Through these types of programs, and a strong and supportive community, WISEST and our members have been recognized as leaders in championing diversity. Organizations from as far away as Newfoundland have adopted the WISEST model and documented great success.
One of WISEST’s local signs of success is in the representation of women in engineering in Alberta. National figures provided by Engineers Canada show that in 2005, women accounted for 17.5 per cent of first-year engineering students — with Alberta leading all the provinces with the highest level at 20.1 per cent.
This shows good progress on a relative scale, but there is still need for improvement — and even greater improvement opportunities exist in the area of retention. These needs go beyond engineering and into areas like computer science, scholarship, and more.
With WISEST now celebrating 25 years, what is next? For me, as vice-chair of WISEST, this is a key question — but the answer depends a lot on you. What are you and your organizations doing to support diversity, and thus to increase your business advantage, the size of Alberta’s available technical workforce, and an improved science and innovation culture in Alberta?
Are you interested in collaborating to build a better tomorrow, today? We are.
At WISEST, we — together with our board, active committee members, science and engineering volunteers, and key stakeholders in industry, government and academia — have developed concepts for new initiatives. These are focused, among other things, on
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attraction of young people to the world of science, and further development of a science and innovation culture in both urban and rural communities
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retention, support and engagement of university students, professional engineers, researchers and scientists with programs and networks that provide visible support, role models and programs
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professional development of science and engineering personnel to build a diverse leadership community, inclusive networks and greater innovation
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provision of world-class, general audience sessions with inspirational speakers, covering the exciting discoveries in science happening in our own backyard and delivered by Albertans who are role models for all
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further extension of our existing programs to Aboriginal and northern communities
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development of boards of champions who want to be an integral part of a community that supports diversity and inclusive environments.
Additional support from industry, government, community partners, colleges, and science and engineering professionals can make a great difference — and make Alberta even more of a leader in diversity and innovation than we already are.
WISEST’s next 25 years starts now. Join WISEST and be a visible supporter of diversity. We look forward to hearing from you and partnering to make a difference.
gOLFING dATE
WISEST’s Second Annual
Fundraising
Golf Tournament
July 24
Early Bird Registration Deadline June 23
More Info
Contact Vice-Chair Gail Powley, P.Eng.
780-405-5974
Visit www.wisest.ualberta.ca