Mabintou Ouattara, ’21 BSc(PetE) to represent Canada at the UN’s 69th Commission on the Status of Women as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion delegate

Mabintou Ouattara was recognized by ACGC as a 2025 Top 30 Under 30 for her commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in male-dominated fields and for her social justice advocacy.

Mabintou Ouattara's commitment to supporting women in STEM — which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics — is rooted in the experiences she gained as an undergraduate student, volunteer and mentor in the Faculty of Engineering. She credits programs like DiscoverE and the FEM+ Mentorship Program as the sparks that ignited this passion, leading her to a deeper understanding of the barriers and inequities in STEM education both locally and globally and the impact of these inequities on young women.

In all aspects of her life, Mabintou is determined to make a difference, whether she’s using her knowledge as an engineer to develop innovative solutions for environmental sustainability or tackling systemic inequities in STEM education. 

“It’s about turning discussions into action and actively contributing to positive change,” she says.

In January, Mabintou was named a 2025 Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation for her commitment to addressing the underrepresentation of women in male-dominated fields and for her social justice advocacy. In March, she will represent Canada as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion delegate with the Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) at the United Nations' 69th Commission on the Status of Women.

“It’s a true honour,” says Mabintou. “I’m excited to represent Canada’s values and advocate for systemic changes that improve women’s access to opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved communities.”

A proud grad, Mabintou continues to make an impact in the community through her involvement with the Engineering Young Alumni Council (ENGGYAC).

"My journey with the Faculty of Engineering played a key role in shaping who I am today,” she says. “It’s where I began my volunteer work and women in STEM initiatives. Being part of ENGGYAC has kept me connected to this incredible community."

Read more about this exceptional young engineer and STEM champion below.

Where were you born and raised, and why did you choose the U of A?
I was born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire, where I graduated from high school with honors at the age of 16. I was awarded a fully-funded scholarship of excellence from the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Renewable Energies, which enabled me to pursue my studies in Canada. The University of Alberta, being one of the top-ranked universities in Canada and offering one of the only bachelor of science programs in petroleum engineering in the country, was the ideal choice for me.

What got you interested in engineering (and math)?
My father was a statistics professor and had a significant influence on me from a young age. I was exposed to his work growing up and that sparked my interest in engineering and math.

In one of your quotes, you credit the U of A, and in particular DiscoverE and FEM+, with helping you develop your passion for female representation and inclusive education in STEM. Why is this important to you?
I discovered my passion for STEM outreach at the U of A through programs like DiscoverE and the FEM+ Mentorship Program, which helped me build valuable connections. 

DiscoverE was my first experience working with kids and where I learned that making science fun is the key to sparking curiosity. This led to further involvement in outreach programs, allowing me to inspire youth about STEM.

FEM+ gave me the opportunity to mentor high school girls from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to embrace leadership, be confident and pursue their dreams. The program also created a supportive environment for female engineering students like myself to mentor effectively, developing leadership skills that continue beyond graduation.

Female representation in STEM is crucial because diverse perspectives drive innovation.

What does it mean to you to be representing Canada as the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion delegate with the Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) at the United Nations' 69th Commission on the Status of Women in March in New York?
Being selected as the EDI delegate with the Young Diplomats of Canada for the UN’s 69th Commission of the Status of Women is a true honour and a significant milestone I had set for 2025. I’m excited to represent Canada’s values and advocate for systemic changes that improve women’s access to opportunities, particularly in rural and underserved communities that continue to be disproportionately affected. I’m also passionate about addressing the underrepresentation of women in fields like STEM, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. I look forward to showing solidarity with international women’s rights advocates and young feminists and learning from their progress on issues like child marriage and genital mutilation.

Alongside my delegation of three driven individuals, we aim to amplify diverse voices, engage with policymakers and work toward a future where all women can thrive by driving lasting change for women’s rights, both globally and locally.

What are your professional goals?
I aim to obtain my Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) certification and also deepen my knowledge of renewable energy and sustainable energy production. To achieve this, I am actively pursuing further education and opportunities for advancement in this field.

Beyond my technical aspirations, I recognize that women often receive mentorship but don’t receive the sponsorship they need to advance their careers. My goal is to be in a position where I can provide real, tangible opportunities for women by offering the resources and sponsorship necessary for their success. For me, success means making a lasting impact — not only through mentorship but also by opening doors, driving systemic change and ensuring equal access to opportunities for women and marginalized groups. It’s about turning discussions into action and actively contributing to positive change.

What accomplishment are you most proud of, to date?
I’m very grateful for my experience at a refugee camp, Long Neck Karen (Kayan) Village, in Chiang Rai, Thailand, where I had the chance to engage with young girls on a variety of topics, including education. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the barriers these communities face but also fueled my passion for advocating for equal access to education and bringing STEM to underserved communities. I learned so much about their stories, cultures and even the types of science they use in their daily lives — it was truly a mutual learning experience.

It was inspiring to see the children's eagerness to learn despite the barriers they faced, such as the cultural restrictions that prevent women and girls from attending school if they wear the neck ring. It reaffirmed my desire to support their education and empowerment.

Who are you inspired by in your work?
I draw inspiration from several individuals. Locally, Jessica Vandenberghe, a fellow U of A grad, is a true role model for me. She has made significant contributions in fostering a culture of EDI within the Faculty of Engineering, particularly through the FEM+ program, for which I am truly grateful. As a model of female leadership, she exemplifies the kind of leader I aspire to become.

On the global stage, I am particularly proud of Christina Koch, whose groundbreaking achievements in the space industry have broken many records for women. Her upcoming mission to the moon, as the first woman to land there, will undoubtedly inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in space exploration.

Do you have any advice or piece of wisdom you would like to share with incoming or current students in engineering, particularly women? 
My advice is to trust your abilities and keep pushing forward. Engineering can be tough, but every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Build your network early, and get involved in your community — this will help you grow and build valuable connections that will support you throughout your career.

Make use of office hours to build relationships with professors, as they can be valuable resources for scholarships or grad school referrals. Be active on group design projects the faculty offers; they’re an excellent way to build both teamwork and technical skills. Explore mentorship programs if you wish to learn from individuals who share your background and experiences, as their journeys can offer guidance that resonates with you. Also, ensure you have a healthcare plan — mental health matters — and there are great campus resources to help you stay active and supported.

Most importantly, be confident in the unique perspective you bring and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. There’s always space for your voice, so make sure to take it.