October was designated as Women’s History Month by the Government of Canada in 1992. It is a time to celebrate girls and women who are making a positive impact on our beautiful country.
Immigrants of Distinction Awards
Immigrant Services Calgary launched its 24th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards this month, with the theme of unleashing potential to acknowledge the achievements of immigrants of both sexes. Women who immigrated to Canada and made an indelible mark on our society have been nominated and won awards in several categories. One of our notable winners won the award for the following category:
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM):
This award is presented to an immigrant who has achieved success in or made an outstanding contribution to promote science, technology, engineering or math in Calgary.
Award Recipient: Dr. Belinda Heyne
A chemistry professor at the University of Calgary, a world-renowned scientist and advocate for women in sciences. Dr. Heyn has a mission of engaging people in science for the benefit of our greater society. She has spent the last 12 years combating antimicrobial resistance, creating impact in technology that kills bacteria directly upon contact.
“I have tried to inspire, in particular girls, to come to education in science. I have a big role as an advocate for women who are already in the field of science, trying to keep them in that field. The most rewarding thing for me is to see the girls and the women truly blossoming, finding their way into their life, being science or non-science.”
Women of Impact in Canada
In 2018, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, launched the Women of Impact in Canada gallery. The gallery is dedicated to women’s achievements in countless fields including politics, the arts and sciences. It features their photograph, biography, and quotes. You can nominate a woman of impact to be featured in the gallery via this form to help inspire more women to rise to their highest potentials and cement their place in history.
References
https://www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/maryam-monsef.html
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/woi-fic/nomination-en.html
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/whm-mhf/theme-en.html
https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/commemoration/woi-fic/index-en.html
https://www.immigrantservicescalgary.ca/resources/news/2020/01/ida-2020-award-finalists-announced
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/minister-monsef-launches-women-of-impact-in-canada-gallery-to-mark-womens-history-month-694917801.html