In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, we spoke with five inspiring members of our community. From undergraduate students to graduate researchers, each brings a unique perspective shaped by personal experience, challenges, and growth. Together, their stories reflect the evolving face of engineering and the strength that comes from a diverse and supportive community.
Pictured (left to right): Isabella Rizzo (top), Chloe Stanford (bottom), Vrisha Vyas, Sherry Kiafar (top), and Anushree Shah (bottom).
1. Different Journeys into Engineering: Undergraduate Perspectives
There is no singular route into engineering. For some, it begins with a deep-rooted passion for STEM; for others, it emerges from a blend of creative and analytical interests. What unites these women is a shared desire to solve meaningful problems and contribute to something larger than themselves.
Chloe, an undergraduate in Materials Engineering, grew up equally drawn to both science and the arts. For her, engineering became the perfect intersection of her interests.
“I’ve always loved math and science, but also had a strong creative side. Engineering stood out because it brings structure and creativity together. You’re solving technical problems, but also need to think in innovative ways.”
Isabella, who comes from a liberal arts background, didn’t always envision a future in engineering. It wasn’t until late high school, when she began exploring STEM more deeply, that she became drawn to the evolving nature of the field and its constant opportunities for growth and application.
“I wanted to be part of something that’s constantly evolving, where I could keep learning and apply knowledge in tangible ways. That’s what attracted me to Materials Engineering.”
These experiences highlight the varied pathways that lead students into engineering. Whether grounded in early passions or discovered through later exploration, each journey enriches the discipline by broadening the range of skills, perspectives, and approaches that drive innovation.
2. Overcoming Barriers and Building Belonging
For many women in engineering, navigating a space where they are still underrepresented can involve overcoming doubt and building up their confidence. Yet it is often within these challenges that valuable support networks form and a strong sense of community emerges.
Chloe reflects on moments when she felt the need to speak louder just to be heard in a male-dominated environment. Despite this, she finds strength and encouragement in the collective support of her peers and mentors, especially the women who continue to uplift and inspire one another.
Isabella’s experience highlights the challenges of entering engineering without a strong STEM background. Early on, she faced impostor syndrome and the pressure of comparing herself to peers with different academic experiences.
“It took me time to realize I didn’t need to compare myself to others, and there is no shame in going at your own pace. The most important thing is that you’re learning.”
Graduate students echo similar themes. Sherry, a PhD student who moved to Canada from Tehran, describes the added complexity of navigating both gender and cultural barriers as an international student. She was also affected by impostor syndrome and struggled to find a sense of belonging. Over time, she built confidence by focusing on her long-term goals and forming supportive academic relationships. She emphasizes perseverance and community support as essential to overcoming these challenges.
“In moments of doubt, I remind myself of how far I have come and the goals I’m working toward.”
Vrisha, a master’s student, recalls a co-op experience working on a predominantly female team that strengthened her sense of belonging. She also credits faculty mentorship as central to her growth. The encouragement she received helped her navigate complex research questions, explore career pathways, and build confidence in her academic voice.
“Mentorship has made all the difference. Having professors who genuinely care and invest time into your growth helps you see possibilities you may not have considered on your own.”
Together, these reflections highlight the importance of encouragement, representation, and inclusive learning environments in supporting women through their engineering journeys.
3. Graduate Student Perspectives: Research, Growth and Giving Back
Graduate studies often bring a deeper focus and greater purpose, but they also introduce new challenges. For students like Sherry, Vrisha, and Anushree, this phase of their education has been shaped by more than academic achievement. It has also involved mentoring others, giving back to their communities, and redefining what success looks like.
Sherry’s research in polymer engineering centers on developing materials for sustainable applications. As she advanced in her program, she became more confident in her voice as a researcher and mentor. She now works with undergraduate students in the lab, sharing the knowledge and encouragement she once needed herself.
“I try to create the kind of supportive environment I was looking for early on. That kind of culture makes a big difference in someone’s experience.”
Anushree, who completed her undergraduate degree at UBC and later returned for a Master’s, is researching dimensional accuracy in 3D-printed metallic implants. Early in her undergraduate studies, she often felt behind her peers, but a strong support network helped shift her perspective.
“I found my people, and I realized that learning happens best through conversation. A discussion with a peer often sticks more than reading a textbook alone.”
Now, as a teaching assistant, Anushree values the opportunity to guide current students through the same courses she once took. This full-circle experience deepens both her understanding and reaffirms her role within the academic community.
Vrisha’s work in sustainable materials has strengthened her passion for applying engineering to global challenges. Through research and volunteer work that introduces young girls to STEM, she continues to advocate for inclusive outreach and education.
“What motivates me most is knowing that the work I do can lead to practical solutions with real-world impact. Being part of something that supports environmental sustainability and benefits communities beyond the lab gives me a strong sense of purpose.”
Each of these graduate students’ experiences exemplifies how support, representation, and meaningful engagement contribute not only to academic success but also to building a more inclusive and forward-looking engineering culture.
While each woman’s journey into engineering is uniquely her own, these collective experiences form a powerful narrative that speaks to the importance of inclusion, mentorship, and community. Their stories remind us that engineering isn’t just about equations or experiments. It’s about people. Progress in the field depends not only on academic and research excellence, but on diverse voices, equitable opportunities, and collective resilience.
