Women in Engineering and Information Technology (WiE&IT) Program is first of its kind in Canada; launches September 2021
Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, and Carleton University have partnered to support more women pursuing careers in STEM through the Women in Engineering and Information Technology (WiE&IT) Program, launching this September. As one of the first sponsored programs of its kind in Canada, it aims to close the gender gap in STEM careers by providing women undergraduate and graduate-level students access to tools, knowledge, and resources for a successful transition into the workforce.
"We are dedicated to supporting diverse talent in tech, especially women in cybersecurity, and are excited to be partnering with Carleton University to provide mentorship and opportunities to students of the WiE&IT Program," says Adam Boyle, VP Hybrid Cloud Security at Trend Micro Canada and a Carleton University Alumnus. "This partnership is an extension of how we have already been working together over the years - including hiring Carleton students for intern, co-op and full-time student positions on our R&D teams and participating in networking events and career fairs - and elevates it to the next level."
As an organization that prioritizes learning and encourages employees to grow and take risks, Trend Micro proudly supports the university's vision for the WiE&IT Program. This vision focuses on increasing awareness of women role models and providing young women with the tools and knowledge for a successful transition into the workforce.
"The WiE&IT Program will provide students the skills they need to advance their careers, make connections, and explore a career in technology," says Larry Kostiuk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design. "Women don't always view a career in STEM as an option, and this program is meant to level the playing field by providing a platform for them to showcase their talent and capabilities."
Currently, less than twenty-five per cent of the entire Canadian STEM workforce is female. This program will create mentorship opportunities, host events for women students to build relationships with industry and government partners and provide a special fund to support allies at Carleton in meeting their equity, diversity and inclusion goals.
"We are extremely excited to support the Faculty of Engineering and Design (FED) to help promote, participate, and contribute to the new WiE&IT program that will connect our women students with industry and government partners," says Alicia Gal, Carleton University's Women in Science and Engineering Chapter President, and PhD candidate, Biomedical Engineering. "We are looking forward to the series of professional development workshops and providing opportunities to expand networking with participating industry and government partners, both on the personal and professional level. This partnership shows the power of the positive momentum FED has created to engage women in STEM and I am all too proud to do my part to ensure its success."
The program launches this school year at the beginning of September and will be virtual.
