Biography

Ela Dudek is a scientist with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. With over 10 years of research experience in both academia and industry, she has a strong background in recombinant protein expression and purification. Ela is currently the Vice President of Research and Development at Future Fields, where she leads the implementation of cutting-edge strategies and innovative technologies in protein expression and purification from Drosophila melanogaster. She has a proven track record of successfully managing interdisciplinary projects and teams, meeting objectives, and delivering results. Ela possesses excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills, allowing her to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. She is also a passionate STEMinist. Throughout her academic journey and beyond, she has actively worked with various non-profit organizations, showcasing her dedication to making a positive impact.

Priya is a Digital Transformation leader with 15 years' of experience in strategizing, managing, and implementing IT digital solutions comprising of ERP, CRM, HR, Operations, and Infrastructure in the Global Software and SaaS industry. Working in the Tech and SaaS industry, building and implementing technical processes, doing change management, and managing large-scale IT Programs and Project are her key skills. She is working with Tenaz Energy Copr annd an Executive MBA from the Haskayne School of Business, University Of Calgary. She comes from India and has moved to Calgary, Canada in August 2023 with her family.

As an undergraduate student at the University of Calgary, Nirmal Cheema is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Science, with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Visual Studies and Art History. She joined the AWSN group in 2021. Being a STEM student herself, she believes it important for women to have the opportunity to be a part of and thrive in the STEM community. Through her volunteer work, she hopes to promote the organization’s mission of advancing diversity and inclusivity in STEM programs.

Graduated as a CPA, CGA in 2012, I've been working in Accounting/Finance within the tech space ever since, in Calgary. Joined AWSN in 2021 as Treasurer and I look forward to seeing AWSN keep growing

Mandy Williams, P.Geol.,FGC is a co-founder of GeoWomen of Calgary (www.geowomen.org), an organization committed to advancing women working in the geoscience professions in Calgary.  As a mother of three (including twins), she has learned firsthand that “you can have it all, just not all at once”. Mandy is a senior-level geologist with 20 years of experience in the petroleum industry. She is a seasoned mentor and advocate for women in STEM and in 2023 was named a Fellow of Geoscientists Canada. Mandy is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the Haskayne School of Business.

Maria Marianayagam graduated from the University of Calgary with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering. She spent a decade working in the energy industry, before pivoting into children's book publishing. She is excited to have ten titles releasing with major publishers in the next few years. Her debut, The Amazing Power of Girls, a STEM-based, girl empowerment picture book releases 2024 with Sourcebooks eXplore.

Anya Batycky is an Environmental Scientist currently pursuing her PhD in Land Reclamation and Remediation at the University of Alberta. Her research is focused on the reclamation of high elevation grasslands following coal mining. As a graduate student involved in research, Anya values creating a safe space to ask questions and be curious, and ensuring science and research are accessible to the public. Her love of science communication and passion for encouraging diversity in STEM has led her to volunteer as a science communicator with various organizations and in 2023 join the communications team with AWSN. Anya's own experiences being a woman in science has inspired her to use her platform to support women and those underrepresented in STEM fields.

Patty has been working with AWSN when she took on coordinating Operation Minerva in Medicine Hat in the early 1990's! Coordinating and hosting the Operation Minerva Conference all of these years has been an absolute honor and privilege to bring such an amazing program to so many (especially rural) girls all of these years. She is proud to say that some of the girls that have gone through the Operation Minerva Conference are now Mentors of mine as well as Board members of Praxis.

Hasmik Asmaryan is the Director of Business, Employment, and Training Services (BETS) at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). After immigrating to Canada in 2013 as a skilled worker, Hasmik joined CCIS, where she has held various roles over the past decade. She has contributed significantly to programs funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and the Province of Alberta.As the Partnership Committee Chair for the AWSN Board, Hasmik aims to foster strong partnerships and enhance opportunities for STEM professionals, driving inclusivity and sustainable development