podcast series: women who innovate

When Chris began her transition 5 years ago, her life changed radically. It was eye-opening to realize how many biases she had to face as a woman. Despite the obstacles that still affect her on a daily basis, Chris is living her life as a transgender woman to the fullest. As a sought-after public speaker, she frequently shares her story and experiences as a transgender woman in advertising.

Gina has been interested in engineering since her early childhood in Iran. In 1989, she became the first woman to earn a PhD in building engineering from Concordia University. Since then, she’s paved the way for many young women in her industry. In 2018, to celebrate her achievements, Concordia’s faculty of engineering and computer science was renamed the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science.

Fascinated by how the human body works from an early age, Lisa thought she would become a doctor. In university, she turned to studying microbiology. In this episode, she discusses how biases manifest in scientific fields like math, STIM, engineering, as well as how women are held to higher standards than men at the executive level.

Sylvia explains how her traditional Greek upbringing shaped her desire for diversity and inclusion. At an early age, she recognized her brother was treated differently than she and her sisters were. Frustrated with the slow rate workplace diversity and inclusion were progressing at, she decided to found The Jasmar Group, a behavioural change consultancy firm.

''Innovate or be left in the dark. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.'' Founding partner of The Turn Lab, a startup focused on innovation and business transformation, Malina Kaija leads with her gut for innovative solutions that ultimately help people.

How can one voice impact the status quo? Lydia challenges everyday norms in a very traditional and regulated environment: banking. With her, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with innovating in a corporate setting.

With Codezilla, an educational technology program, Sherri is making a monster-sized impact. She leverages her passion for new technology and her experience working with startups to teach girls to code in a supportive, innovative and confidence-building environment.

Saadia Muzaffar is a tech entrepreneur, author, and passionate champion of responsible innovation, decent work for everyone, and prosperity of immigrant talent in STEM. She was featured in Canada 150 Women in 2017 and listed as one of Inspiring Fifty’s inspiring women in the Canadian tech and innovation sectors. Meet an amazing woman who knows no barriers!