Who We Are

From our volunteer Board of Directors to our dedicated and passionate team, we work together to realize our shared vision of a gender equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian SETT sector.

Our Team

Bonnie Douglas

Executive Director

Bonnie Douglas

Executive Director

Bonnie's 20-year experience as an engineer and leader in food manufacturing developed her passion for solving problems, transforming the workplace, and advocating for women in the sector. She is proud to be using her skills to support the work of accelerating change for gender equity in science, engineering, trades, and technology at CCWESTT. Bonnie is a Project Management Professional (PMP), has a B.Sc. in Biological/Food Engineering and knows a lot about making ice cream!

Email:bonnie.douglas@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Ophelia Rigault

Project Manager

Ophelia Rigault

Project Manager

V. Ophelia Rigault (she/her) is an inclusion strategist, joy activist, and community collaborator dedicated to advancing equity and systemic change. With 20+ years of expertise and a Master’s in Education, she leads the CCWESTT Strategic Change project as the Project Manager. Ophelia inspires transformative leadership and is passionate about creating communities of belonging, which is demonstrated through her spearheading, THE SHINE Club—a program empowering racialized kids to shine as their true selves in schools. She cherishes time with her niece and loves to travel both locally and intentionally.

Email:ophelia.rigault@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Alicia Bjarnason

Research and Strategic Lead

Alicia Bjarnason

Research and Strategic Lead

Alicia is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP) with a master’s in human geography. For over a decade, Alicia has supported corporations and not-for-profits on topics of corporate culture, equity, diversity and inclusion, systems change and social innovation. She pairs this knowledge with 15 years of experience as an exploration geoscientist. In 2022, Alicia was awarded a Fellowship from Geoscientists Canada for her noteworthy service to the geoscience profession.

Email:alicia.bjarnason@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Janet Dyson

Communications

Janet Dyson

Communications

Janet Dyson (she/her) previously supported the Research & Policy team from the Joint Federal-Provincial Mass Casualty Commission (the independent public inquiry created to examine the April 18-19, 2020 mass casualty in Nova Scotia). She has also supported alumni and donor engagement at Dalhousie University through events, communications strategies and social media management. Prior to working in higher education, she worked at Halifax Public Libraries for several years. Janet is a graduate of the University of Victoria with a Diploma in Public Relations.

Email:communications@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Lorraine Hewlett

Policy Analyst

Lorraine Hewlett

Policy Analyst

Email:lorraine.hewlett@ccwestt-ccfsimt.org

Jove Nazatul

Project Coordinator

Jove Nazatul

Project Coordinator

Jove Nazatul is a queer, trans, non-binary immigrant of color living on Lekwungen-speaking land. Jove champions for underrepresented groups in the trades and was the first trans, non-binary person elected to the Board of Directors of CAF-FCA. As a performance artist and producer, Jove works to create platforms for QTPOC, and was named a CHANGEMAKER by Pride at Work Canada in 2024. As a project coordinator for CCWESTT, Jove is focused on creating psychologically safe workplaces for everyone.

Email:jove.nazatul@ccwestt.org

Justine Leger

IT and Events Coordinator

Justine Leger

IT and Events Coordinator

Justine is a seasoned IT and event professional with over a decade of experience in seamlessly integrating technology and event management. With a background in technical support and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Justine has a unique talent for blending technical expertise with a flair for event coordination. Passionate about seamless digital experiences, she supports CCWESTT’s mission through strategic tech and event coordination.

Email:justine.leger@ccwestt.org

Lara Mailloux

Social Media and Engagement

Lara Mailloux

Social Media and Engagement

With a Master’s in Digital Marketing Strategy from Trinity College Dublin and a strong background in digital marketing, Lara brings expertise in content strategy, social media management, and data-driven engagement. As CCWESTT’s Social Media & Engagement Coordinator, she is passionate about using digital platforms to advance CCWESTT’s vision of a gender-equitable and inclusive Canadian SETT sector.

Email:lara.mailloux@ccwestt.org

Cheryl Kristiansen

Partnership Development Specialist

Cheryl Kristiansen

Partnership Development Specialist

Cheryl Kristiansen is a dynamic leader driving innovation, diversity and inclusion in science, engineering, trades, and technology (SETT). With a Mechanical Engineering background and expertise in alternative fuel research, she has held senior leadership roles in resource sectors, leading international projects, diverse teams and business growth. A certified facilitator, Cheryl delivers impactful equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training across Canada and is a key contributor to national EDI initiatives. She has pioneered programs inspiring youth in SETT and created the Wild About Science Odyssey Symposium for educators. Passionate about collaboration and systemic change, Cheryl builds strategic partnerships at CCWESTT that foster inclusive, diverse workplaces and drive lasting impact.

Email:cheryl.kristiansen@ccwestt.org

Our Board of Directors

Kim Bouffard

Engineers Canada

Kim Bouffard

Engineers Canada

President

Kim is a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience leading impactful initiatives and national programs. As the Manager of Belonging and Engagement at Engineers Canada, she leads a results-driven cross-departmental team that focuses on increasing the representation of women and equity-deserving groups in engineering, promoting truth and reconciliation and enhancing engineering career awareness among youth.

She has a strong background in system change, having worked on diverse issues such as food security, addiction prevention, Indigenous life long care, public education, green infrastructure and gender equity in SETT. She has initiated and scaled programs and projects, mobilizing people and capital to transform structures and mindsets, engaging diverse interest holders through collaborative leadership.

Kim is the President of CCWESTT and has been a member of the board for the last four years and brings over seven years of board experience.

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Suzanne Abraham

Treasurer

As a dedicated leader and educator, Sue’s mission is to assist individuals in achieving their personal success as they define it. Her strong critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills have been instrumental in this journey. With an inquisitive nature, she excels at building rapport across teams and devising innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Sue has taught courses ranging from English and research to business and software. She has managed small and large academic teams. Sue led the development of 6 new programs and refreshed 4 additional programs between 2019 and 2024. In 2024, her department received the highest employee satisfaction rating in the institution at 94%.

Passionate advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, Sue has demonstrated this by joining CCWESTT in 2023 as a Board Member after being impressed by the calibre of the Halifax Conference that year. After participating in the conference for a few years, in 2023 Sue was asked and joined the SiberX, Canadian Women in Cyber conference advising board, and continues to support this effort. In 2024 she took on the role of Treasurer with CCWESTT.

Sue holds a diploma in General Arts and Science from Seneca Polytechnic, an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from York University, a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certificate from the University of Toronto, a Master of Education, Higher Education from the University of Toronto and started her journey towards a PhD in Higher Education at the University of Toronto in September 2024.

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Joni Jean

Conestoga College

Joni Jean

Conestoga College

CCWESTT Conference Liaison

Joni Jean is a Chair with the Schools of Engineering & Technology and Trades & Apprenticeship at Conestoga College, a role she has held since 2018. She oversees the daily operations of the college’s precision machining, woodworking, and aviation programs, and is the Lead for the Engineering, Technology, and Trades for Women (ETT4W) initiative.

Joni holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University (2025), a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education from Brock University (2016), a Master of Information Studies from the University of Toronto (2008), and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies from the University of Waterloo (2001).

Her 25-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces reserves, serving in the Cadet Instructors Cadre (Air Force), includes roles such as commanding officer of an air cadet squadron, senior instructor at the officer training school, and familiarization glider pilot. Joni's extensive experience highlights her commitment to excellence in education and training in engineering and technical fields.

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Denise Stilling

Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS)

Denise Stilling

Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS)

CCWESTT Member at Large

Sandra Rupnarain

Family Services of Peel

Sandra Rupnarain

Family Services of Peel

CCWESTT Member at Large

Hélène Savoie-Louis

MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc.

Hélène Savoie-Louis

MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc.

CCWESTT Member at Large

Hélène Savoie-Louis is the Executive Director of MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc. Hélène, who initially joined the organization in 2015 as the New Boots coordinator and NB-MAP Trainer, has since played a pivotal role in various aspects of the organization, from training and sales to event coordination and curriculum development. With her extensive experience in educational roles and her dedication to professional development, Hélène assumed the role of Director in 2018.

Hélène's rich background includes roles as an English Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Research Assistant, and Co-op Coordinator. She holds a master’s degree in Guidance Counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in Education.

As an active member of the community, Hélène serves as Vice-President and a member of the Board of Governors at the Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB), contributing significantly to the field of skilled trades education in New Brunswick. She also is a member of the Board of Canadian Coalition for Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Tech (CCWESTT), and the Chair of the Research Committee for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF).

Hélène’s passion and dedication to introducing skilled trades to equity-deserving groups is evident in her proactive approach to creating inclusive and supportive environments where all individuals can thrive. Through her leadership at MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc., she has championed numerous initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and fostering diversity within the skilled trades. Her work emphasizes not only the importance of access to training and resources but also the need for mentorship programs tailored to support underrepresented populations.

At her core, Hélène is passionate about people, career growth and a workforce development enthusiast. She is originally from Tracadie, NB, but now calls Quispamsis, NB home with her husband and her son. When she is not at work, she enjoys travelling, going to the movies, and spending time with family.

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Fervone Goings

Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology (WISEST)

Fervone Goings

Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology (WISEST)

CCWESTT Member at Large

Fervone Goings joined the University of Alberta in 2016 to be the Executive Lead of WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science & Technology), focusing on addressing the systemic gender and racial inequities in STEM fields. Under her leadership, WISEST engages thousands of students through targeted programming that addresses barriers and transforms interest in STEM into educational and career pathways.

Fervone draws on her extensive background in STEM education, research, and nonprofit administration, as well as her personal experience as a woman in STEM, to advocate for more inclusive educational and workplace environments.

Her dedication to fostering racial and gender equity in STEM empowers the next generation of diverse leaders in science and technology.

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Cheri Butt

CCWESTT Member at Large

Rose Anguiano Hurst

WEST of Windsor

Rose Anguiano Hurst

WEST of Windsor

CCWESTT Member at Large

Cheryl Farrow

Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)

Cheryl Farrow

Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)

CCWESTT Member at Large

Cheryl Farrow is the CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and has over 20 years of experience in not-for-profit management, specializing in governance transformation, amalgamation, and credentialing.

Her leadership roles prior to OACETT have included CEO of the Canadian Bar Association, president and CEO of the Supply Chain Management Association, Executive Director of the Canadian Grocery Human Resource Council, and President of the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation.

Cheryl has also made significant contributions on the other side of the boardroom table as chair of the Alliance of Sector Councils and president of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). She holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).

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Jennifer Adriano

Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba

Jennifer Adriano

Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba

CCWESTT Member at Large

Jennifer Adriano, B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from the University of Manitoba, is a Data Science and Applications Development Lead at New Flyer. Previously served as Vice-Chair of FMC but continues to actively support initiatives for women in engineering by volunteering as part of the advisory committee for the women in engineering and geoscientists mentorship program of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.

Jennifer’s journey into engineering began in the Philippines at the age of 16. However, due to financial challenges, she had to pause her studies and was only able to continue pursuing her passion after immigrating to Canada. At 29, she returned to university, overcoming significant obstacles, including language barriers and meeting math requirements, to continue her journey.

Balancing part-time work and studies, Jennifer remained committed to her goal, understanding the long-term benefits of earning her degree. Now, she advocates for diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, demonstrating that pursuing one’s dreams is always worthwhile.

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Svetlana Barkanova

NSERC Inclusion in Science and Engineering

Svetlana Barkanova

NSERC Inclusion in Science and Engineering

CCWESTT Ex Officio Member

Dr. Svetlana Barkanova is a professor of physics at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She began her career in the nuclear experiment and theory at the Nuclear Research Center in Latvia in 1994, moved to Canada in 1998 to expand her expertise into particle physics, and earned a PhD in Theoretical Subatomic Physics from the University of Manitoba in 2004.

As an internationally recognized researcher supported by NSERC Discovery Grant and CFI Innovation Fund, Dr. Barkanova is focusing on the Standard Model and physics beyond it, including Dark Matter.

Throughout her career, Dr. Barkanova has been committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and education, and developed both extensive multicultural experience and a wide coast-to-coast-to-coast professional network. She has served on the boards such as WISE NL and Science Atlantic, has held significant leadership roles within the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) including chairing the Division of Theoretical Physics and the Division for Gender Equity in Physics, organized multiple national and international conferences, and contributed her expertise to a range of grant and prize selection committees. In 2023, she was appointed NSERC Chair for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (Atlantic), leading efforts to support women, Indigenous Peoples, neurodivergent individuals, persons with disabilities, racialized groups, and LGBTQ2+ communities in STEM.

Dr. Barkanova is an award-winning teacher and dynamic public speaker, passionate about science outreach and enjoys sharing her love for physics with audiences at all levels, from K-12 to the general public.

Nan Armour

CCWESTT Ex Officio Member

Nan Armour

CCWESTT Ex Officio Member

CCWESTT Ex Officio Member

From early interests in natural history and science education, Nan Armour transitioned in her professional life to the support and promotion of women in occupations where they have been traditionally underrepresented. Chief among her platforms for initiating and sustaining change was her role as Executive Director of the Hypatia Association, a not-for-profit women's organization based in Nova Scotia.

She was also Co-Founder of Women Unlimited, a non-profit organization that partnered with industry, government, education institutions and communities in Nova Scotia to promote women in trades and technology.

Now retired, Nan continues to be involved in issues related to women in SETT. She is a member of the Board and a Past-President of CCWESTT.

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