USask Women and Allies in Engineering group continues to build community

Each year on International Women’s Day, communities around the world celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality, and a group at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Engineering is helping do exactly that.

Founded in 2023, USask Women and Allies in Engineering is a group dedicated to connecting female and female-identifying students, allies and mentors across USask Engineering. The group was established by the D.K. Seaman Chair, Jeanie Wills, and Randi Strunk, both from the Ron and Jane Graham School of Professional Development (SoPD) in the College of Engineering. Today, it is run by faculty members, Randi Strunk and Reisha Peters, with early support from students who are now alumni, Libby Epoch and Arliss Sidloski, and current student Grace Neiser.

Together, they envisioned a community where students could build connections, share experiences and support one another while navigating engineering studies and careers. This vision was uplifted by the generous support of Graham, the title sponsor of USask Women and Allies in Engineering.

“We wanted to help female students feel welcome in engineering. You’re not the exception to the rule about what engineers are; you belong, and who you are strengthens this profession,” said Randi Strunk, lecturer with the SoPD.

USask Women and Allies in Engineering has created opportunities for students to connect in both professional and social settings. Events have ranged from creative and informal gatherings, like a LEGO build night, holiday cookie decorating, to industry experiences, professional development sessions and more that help students explore the breadth of engineering careers. A highlight of this academic year was an underground and surface tour of Nutrien’s Cory potash mine.

One of the initiatives this year was a one-day student conference, Innovate. Lead. Empower., which brought together students, mentors and professionals to discuss leadership, career development and the evolving role of engineers in society.

Looking ahead, Women and Allies in Engineering is also working on a field guide for female engineers. This unique resource will capture real-world experiences and lessons from engineers at different stages of their careers, offering practical stories and advice often left out of books, focusing on real experiences rather than polished narratives. Designed for students, co-op interns, early-career alumni and engineers navigating new stages of their profession, the guide aims to provide tactical insight and honest reflections that can help others succeed. The current field guide can be found on the group’s LinkTree page.

USask Women and Allies in Engineering invites alumnae and professionals to contribute to the field guide. Submissions are being collected online.

As USask Women and Allies in Engineering continues to expand, the group remains focused on connection, mentorship and building upon the strong, vibrant engineering community. Upcoming events include the popular “Girl Golf” golf lesson and wind-up event.

All women and allies in the College of Engineering are invited to participate in Women and Allies in Engineering events. Stay connected by following the group on Instagram at usask.allies.engineering or on LinkedIn.