WE ARE SETTING THE STAGE IN STEM

#ENGINEERINGFORCHANGE

The DiversifySTEM website was developed based on the recommendations that came out of OSPE’s “Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM” project research and report.

DiversifySTEM is a microlearning tool that delivers bite-sized, actionable lessons to promote diversity and cultural change in STEM workplaces.

DiversifySTEM is made up of modules that are flexible, enjoyable and action-oriented, with thought-provoking content that can be discussed and shared with others.

This Is
Our Goal

To increase the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented groups in STEM by collecting and analyzing grassroots perspectives, developing technology-based tools for employers, and promoting policy recommendations.

PROJECT HISTORY

In 2017, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) launched a project to address systemic barriers that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Funded by Status of Women Canada, now Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), with support from 12 partners including The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologist (OACETT), Engineers Canada and the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO).

OSPE worked with students, educational institutions, professionals, employers, and governments, collecting and analyzing grassroots perspectives to develop resources, strategies and policy recommendations to support, retain and advance women in STEM.

OUR RESEARCH

In January 2018 OSPE concluded a survey to gather insights on the barriers faced by women in STEM careers. Nearly 3,000 responses were received from men and women and the data was analyzed to published in the report “Calling All Stem Employers: Why workplace cultures must shift to change the gender landscape”.

Click here to download the report

To see the report highlights in a one page infographic, click here.

ABOUT OSPE

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) is the voice of the engineering profession in Ontario. We represent the entire engineering community, including professional engineers, engineering graduates and students who work or will work in several of the most strategic sectors of Ontario’s economy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to the Department for Women and Gender Equality

for funding this project, to our lead partner OACETT (The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists), and to all of our project partners. Thank you also to our project leaders Valerie Davidson, P.Eng., PhD, Professor Emerita; Annette Bergeron , P.Eng., MBA, FEC, FCAE; Kathy Lerette, CET and all supporting OSPE staff.

Our Research
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS – ORIGINAL PROJECT LEADS

KATHY LERETTE C.E.T.

Kathy Lerette, C.E.T. is an executive-level engineering and operations professional in the energy industry and serves as Senior Vice President, Business Transformation at Alectra Utilities.

ANNETTE BERGERON P.ENG., MBA

Annette Bergeron, P.Eng., MBA, President Engineers Canada was recognized as one of the Top 25 Women of Influence across Canada. Watch her video profile.

VALERIE DAVIDSON P.ENG., PHD

Valerie Davidson, P.Eng., PhD, Professor Emerita, University of Guelph, has been an effective advocate for women in STEM fields for more than two decades. Read about her #BigIdeas