Join iWIST today

Whether you’re new to STEM or have an established career in STEM on Vancouver Island, becoming a member of iWIST is a great way to access a network of your peers.

We use the power of community to support you in your career and to promote women* in STEM.

iWIST brings together women* and allies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math located in the West Coast island communities

*Includes transgender and non-binary people

Vision

To bring together all women and allies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in the West Coast island communities.

Mission

iWIST aims to support women and allies in STEM by building a trusted community that promotes and facilitates access to peer connection and individual development.

As the STEM sector continues to evolve, iWIST aims to support and encourage women to engage with and thrive in STEM.

Objectives

Build trust and capacity for women in STEM
Create a fun, engaging, and accepting community
Facilitate events and networking opportunities
Support members’ personal and professional growth
Foster strong partnerships with like-minded organisations to bring member value
Cultivate allyship
Promote and embody diversity, equity, and inclusion

Beginnings

Founded in 2011 as Island Women in Technology, the group’s mission was to offer a positive and supportive environment where women who worked in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) could connect and build a community. A common concern from members of the group was that they felt like the “other” at work. The goal was to counter that and help women flourish and grow their networks, careers and personal skills.

Today, over 900 people subscribe to iWIST’s various social network sites or newsletter. iWIST hosts regular networking and professional development events on Vancouver Island. The themes vary but the core function will always be to build opportunities for women in the evolving STEM communities on Vancouver Island. Great events will always be the heart and soul of what makes iWIST a success – from the annual events like our holiday breakfast & AGM, and the Summer Party to the many impressive professional development initiatives: Best Advice I Ever Ignored CEOs Panel, Leading the Way conference, and many more.