Member Spotlight | Q&A with iWIST Member Pauline Finn, Executive Director of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

Are you a corporate or individual member of iWIST? 

Our Learning Centre and Aquarium and Learning Centre has an institutional membership.

When did you join or learn about IWIST?

I first learned about IWIST as a part of my province-wide network of STEM/STEAM resources while working at Science World British Columbia. IWIST always had something fun and current happening. When I knew I was moving to Victoria, joining IWIST was one of my very first steps to connect and ground myself with local folks passionate about science, collaboration and fun.

Why does this organization matter to you and to the community?

Personally, I love my work but can get lost in the day-to-day our delivering our service to the community. IWIST provides and outlet and opportunities to broaden my view. From book recommendations and great speakers to unique mixers, IWIST provides opportunities to zoom out and make some great connections. 

What is your background in STEM?

I started studying science degree at the University College of Cape Breton and finished my degree at the University of British Columbia in Animal Biology. I've been working and volunteering with STEM learning focused organizations my whole career - museums, nature centres, science centre's and aquaria. 

Currently, I am the Executive Director of the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, coordinate an Ocean Education Collaborative with Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS), WestWind, SeaLab Supplies, Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (pacname.org), SeaChange Marine Conservation and SeaQuaria (division of World Fisheries Trust), and serve as a board member with SeaChange Marine Conservation Society.

On your career journey how important was it to have peer support? Why?

Peer support has been a huge part of my journey. You spend so much of your life at work that the connections are so important. Especially during times of steep learning and transition, having peers both inside and outside of your core field is important. They can help you think differently, see the big picture and make valuable community connections.  None of us are alone on this journey. 

What do you see as an opportunity to support women in STEM?

I see lots of value in taking time to promote and celebrate the awesome women in STEM in our world. This can be as simple as some social media love, or it can be more formal like profiling someone, giving a shout out at an in person event, making connections and referrals.

What is the difference between IWIST and other sector based associations?

IWIST is hyper-local and brings a terrific diversity of folks across STEM and STEM-adjacent areas together. 

What would you say if someone asked you about IWIST?

IWIST is a super welcoming association. A really great group of humans. While networking is a thing and part of the activities, the cheese factor is minimized by calling out the awkwardness of "doing the networking" making it all more fun and playful.

What was the most fun you had at an IWIST event?

For me it's a 3-way tie for:

1) An energizing day-long conference at Ogden Point some years back

2) A crawl that had us visiting companies and tasting beer

3) A mixer at Freshworks with a great panel and casual atmosphere

Last thoughts?  

There is always something to learn... even the book recommendations are great. I can hear my mother's voice saying, "you get out of it what you put into it". The iWIST group really has lots to give and depends on the time and energy you have to engage.