Three UM community members have been named among Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2025, recognized for their leadership, vision, determination, passion and mentorship of others.
The annual list is compiled by the Women's Executive Network, a national member-based organization that celebrates the advancement of women in all sectors and of all ages. Categories in which UM has been recognized include women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), corporate performance and professionals.
Mojgan Rastegar, Krystyna Koczanski, Lori Wilkinson
The winners will be honoured at an awards gala on Nov. 27 in Toronto.
Corporate Performance Category
Dr. Krystyna Koczanski Associate Dean (Administration), Faculty of Science
Krystyna Koczanski is a dynamic academic leader and educator whose work bridges vision and practicality.
She helps steward more than $65 million in projects that strengthen research, sustainability, and create spaces that blend function and inspiration beautiful environments where people feel they belong.
A 2019 recipient of the UM Outstanding Teacher Award, she also launched UM's participation in the SHAD program, Canada's STEAM and entrepreneurship youth program. She spearheaded the transformative learning experience in Churchill celebrating Manitoba's North and its role in shaping future innovators.
STEM Category
Dr. Mojgan Rastegar Professor of biochemistry and medical genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Dr. Mojgan Rastegar is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of epigenetic regulation of brain development. Her research explores how epigenetic deregulations at the cellular and molecular levels lead to compromised brain function, mental disability and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett Syndrome, a rare and progressive neurodevelopmental disease. With a leadership role in Rett Syndrome research in Canada, Rastegar has established the Human Rett Syndrome Brain Bio-Repository Laboratory in Manitoba as the Canadian site for post-mortem brain donations from Rett Syndrome patients.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Rastegar is a passionate advocate for women in STEM, dedicating significant time to mentoring and training women in science, and inspiring them to cultivate their curiosity and pursue their ambitions from a young age.
Professionals Category
Dr. Lori Wilkinson Distinguished professor department of sociology and affiliated professor Faculty of Law
A distinguished academic leader and Canada Research Chair, Wilkinson is renowned for her expansive research on the social impacts of humanitarian crises, refugee and immigrant resettlement, vulnerable children and youth, religious persecution, gender-based health inequities, Indigenous reconciliation, francophone resettlement, and anti-racism efforts.
Her work integrates rigorous statistical and empirical analysis with qualitative methods to produce both scholarly insight and policy-relevant outcomes. As a public sociologist, she collaborates closely with immigrant community-led advisory committees to dispel migration myths and contribute meaningfully to anti-racism initiatives. A committed knowledge mobilizer, she ensures her findings are widely shared to inform policy and practice. Her research is deeply rooted in social justice, with a focus on inequality, migration and practical application. She also plays a vital mentorship role, guiding emerging scholars, new academics, policymakers and professionals in the settlement support sector.
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.
