Breaking Barriers in STEM

Join us for Breaking Barriers in STEM, a Gairdner Connects virtual conversation presented in partnership with Visions of Science. This event explores equity and inclusion in science, highlighting the experiences and perspectives of students, educators, and community advocates who are driving change in STEM.

Through personal stories and shared dialogue, we’ll examine the systemic barriers that limit access and representation in STEM fields — and discuss actionable ways to build a more inclusive future for science and innovation in Canada.

This event is presented by The Gairdner Foundation in partnership with Visions of Science.

Visions of Science: Visions of Science is a leader in advancing equity in STEM, setting the standard for access, representation, and meaningful inclusion. Their mission is to transform communities and society by ensuring equitable access to STEM education for Black and other racialized youth from low-income communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

Registration

Free and open to all: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_33cYGmuDT_2tT-BYaZy5Dg

Join us for a Gairdner Connects virtual conversation on equity, access, and opportunity. This event will feature a 20-minute video premiere followed by a 40-minute roundtable Q&A with students, mentors, and community leaders.

Speakers

Eugenia Addy

Dr. Eugenia Addy is the Chief Executive Officer of Visions of Science and a leading advocate for STEM equity in Canada. With a background in chemistry and a deep commitment to community empowerment, Dr. Addy has dedicated her career to creating inclusive pathways for youth who have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Through her leadership, she has expanded access to high-quality science education, championed community-driven innovation, and worked to dismantle systemic barriers that limit opportunities for young people.

Isahaq Ibrahim

Isahaq Ibrahim is the Program Manager for Catalyst programming at Visions of Science, where he leads initiatives that support youth through experiential STEM learning and leadership development. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 2023 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, bringing both scientific insight and a strong commitment to equity into his work. Isahaq is deeply passionate about advancing STEM equity. His work is rooted in advocacy, representation, and creating pathways that empower the next generation of diverse STEM leaders.

Sumayah Herzi

Sumayah Herzi is the Program Coordinator for the Launch and Connect programs at Visions of Science. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, specializing in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry, where she gained extensive wet lab and molecular genetic research experience. She is now pursuing her Master’s in Applied Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Toronto, with aspirations to build a career developing innovative therapeutics and contributing to the future of drug development.

Moderator

Palwasha Ahmadzay

Palwasha Ahmadzay is a Program Manager at Visions of Science, leading programming for junior high school youth. She is currently a second-year Master of Science in Management student, where she explores the intersections of science, innovation, and social impact. Palwasha graduated from the University of Toronto Mississauga with a double major in Biology and Political Science and a minor in Professional Writing and Communications. She is also a published author of “Remember Me, My Memoir,” where she reflects on identity, resilience, and lived experience. Deeply passionate about STEM equity, Palwasha strives to ensure that communities who have historically been left behind can access meaningful opportunities in STEM.