Women of Innovation Symposium

The Women of Innovation symposium represented a groundbreaking initiative within the traditionally male-dominated mining and metallurgical sectors, addressing both the achievements of current female leaders and the strategic imperative of attracting more women to engineering careers. Dr. Mary Wells, Chair of the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering and Associate Dean Outreach at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the symposium's importance in understanding innovation through a gender lens - recognizing that diverse perspectives drive breakthrough thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The symposium featured presentations from innovative Canadian female engineers who have made significant contributions to their fields, providing both inspiration and practical insights for attendees. These leaders shared their career journeys, technical achievements, and strategies for overcoming barriers in male-dominated industries. The event addressed critical industry challenges including skills shortages, the need for diverse talent pools, and the business case for inclusive workplace cultures. Beyond celebrating achievements, the symposium focused on actionable strategies for creating more inclusive engineering environments and developing future female leaders. This included discussions on mentorship programs, workplace culture changes, educational outreach initiatives, and policy recommendations. The timing within COM2017 ensured maximum exposure to industry decision-makers who could implement recommended changes within their organizations. The symposium reflected growing recognition across the mining and metallurgical sectors that diversity and inclusion are not just social imperatives but competitive advantages essential for innovation, problem-solving, and long-term industry sustainability in an increasingly complex global marketplace.