Thais Collado
Charge d’Affairs AI of the Embassy of Panama in Canada
Host: Naouel Hanani, Public Funding Specialist – McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship
8:30 h Opening Doors & Identifications
9:00 h Welcome Words
Eva Diaz, CEO & Founder of Global STEM Women and STEM Women Congress
Sonia Montserrat, President Canada Chapter of the STEM Women Congress
9:15 h The STEM Women Annual Report – Canada
Longfei Wang, Research Assistant – University of Ottawa
9:30 h Talk 1
9:45 h The Ethics Courtroom: Amara’s algorithm
Judge
Sylvie Leduc, Servant project leader, author, AI explorer
Jury
Dr. Stefania Pecore, AI Ethics Expert (AIEB program) Appointed by UNESCO
Team Pro Regulation
Team Pro Innovation
Rocío Tutillo, Full Stack Developer at Connect Education Inc.
10:30 h Coffee break & Networking
11:00 h Panel 1:From Impostor to Impact: Thriving Authentically in STEM
Moderator: Nancy de Santis, Ambassador of the Global STEM Women – Canada Chapter and President of Expertis Solutions
Marilyn Solano, Founder of Connect Education
Asma Ghali, Senior Director- Microsoft Azure & data practice, Alithya
Joan Ofulue, Management Consulting Senior Manager for Data & AI at Deloitte Canada
11:30 h Talk 2
11:45 h Panel 2: STEM MEN Allies
Moderator: Naouel Hanani, Public Funding Specialist – McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship
12:30 h Lunch & Networking
13:30 h Panel 3: Cibersecurity: securing the future.
Marsha Bazile, IT Auditor – Bureau du vérificateur général de la Ville de Montréal
14:00 h STEM Awards Canada – First Edition
STEM Woman Award
President of the jury: Sonia Montserrat, President Canada Chapter of the STEM Women Congress
Geneviève Abbott, Ambassador of the Global STEM Women – Canada Chapter and Executive Director at Catalonia Trade & Investment
STEM Teacher Award
President of the jury
Ecosystem Recognition – Inspiration
President of the jury: Hanna AbdelHamid, Head of Sigma Software Canada
Ecosystem Recognition – Professional Career
President of the jury
14:15 h Closing
AWARDS
STEM TEACHER AWARD
The STEM Teacher Award aims to recognise and highlight primary education teachers who have shown outstanding commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. It highlights educators working with learners aged 3 to 16 who have inspired curiosity, creativity, and a passion for STEM disciplines through inclusive, innovative, and engaging teaching practices. These educators play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and innovators.
STEM TEACHER AWARD – CANADA 2026
AIM OF THE AWARD
The STEM Teacher Award recognises educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to STEM education and have inspired students through innovative, inclusive and impactful teaching practices.
The award celebrates teachers who contribute to developing future generations of scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Open to active or retired educators in Canada.
• Candidates must have taught STEM-related subjects in primary or secondary education.
• A minimum of three years of teaching experience is recommended.
• Candidates should demonstrate measurable impact on student engagement, achievement or interest in STEM.
• Particular consideration will be given to educators promoting diversity and inclusion.
NOMINATION PROCESS
Candidates may be nominated by:
• Schools
• Educational institutions
• Students
• Families
• Fellow educators
• Community organisations
• Self-nomination
Applications must include evidence of impact and a brief explanation of why the candidate deserves recognition.
TIMELINE
Applications Open: 15 June 2026
Applications Close: 15 August 2026
Finalists Announcement: 31 August 2026
Awards Ceremony: 23 September 2026 during the STEM Women Congress Montréal.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
• Educational Impact
• Pedagogical Innovation
• Student Engagement
• Contribution to Inclusion and Diversity
• Influence within the Educational Community
AWARD
The winner will receive:
• Official STEM Teacher Award Diploma
• Recognition during the STEM Women Congress Montréal
• Visibility Package within the Global STEM Women ecosystem
• Visibility through official communication channels and publications
The jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.
STEM WOMAN AWARD
The STEM Woman Award aims to recognise the outstanding work of women committed to the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
This award honours women who have made significant contributions in their field of expertise and have shown exceptional dedication to promoting gender equality in STEM disciplines.
STEM WOMAN AWARD – CANADA 2026
AIM OF THE AWARD
The STEM Woman Award recognises women who have demonstrated outstanding excellence, leadership and commitment within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The award celebrates women whose professional achievements, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership or social impact contribute to advancing STEM while promoting greater diversity, inclusion and gender equality.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Open to women living, studying, working or conducting research in Canada.
• Candidates must demonstrate significant achievements in a STEM-related field.
• Candidates must demonstrate commitment to advancing women and girls in STEM through leadership, mentoring, outreach or advocacy activities.
• All information submitted must be accurate and verifiable.
NOMINATION PROCESS
• Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party.
• Nominations must include information about professional achievements, leadership experience and measurable impact.
• Applications must be submitted through the official online form.
TIMELINE
Applications Open: 15 June 2026
Applications Close: 15 August 2026
Finalists Announcement: 31 August 2026
Awards Ceremony: 23 September 2026 during the STEM Women Congress Montréal.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applications will be assessed by an independent jury according to:
• Professional Excellence in STEM
• Leadership and Influence
• Innovation and Impact
• Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion
• Alignment with the values of Global STEM Women
AWARD
The winner will receive:
• Official STEM Woman Award Diploma
• Recognition during the STEM Women Congress Montréal
• Visibility Package within the Global STEM Women ecosystem
• Visibility through official communication channels and publications
The jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal.
ECOSYSTEM RECOGNITION
The STEM Women Congress announces the Ecosystem Recognition, an international distinction that recognises initiatives contributing to the strengthening of the STEM ecosystem by promoting the participation, development and visibility of girls, young people and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
ECOSYSTEM RECOGNITION – CANADA 2026
The Ecosystem Recognition celebrates initiatives that contribute to strengthening the Canadian STEM ecosystem by increasing the participation, visibility, development and advancement of girls and women in STEM.
The objective is to recognise organisations, programs, communities, educational initiatives and partnerships generating measurable impact across Canada.
CATEGORIES
- INSPIRATION
Recognises initiatives focused on:
• Early STEM engagement
• STEM education and outreach
• Role models and awareness
• Inspiring girls and young people to pursue STEM pathways
Eligibility
• The initiative must be active in Canada.
• The initiative must be registered in STEM Atlas before 15 August 2026.
• The initiative must demonstrate measurable impact, continuity and relevance.
Evaluation Criteria
• Reach and Impact
• Contribution to STEM Awareness
• Reduction of Barriers and Stereotypes
• Sustainability
• Innovation
- CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Recognises initiatives focused on:
• Employability
• Leadership
• Mentoring
• Entrepreneurship
• Professional development
• Retention and advancement of women in STEM careers
Eligibility
• The initiative must be active in Canada.
• The initiative must be registered in STEM Atlas before 15 August 2026.
• The initiative must demonstrate measurable impact and sustained activity.
Evaluation Criteria
• Career Impact
• Ecosystem Contribution
• Partnerships and Collaboration
• Scalability
• Sustainability
SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed exclusively by an independent jury composed of experts from industry, education, research and the STEM ecosystem.
No public voting will take place.
TIMELINE
Applications Open: 15 June 2026
Applications Close: 15 August 2026
Finalists Announcement: 31 August 2026
Awards Ceremony: 23 September 2026 during the STEM Women Congress Montréal.
RECOGNITION
Selected initiatives will receive:
• Official Ecosystem Recognition Certificate
• Recognition during the STEM Women Congress Montréal
• Visibility Package within the Global STEM Women ecosystem
• Visibility through official communication channels and publications
The purpose of the recognition is to strengthen collaboration, visibility and growth across the Canadian STEM ecosystem.
SPEAKERS
Hortensia Sanz
Conseillère Experte en Gestion de Patrimoine clientèle entrepreneur et professionnelles en affaires
Desjardins
Hanna Abdel Hamid
Head of Sigma Software Canada
Geneviève Abbott
Ambassador for GSW & Executive Director
Catalonia Trade & Investment
Nancy de Santis
Ambassador for GSW and Founder/CEO of Expertis Solutions
Joan Ofulue
Management Consulting Senior Manager for Data & AI
Deloitte Canada
Eva Díaz
CEO & Founder
STEM Women Congress