Shayna Earle, Chemical and iBioMed student, Lisa Brown ‘03, Mechanical Engineering and Management and Julie Wedzinga ‘02, Materials, were recognized at the event on March 2.
Young Trailblazer nominee and winner: Shayna Earle, fourth year Chemical and iBioMed student
Attending a big event the night before a midterm is not ideal as a student, but for current co-president of the McMaster Women in Engineering Society, it was all worth it. In her acceptance speech for the Young Trailblazer award, Shayna credits her mentor, Kim Jones, for making this all possible.
This award is just one of many accolades Shayna has earned. Recently, she was awarded the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation’s Enbridge 2022 Undergraduate Ambassador Award for her leadership in advocacy for women in engineering.
Shayna answered a few questions for us to celebrate this moment.
What gets you up in the morning?
- Being busy and having lots on the go can be overwhelming and at times discouraging. I take each day as an opportunity to take a step towards my goals even if it’s a small thing, each day is a step in the right direction if you choose it to be!
What does this nomination mean to you?
- Honestly, this nomination means the world, to be among a group and network of such incredible women is an honour. I work hard to support and make an impact on my community which is exactly what this award embodies, which makes this even more special.
Why do you love Mac Eng?
- I am so grateful for the amazing community at McMaster. Specifically, in ChemEng, the students, faculty and professors all know each other, and they are all super helpful and supportive.
What are you most excited for in 2023?
- This year I have a lot of exciting things on the go it’s hard to pick one! Taking my last co-op term this summer, starting my final year in the fall, taking an Alaskan Cruise, and going back home to visit family.
Women of Distinction nominee: Lisa Brown ‘03, Mechanical Engineering and Management
Lisa, General Manager, PVS Contractors, attended last night with her best friend from the age of four by her side. She serves on McMaster University’s Alumni Association, previously sat on the board of directors for the Canadian Association of Women in Construction and the Joseph Brant Hospital Auxiliary.
Lisa shares, “I truly am so appreciative of this nomination. Recognition, of course, is a great feeling, but on a deeper level, it validates for me that the work I’ve done (volunteer or otherwise) has had meaning. It’s had an impact and is valued.”
“Time is a scarce resource for all of us, and knowing that some of the ways in which I’ve chosen to spend mine has given back to the community in a positive way is very rewarding.”
Women of Distinction nominee: Julie Wedzinga ‘02, Materials
Julie, Manager, Environmental Affairs, Stelco, was surrounded by her colleagues as she celebrated the night. She is a Professional Engineer, Fellow of Engineers Canada and Manager of the Environmental Affairs department at Stelco, Hamilton.
Dedicated to equality, supporting women in STEM and giving back to her community, Julie has volunteered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario for over 15 years, currently serving as the chapter chair of the 30×30 initiative to increase the percentage of newly licensed female engineers to 30% by the year 2030. She served as a Director for Halton Women’s Place, the only women’s shelter in Halton – dedicated to educating youth and ending violence against women. She is also a Director of the Ontario Section of the Air & Waste Management Association and the first female Chair of the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association.
