Future & Past Events

Canadian Chapter

February 13

WiSDA Launches Canadian Chapter at the Italian Embassy in Ottawa

We are proud to announce the official launch of the WiSDA Canadian Chapter (WiSDAC)!

On February 13, in celebration of the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Italian Embassy in Ottawa hosted the launch event of WiSDAC. This important milestone marks a new step in our mission to promote gender equality and diversity in the field of science diplomacy—this time in Canada.

Despite making up half of the world’s population, women remain underrepresented in science diplomacy. WiSDAC is committed to changing that. As we believe, female science diplomats bring a unique and powerful perspective to the table: "They are realists and tend to keep their feet on the ground, while keeping their eyes on far horizons."

The founding members of WiSDAC are an inspiring group of female diplomats, scientists, and social activists working in Ottawa. Their goal is to foster connections between the scientific and diplomatic communities, encourage the exchange of best practices, and organize initiatives focused on empowering women at the nexus of science and diplomacy.

We look forward to the exciting work ahead and the meaningful impact this chapter will bring to the science diplomacy landscape in Canada.

👉 Learn more about WiSDAC: https://wisdacanada.weebly.com

Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Science

In partnership with the Embassy of Italy we had the privilege of organizing the "MEET YOUR WOMAN IN SCIENCE" speed mentoring event as part of the 2025 Week of Women and Girls in Science. It was an inspiring gathering where accomplished women from diverse scientific fields shared their knowledge, experiences, and guidance with mentees eager to shape their careers in STEM.

Key Takeaways from the Event:

Empowerment: Mentees left feeling more confident and motivated to navigate their scientific journeys.

Networking: Dozens of meaningful connections were made, bridging the gap between emerging and established professionals.

Guidance: Participants gained valuable insights on career progression, research opportunities, and overcoming challenges in science.

The energy in the room was electric as mentees engaged in dynamic one-on-one conversations with mentors from academia, industry, government, and international organizations. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and advice highlighted the importance of collaboration and mentorship in advancing women’s roles in science.

A huge thank you to all our mentors for sharing their expertise, and to the mentees for bringing enthusiasm and curiosity to every conversation. We also extend our gratitude to our partners and supporters for making this event possible.

Let’s keep the momentum going—mentorship and support are key to fostering a more inclusive and innovative scientific community!