Eng

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Engineers

The Irene Sterian Scholarship for Women in Engineering will help tomorrow’s trailblazers to achieve their goals

In November 2022, the REMAP team held the Celebrating Unlimited Potential tribute event in memory of our Founder, President and CEO, Irene Sterian.  The event raised funds in support of causes very near and dear to Irene – including a scholarship aimed at helping the next generation of women engineers to thrive. 

Thanks to the wide outpouring of support from our generous event sponsors and Irene’s colleagues, family and friends, REMAP raised $50,000 towards the establishment of the Irene Sterian Scholarship for Women in Engineering at the University of Toronto.  Beginning in 2023, in perpetuity, the scholarship will be awarded to a student entering the first year of any undergraduate program in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering who identifies as female.  

Championing Diversity in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector

Irene graduated from the University of Toronto’s Industrial Engineering program in 1984 and dedicated her career to driving innovation and advancements in Canada’s manufacturing industry, and supporting other women who shared her vision.  

When she began her career in the manufacturing sector in 1985, there were few women in engineering roles. And while representation has improved, women still only account for 29% of the manufacturing workforce in Canada – with far lower representation in engineering and leadership roles; and minimal representation of Black and Indigenous women in the sector. 

.A champion for diversity, Irene passionately believed that more women – of all backgrounds – should pursue exciting careers in advanced manufacturing. To encourage and support change, she served as a valued mentor and role model for many women in STEM throughout her 30+ year career – helping them to break down barriers to success.

Presenting the $50,000 scholarship fund to the University of Toronto’s faculty in February 2023 felt like the possible way for REMAP to honour Irene’s passion for engineering, her alma mater and her unrelenting belief that women have a far more significant role to play in Canada’s manufacturing sector. 

We can’t wait to follow the exciting careers of the scholarship recipients as they follow in Irene’s footsteps.  If you’d like to contribute to this scholarship, feel free to visit the Irene Sterian Scholarship for Women in Engineering, University of Toronto link at any time, https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/1935