Our Team

Meet Dania

Presenter for Strong Structures (Grade 3) 

Fast Facts! 

Education and Background:  

My interest in DNA is the reason I pursued a diploma in Biotechnology Industrial Microbiology.  

Became a Scientists in School presenter in: 

2024 

Get to know Dania! 

What inspired you to become a presenter?  

Transforming classrooms into captivating hubs of discovery has always been my passion. Aspiring to become a workshop presenter, I'm driven by the belief that instilling confidence in students is paramount. Presenters serve as catalysts, igniting curiosity and imparting invaluable knowledge on the subjects they deliver. As a workshop presenter, nothing thrills me more than witnessing the "aha" moments that light up in students' eyes as they grasp the concepts and dive enthusiastically into the activities. It's pure joy! Equally gratifying is hearing from teachers about how seamlessly our program aligns with their curriculum, weaving together hands-on activities in just 90 minutes. It's incredibly rewarding to know that we're not only inspiring young minds but also reinforcing the invaluable teachings of dedicated educators.  

What is a surprising fact about you? 

Despite being naturally shy, I've discovered that my inhibitions fade away when I'm presenting a workshop! 

What is the coolest STEM job out there right now in your opinion?  

Epigenetics, DNA sequencing, analysis and genetic testing. I also like microbes! 

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon! 

I love being outdoors hiking and kayaking. I’m an avid swimmer and spend a lot of time in the water.  

Who is your favourite scientist and why? 

While I don't have a single favorite scientist, I am deeply inspired by the remarkable contributions of Henrietta Lacks (1951). As an African-American woman, her legacy lives on through the immortal HeLa cell line – a pivotal breakthrough in medical research. Despite the fact that her cancer cells were utilized for research without her family's consent, they continue to play a crucial role in countless scientific advancements to this day. Henrietta Lacks' story serves as a powerful reminder of the often-untold contributions of individuals to the progress of science and medicine. 

Meet Charlene

Presenter for Shine a Light (Grade 4), Every Body Moves (Grade 5), Finding Solutions (Grade 7) and Genetic Diversity and You (Grades 6-8)

Fast Facts!

Education and Background:

B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Ottawa
Completed an Honours project at Health Canada in food microbiology and a Masters thesis on cell biology investigating mechanisms involved in the development of neurons.

Became a Scientists in School presenter in:
2014

Get to know Charlene!

What sparked your interest in STEM?
When I was a little girl, I was fascinated with the natural world and I especially enjoyed observing our local wildlife like birds, insects, and frogs. My high school Biology teacher was instrumental in my choosing science as a career. His infectious enthusiasm and encouragement helped me to believe that I could be a scientist!

What inspired you to become a presenter?
When my youngest child was in grade one I had the privilege of participating in a Scientists in School workshop as a parent volunteer. I was hooked! Today as a workshop presenter, I have the best of both worlds, sharing my passion for science and sparking an interest in STEM in young children!

What do you find most rewarding about being a Scientists in School presenter?
There are so many but the biggest reward is witnessing the excitement on a student’s face when they share their ideas with me. I also love seeing girls getting engaged in the workshops! Girls pursuing STEM is something I am really passionate about.

What would readers find surprising about you?
I’m an avid birder! I’ve always loved birds and the silver lining of the pandemic was the extra time I had to go out and observe and identify birds. It has become a little bit of an obsession for me!

What is the coolest STEM job out there right now in your opinion?
There are so many cool STEM careers but personally I am fascinated with wildlife conservation and cutting-edge research on genetic diseases.

Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon!
Birding! Spending time in my backyard watching resident birds eating at my feeders and foraging in our gardens is wonderful. Then there is always the joy of reading a book on a Sunday afternoon!

What are you reading right now?
It may not surprise you to discover that I am currently reading a book about birds and bird intelligence titled, “Bird Brain, An Exploration of Avian Intelligence” by Nathan Emery. I also just recently finished reading “Talking to Canadians”, a memoir by Rick Mercer.

Who is your favourite scientist and why?
Jennifer Doudna is my favourite scientist! Her biography “The Code Breaker” was fascinating and I was surprised to learn that we share a lot of common interests. I am most impressed by her tenacity and how she never let anyone tell her that science wasn’t for girls. She followed her passion and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with her colleague Emmanuelle Charpentier, in 2020 for their work in gene editing (CRISPR). Jennifer Doudna is truly an inspiration for young girls aspiring to follow a career in STEM!

Meet Mary Anne

Presenter for On the Move! (Kindergarten)

Meet Mary Anne, a Scientists in School presenter!

Our highly-trained passionate presenters each deliver approximately 65 workshops each year. The majority have academic or professional backgrounds in STEM, and are diverse role models to the hundreds of thousands of young scientists they inspire annually. By sparking curiosity, confidence and imagination in the next generation, our presenters provide memorable opportunities for all children to see themselves as scientists.

Since 1989, our presenters have sparked curiosity and critical thinking in over 10 million young scientists. Mary Anne Mills is one of them!

Fast Facts:

Education and career background:

Eng. Sc. (Chemical and Biochemical Engineering), M Eng., University of Western Ontario

Became a Scientists in School presenter in:

2015

Topics Mary Anne presents:

Virtual: On the Move! (Kindergarten)

In-person: Looking at Liquids (Grade 2), Simply Marvelous Machines (Kindergarten), Magnet Magic for Little Explorers (Kindergarten)

Get to know Mary Anne!

What did you want to be when you were a child?

A teacher

What sparked your interest in STEM?

I grew up on a farm and spent most of my youth in fields and barns. I was always fascinated by it all and wanted to learn more. By high school, while biology was still a favourite subject, I really enjoyed chemistry.

What do you love about being a Scientists in School presenter?

Watching young scientists get excited and start to bridge what they know to what they are learning.

In as much detail as possible, describe a memorable moment or story from a workshop you presented:

It was a Grade 2 Looking at Liquids workshop in a very rural school and we were still doing the opening. I told them that there were three states of matter. A hand immediately shot up. One boy excitedly informed me that there were 4 states of matter: Solids, Liquids, Gases, and Plasma. I was impressed that he knew about Plasma but had to inform him that we would not be working with it that day. His teacher had no idea what he was talking about and thought he was referring to blood plasma. He enjoyed explaining it all to her. I love this story because you really never know what the students know!

Why is it important to foster an interest in and understanding of the importance of science at an early age?

My daughters were all members of Girl Guides from Sparks through to Rangers. In the old program, the Guide level (Grades 3-6) had an Engineering Badge which I volunteered to lead for the entire unit. I was shocked at how many of the girls already hated math and science. I did my best that night to change their opinion but knew more needed to be done! I immediately started adding even more STEM to my Sparks (Kindergarten/Grade 1) programming and eventually became a presenter with Scientists in School focusing on primary level.

What do you love to do in your spare time?

In the summer, we have a fairly large vegetable garden, considering we live in the city. I spend my free time all summer and into the fall, canning and freezing produce. I love to make jam, stewed tomatoes, preserved pears, relish, and picked beets from the produce we grow.

Cindy Adams

Executive Director

Cindy’s unwavering commitment to science and education – and to Scientists in School – has been behind the organization’s evolution from a local grassroots initiative of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) to the mid‐size science enrichment outreach charity it is today. First joining Scientists in School as a classroom workshop presenter in early 1993, Cindy quickly assumed responsibility (initially on a volunteer basis) for managing all aspects of Scientists in School’s business, ranging from presenter recruitment and training to program development and from book‐keeping and administration to fundraising and public awareness. Her role as Executive Director was formalized when Scientists in School incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1999, though she continued to present workshops until about 2006. Today, with the support of her strong staff team, Cindy has overall accountability to ensure that the goals and programs of Scientists in School are effectively planned, resourced, implemented and measured in accordance with Board Policy and in alignment with Scientists in School’s mission, vision, core values and strategic plan.

Prior to joining Scientists in School, Cindy spent 12 years as a research scientist at the University of Toronto, where she had also earned her M.Sc. (Applied Ecology) and B.Sc. (Biology). While at U of T, Cindy worked on a wide variety of pollution ecology research projects, many related to forest decline, air pollution, and the evolution of heavy metal tolerance in select plant species.

Cindy currently sits on the board of The Science Teacher’s Association of Ontario. Cindy is a past president of the CFUW Ajax‐Pickering and served many years as an active member of its executive. She is also a recipient of a YWCA Durham “Women of Distinction Award” in recognition of her leadership in science promotion and community involvement. An avid nature enthusiast, Cindy can’t remember a time growing up when she didn’t have insects, tadpoles and other ‘creepy crawlies’ somewhere in her house. Her passion for nature continues today as Cindy seizes every opportunity she can to grab her binoculars and head out birding to nearby ravines or her favourite birding hotspot, Point Pelee.

Lynn Boyd

Director, Programs and Operational Effectiveness

Lynn first joined Scientists in School as a classroom presenter in 1998 and assumed a Team Leader role two years later with responsibility for ensuring the effective delivery of a variety of Scientists in School workshops. In 2002, Lynn became Scientists in School’s Director of Programs. In this capacity, Lynn is accountable for overseeing workshop development and improvement, program quality assurance and presenter training, and classroom safety.

Lynn brings solid background in research science to Scientists in School. She holds a Ph.D. (Organic Chemistry) and an Honours B.Sc. (Physical Sciences), both from U of T. A self‐proclaimed “science geek”, Lynn is also an avid dog trainer and puts physics to the test through agility competitions. She also enjoys reading and gardening.

 

George Chau

Director, Finance and Administration

George assumed the position of Scientists in School’s Director of Finance and Administration in mid‐2008. In this role, he oversees all aspects of Scientists in School’s financial accounting (including budgeting, reporting, and audit), inventory and purchasing, information technology and general administration.

George has diverse background in financial management and accounting gained over his 30+ year career. From 1985‐1992, he gained experience in internal auditing and accounting in both the retail and mining industries. He then shifted his focus to the non‐profit sector, working with aboriginal service agencies and educational organizations, as well as the Anglican Church. George has a B.A. (Economics) from York University and a MBA from the University of Western Ontario. When he’s not crunching numbers for Scientists in School, George connects science to his world through his passion for cooking and carpentry. Scientists in School’s Kitchen Chemistry and Structures: Stable and Strong workshops have been particularly helpful!

Amy Schindler

Director, Fund Development & Communications

Amy joined Scientists in School in 2013 as the Director of Fund Development & Communications. In her role, she develops and stewards key relationships, manages a portfolio of existing and prospective donors, collaboratively plans and implements strategic opportunities for engagement and fund development, and oversees all Scientists in School communication initiatives and materials.

Amy brings a rich background in fundraising and marketing, working as a Senior Development Officer for University of Toronto Schools, Manager of Special Events and Marketing for Frontier College, and Program Coordinator for The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Jump Rope & Hoops for Heart program. She received a B.A. Hons from University of Guelph and a diploma in Corporate Communications from Centennial College. With two young children at home, Amy spends much of her spare time making snacks, answering questions, reading bedtime stories and exploring the ‘world’ around their home.

Erin Westman

Director, National Outreach and Stakeholder Relations

Erin Westman was born with a love of bugs and biology, which lead to studying molecular biology and genetics at the University of Guelph. Since earning her PhD in Microbiology, Erin designed and instructed numerous University-level biology courses in Ontario, drawing on her enthusiasm for science and belief in the importance of communicating academic work accessibly. When beginning at Scientists in School, Erin presented four different workshop topics before taking on the role of Regional Manager in West Central Ontario. She seeks to promote inclusivity in science, starting by increasing children’s interest and confidence in STEM disciplines.

Today, you’ll find Erin facilitating virtual workshops, and supporting workshops in the classroom and the community. At home, Erin enjoys board games, reading the latest epic in fantasy fiction, and the company of her cats, children, and partner.

Michelle Butler

Regional Manager, South Western Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island

Michelle began her career with Scientists in School as one of the original presenters in the South Central Ontario region in 2007. In 2009, she began to move out of the classroom as she took on a larger role in Scientists in School as a Regional Coordinator. Michelle began her current position as Regional Manager in 2014, exactly seven years after she began as a Scientists in School presenter.

Michelle holds a B.A. from Trent University. In her current role, Michelle encourages and provides leadership to a team of highly skilled Scientists in School presenters, while continuing to build and foster relationships with educators, principals, science consultants at the board level, and ensuring continued quality customer service. Outside of Scientists in School, Michelle loves to read, participate in various outdoor activities, manage three children and spend time with her extended family.

Paula Cudmore

Regional Manager, Eastern Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Paula joined Scientists in School as a Classroom Presenter in the Ottawa region in 2014.

Her classroom experience highlighted the importance of providing hands-on opportunities to children and youth to spark a life-long interest in learning and discovering the world around them.

In her current role, Paula supports our amazing team of presenters in our Nation’s Capital!  Paula further promotes and champions our virtual programming in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec. She fosters growth in our French language programming and advocates for equitable access to STEM education.

When she’s not working, Paula can be found playing volleyball, either on the court or in the sand. She enjoys reading, no genre is denied, and will often bake tasty treats “just because”.

Diane Smit

Regional Manager, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories

Diane’s journey with Scientists in School began in 2015 as the first presenter in Calgary. As programming quickly grew in Alberta, Diane’s roles evolved and grew, too. In a short time, Diane went from Classroom Presenter and Program Coordinator to Co-Regional Manager (Alberta).

Diane majored in Biology and Chemistry and holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. As a former science teacher, Diane understands that implementing inquiry-based science in classrooms is an essential tool for science discovery that comes wrapped in excitement and wonder. Her passion is to bring experiential science into the hands of all children.

Diane’s strengths include collaborating with schools, school boards, stakeholders, and communities across Alberta.

On days off Diane enjoys exploring Alberta’s natural beauty, whether its hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing or skiing with her family. Time at home includes exploring the garden, playing the piano, and knitting.

Jim S.C. Tom (Chair)

Strategic Technology Consultant

Jim Tom is an independent consultant in information and technology strategy, helping organizations understand and seek advantage in a constantly shifting technology landscape. He was the founding Chief Information Officer for Public Health Ontario and Associate Vice-Chancellor for IT at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He has held executive and senior management roles in the public and private sectors. Jim has also served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations. He holds a PhD from Stanford in Engineering-Economic Systems and received the ICD.D from Rotman/Institute for Corporate Directors. Jim is passionate about the need to develop excitement, curiosity and critical thinking about science early in every child’s education. He believes that raising the overall level of scientific knowledge is key to improving the public discourse about science and fostering interest in scientific careers.

Sharon Baker (Vice-Chair)

Retired CEO wellSpring consulting

Sharon Baker, a creative and innovative executive, was skilled in advancing change in not-for-profit and stakeholder-driven environments. A CPA, CMA, with the ICD.D designation in governance from Rotman and the Institute of Corporate Directors, she brought over 25 years of varied experience in healthcare across hospital, home, and community care sectors, as well as in private technology companies. She recently specialized in virtual care through her work at the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) and Ontario Health.

As the Executive Lead of Enterprise Projects at OTN, Sharon helped advance virtual care within Ontario’s healthcare system. She also served as CEO of wellSpring Consulting, a private practice she founded in 2002, where she provided strategic and governance advisory services to public and private healthcare organizations in the hospital, government, home care, and long-term care sectors.

Sharon’s extensive volunteer governance experience included roles in healthcare and education. She served on the board of Kinark Child and Family Services and previously held positions as Chair of the Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health, Founding Chair of Scientists in School, and Chair of Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Smart Systems for Health, and the Ladies Links Tour Golf Association.

Lisa Frizzell (Vice Chair)

Vice President, Communications, NWMO

Lisa Frizzell is the Vice-President of Communications at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), the organization responsible for implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. Before joining the organization in 2012, Lisa worked in communications for a number of corporate, academic and government organizations in Canada and the United States. Her focus is in strategic communications and she brings more than 25 years of experience as a communications leader, primarily in the energy sector. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.

Lisa previously served as a member of Scientists in School’s fundraising committee. Having spent most of her career in public-facing roles as part of organizations that rely heavily on science and technology, she has seen first-hand both the importance and impact of nurturing a love for STEM through education.

Dan Adirim

Assistant Vice-President, IT Automotive at Canadian Tire

Dan Adirim is CEO and Founder, Groundswell Energy. His previous positions include: Senior Vice President, Customer Management at Cirba (now Densify), Associate Vice President, Enterprise IT Operations at TD Bank Group and Vice President of IT Strategy and Architecture at Loblaw Companies Limited. He also spent 10 years as a Management Consultant at Accenture.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Science, Engineering Chemistry from Queen’s University and is a Professional Engineer. He loves volunteering when Scientists in School comes into his children’s classes and being part of the inspiration and amazement that Scientists in School workshops create.

Niroshan Arumugam

Head, Oncology Business Excellence, AstraZeneca Canada

Niroshan Arumugam leads the Oncology Business Excellence function at AstraZeneca Canada, a leader in biopharmaceutical innovation focused on transformative medicines in areas such as Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic disease; Oncology; Rare Disease; Respiratory & Immunology; and Vaccine & Immune-Therapies. With a career spanning over 15 years across the energy, transportation, and pharmaceutical sectors, Niroshan brings extensive expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence. A Chartered Professional Accountant, he holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University. 

With extensive international work experience in Germany and Canada, Niroshan possesses a deep understanding of cross-cultural business and global market dynamics. These skills are instrumental in his role at AstraZeneca, where he strategically drives growth and financial acumen. Committed to leveraging his diverse experiences, Niroshan enhances the organization's financial health and strategic direction by applying his broad industry knowledge and global insights. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Niroshan is a devoted father and avid soccer enthusiast. Together with his wife, he is actively involved in raising his young daughter in Markham. Niroshan demonstrates profound commitment to community engagement, having served as a soccer coach, team manager, and contributed over seven years of dedicated service on his local school council. 

Marguerite Campbell

Manager, Education Programs Laurier University

With over 30 years of experience in education with the Toronto District School Board, Marguerite Campbell has held diverse roles from JK through Grade 5 classroom teacher, to principal of several schools, and most recently ahead of her retirement from Toronto District School Board in senior administration as Superintendent of Schools. During her tenure with the school board she was always committed to Scientists in School, from being one of the first teachers in her school board to invite scientists into her classroom, to supporting the program during her principal roles, and eventually in her role as the Centrally Assigned Principal for Science and Technology.

 Since ‘retiring’, Marguerite is pursuing a variety of interests, mostly with an educational component, including serving on the Board of Directors of several non-profits, and is now working with Faculty of Education students at Wilfrid Laurier where she manages the faculties multiple education programs as well as supports practicum supervision and mentoring. A constant thread through all of her roles has been passion and commitment to equity of outcomes and opportunities for children and youth – a strong fit with Scientists in School’s vision and initiatives. Marguerite is enjoying her move to Guelph and an active involvement in her new community.

Melissa Chee

Tech CEO and Entrepreneur

Melissa Chee is an award-winning business and tech executive, entrepreneur, and independent director who has created global companies and transformative technologies.

A champion of diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women and girls in STEM, Melissa is a respected thought leader at the strategic intersection of critical technology sectors and the imperative for a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Melissa has extensive board governance experience and currently serves as an Independent Director on the boards of the Vector Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Scientists in School. She also serves on the national advisory boards of Canada’s Semiconductor Council and the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). She is a past board director at NGEN - Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing, Mackenzie Health Innovation Institute and Make-A-Wish Canada’s Corporate Cabinet. Melissa has been previously recognized as one of Canada’s Top 3 Women to Watch by Canadian Manufacturing and Top 18 Pandemic Pivoters by The Peak.

Building on a 25-year career scaling global technology multinationals and start-ups, Melissa most recently was the CEO of ventureLAB, a leading global founder community for hardware and enterprise software companies in Canada. At ventureLAB, she elevated Canada in the global semiconductor industry as the founding CEO of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, Canada’s first and only hub for semiconductor and hardware tech companies and a founding member of Canada’s Semiconductor Council. During Melissa's tenure the organization was recognized as one of Canada's most Admired Corporate Cultures and thrice as a Great Place to Work for Inclusion, Technology, and Managed by Women.

Melissa holds an MBA with Honours from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Computer Engineering from McGill University.

Cara Clairman

President and CEO, Plug'n Drive

Cara Clairman is President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, a non-profit that is accelerating the deployment of Electric Vehicles to maximize their environmental and economic benefits. As its founder in 2011, Cara has taken Plug’n Drive from an idea to a thriving non-profit, recognized as a leader in the EV space. 

Cara has more than 25 years of experience working in the environmental and sustainability fields, including 12 years working at Ontario Power Generation, initially as OPG’s environmental lawyer and later in the role of Vice President of Sustainable Development. Prior to joining OPG, Cara spent five years practicing environmental law with Torys LLP.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University. Cara lives in a two EV household - a Tesla Model 3 and a Chevrolet Bolt.  

Shelley Cornforth

Co-Founder and Partner, 5D Digital

Shelley Cornforth is the Head of 5d digital, where she empowers marketing agencies to drive brand and growth strategies by leveraging digital and AI solutions. With over two decades of experience, she has led digital transformation initiatives across the private and non-profit sectors enabling organizations to realize the value of their marketing and technology investments.

She has a lengthy track record as an executive leader and volunteer supporting, coaching and mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals. Shelley holds an MBA from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, with certifications in human-cantered design thinking.

A passionate advocate for STEM education, Shelley is dedicated to inspiring young people’s curiosity through her board role at Scientists in School where she supports the fundraising goals of the organization. Her support for hands-on STEM programs is rooted in her own journey in technology and her belief in the impact of accessible STEM education.

Shelley brings perspectives to the fundraising committee from her executive roles in the technology, engineering and digital training and online learning sectors where she has focused on brand positioning, product innovation, and digital strategy to deliver high-impact results.

Prabhat Juneja

Financial Services Industry Executive

Prabhat Juneja is a financial services industry executive, having most recently held leadership roles at Equifax, Moneris and BMO.  He has also served as a community leader focused on helping youth in realizing their potential, encouraging primary and secondary students to consider careers in STEM subjects, and mentoring engineering students at his alma mater.  Prabhat holds a BEng from McMaster, an MBA from Schulich School of Business, and is currently a CFA candidate. He has a passion for exploring the great outdoors alongside his wife and three teenagers, all of whom developed an early appreciation for science through their enjoyable experiences with Scientists in School. Now, the entire family shares a keen interest in science and the world around them!

Astrid Landeau

Manager, Strategy & Financial Analysis

Astrid Landeau holds a managerial role on Manulife’s Global Inforce Management team. She builds transparency by taking complex information and making it understandable for quick decision making and sustainable future planning. This draws on her extensive experience in the energy, healthcare, technology, and finance industries. Her focus is on bridging vision with action for future sustainable success. She holds a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science, along with Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and SAFe Practitioner, professional designations.

Her volunteer contributions are multifaceted, ranging from teaching high school girls robotics to build their passion in science, to co-leading an international effort to create a ventilator design in response to COVID-19. With a discerning perspective on engineering and science, she believes that cultivating curiosity is crucial for nurturing our next generation of innovators and leaders.

Monika Lenkiewicz

Annual Giving Manager, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR)

Monika Lenkiewicz is the Annual Giving Manager at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). CIFAR is an organization that convenes the world’s most brilliant people to address the most important questions facing science and humanity; from quantum computing to human health to exploring the future of being human, and beyond.  

Monika is a fundraising professional with a background in the health sciences. She brings more than 10 years of experience in research, from the lab bench through to research management, and more than 5 years of experience in philanthropy, in health- and science-based charities. Monika holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Western University. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with her family. Having observed the power of science and research her entire career, she is excited to support efforts that spark a passion for STEM amongst Canadian youth. 

Myrna Salleh

Director, Client Engagement and Service Delivery

Myrna is an experienced leader with over 16 years of experience in healthcare technology and digital health. She has a proven successful track record working predominantly with healthcare and public sector organizations, working on several large, cross-functional programs and initiatives within Ontario, other Canadian jurisdictions, and beyond. Currently, she leads key healthcare technology related initiatives as a Director of Client Engagement and Service Delivery at the WSIB.

Myrna holds an MBA from the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, an HBSc from McMaster University, and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA). Committed to equity and inclusion, she is dedicated to supporting the next generations of innovators through various avenues, including through helping to provide students with opportunities to engage with the exciting world of STEM.

Manjula Selvarajah

Journalist, Technology Columnist and Guest Host, CBC Radio

Manjula Selvarajah is a Toronto-based journalist, a national technology columnist and guest host on CBC Radio stations across the country and host of the podcast Solve for X.  She is a frequent emcee and moderator, with repeat speaking appearances at Elevate and Collision. In her former role, she was Vice President of Marketing at Eloqua, and holds an Engineering degree from Queen’s University. She is co-founder of the non-profit Tamil Women Rising and an avid community volunteer. Manjula lives in Pickering with her husband and young daughter. She is excited to give back and is looking forward to helping youth build critical pathways to a bright future.

Salvatore (Sal) Vella (Treasurer)

Retired VP of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer, IBM, VP, Technology Strategy and Innovation, RBC

Sal Vella is an avid volunteer and community board member. He recently retired from a very fruitful career at IBM and RBC in technology strategy and implementation roles. In his roles, he helped to develop and drive strategy and implementation of IBM’s mobile, data/analytics, Internet of Things and DevOps products. Sal continues to be a mentor and advisor through several blogs on leadership and DevOps practices, as well as a board member on several non-profit boards and a member of Rotary International. Education is key to everyone’s future and he is excited about the great opportunity Scientists in School provides to improve the lives of many children and future citizens.

Sal holds a B.Eng. degree and an MBA degree, both from McMaster University and is currently a Doctoral Student at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Shaheen Yazdani

Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Intercept

Shaheen Yazdani is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Intercept, a B2B marketing agency specializing in the global technology sector. With the agency's origins in education, Shaheen brings 15 years experience in marketing to K-12 and HED audiences. She holds an honours degree in Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business and is a Certified Change Practitioner through the Prosci program.

Shaheen is deeply passionate about the early integration of STEM education. Having participated in Science Olympiad and mathlete programs in her youth, she believes in the pivotal role specialized programming plays in shaping adolescent interests. Today, she is a strong advocate in driving awareness of extra-curricular STEM programs. Her children participate in a variety of enrichment programs including Spirit of Math, Spirit of Technology and FIRST Robotics.

Shaheen was named to WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 List in 2022.

Bill Zerter

Fractional CFO, The CFO Centre

Bill Zerter is a Principal with the CFO Centre, a leading international provider of fractional CFOs to small and medium sized enterprises. Bill is a CPA and engineer with executive finance and operations experience in Canada and the US. In the educational business sector Bill was the Senior VP Finance of Wiley Publishing a provider of content and learning technology to University students and professional scientists throughout the world. In his capacity as CFO Bill has directed the finances of companies in industries including construction, agricultural chemicals, digital marketing, medical equipment manufacturing, printing, warehousing and distribution, educational publishing, aerospace electronics, agricultural equipment, talent optimization software, etc.  Bill has served on the Boards of various for profit and not for profit organizations.

Bill is a proponent of continuous learning with an emphasis on science and engineering combined with economics and finance. Bill holds engineering and business degrees from the University of Toronto.