About Us
IWS Story
IWS Network is a non-for-profit group born out of similar but independent ideas from women who saw the need to provide support and mentorship to fellow Immigrant and International Women in Science (IWS). Early in 2018, while discussing the mentorship activities they were doing in their respective cities, these women realized they could join forces and invite other women to form a Canada-wide IWS Network. This idea spread rapidly, and thanks to the great support received by many other women across Canada, IWS Network is currently present in multiple cities, with prospects to growing even more in the future.
IWS Network is driven by the committed volunteer work of a fantastic group of women with scientific backgrounds currently active in industry, academia, and government. IWS Network is committed to increase awareness about the role that immigrant and international women play in advancing STEM fields. To do so, we interact with IWS fellows through monthly in-person meetings; participate in events related to equity, diversity, and inclusion; connect virtually across diverse social media platforms, and support women empowerment.
Remarkably, IWS Network is the one of the few organizations that support immigrant and international women in science across Canada. Our organization is composed of individuals who are either 1st generation Canadians or who arrived to Canada and felt the personal and professional challenges that accompany this transition.
IWS welcomes and encourages all participation in our activities, because we genuinely believe that diversity brings new perspectives and enrichment to our group.
Mission
To build a collaborative network that supports and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion of Immigrant and International Women from STEM backgrounds in Canada.
Vision
- To share career, gender, and multicultural challenges while discussing possible solutions in a safe and friendly environment aimed to address personal and professional development through monthly city meetings.
- To offer one-on-one mentorship sharing professional experiences to aid in pursuing a career in science or in adjacent fields or to transit between different working disciplines and fields.
- To provide networking and professional opportunities by bringing together individuals from different working disciplines and environments (academia, industry, government, non-for-profits…).