ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Professor Kathryn Reilander wins gold at CICan's 2023 Awards of Excellence

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) announced the recipients of its 2023 Awards of Excellence. Algonquin College professor and program coordinator, Kathryn Reilander, was awarded gold in The Leadership Excellence Award for Non-Managerial Staff category.  

Reilander's outstanding leadership has helped shape the future of diversity, equity and inclusion in Canada's technology and trades sectors. Her efforts have helped created tangible support services such as the We Saved You a Seat (WSYAS) program, which helps attract more women to careers in tech and trades by reserving 30 per cent of available seats in six technology programs where women are the minority.  

Reilander was joined at the award ceremony in Montreal by Algonquin College President and CEO, Claude Brulé, who applauded Reilander's remarkable achievements and contributions to the College community and beyond.  

"At every turn, Kathryn Reilander leads not by talk, but by example. Her passionate resolve for the advocacy and awareness of women in the trades and technology sectors is infectious," said Brulé. "From teaching and coordinating to mentorship and program development, Kathryn's versatility shines."  

Reilander was humbled to have received the award, sharing that the close connection she has to this work makes it that much more special.  

"When I first began working as an engineering technician, it was definitely a male-dominated field and in many ways, it still is," said Reilander. "But I hope by removing some of the barriers to entry, providing entrance awards and offering mentorship and support, that women are more attracted to a career in tech and trades, and we can achieve greater gender-diversity in the electrical industry."  

Each year, a select group of CICan members are honoured with these awards in recognition of their outstanding leadership, and contribution to advancing Canada's social, cultural, and economic development.  Learn more about the awards by visiting the CICan website, https://www.collegesinstitutes.ca/.