For advocating for women in STEM fields

The Challenge: When Gail Powley graduated in 1984, about 90 per cent of her colleagues were men. Few women were pursuing careers in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at the time. Many of those who did left their jobs after maternity leave because workplaces didn't allow for a work-life balance. Twenty years later, the number of women in engineering had only increased by an incremental 10 per cent. Powley was determined to help lead change and, with her experience as a mother and a woman in a male-dominated industry, she believed she could be part of the solution.

The Fix: Powley joined Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science & Technology, a U of A group that empowers women in STEM fields. Through her WISEST experience, she co-founded two groups that help encourage under-represented professionals in science and engineering: WISER and MentorUP Alberta. Powley also became active in the Alberta Women's Science Network. As founding chair of the Women in APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta) advisory group, she led the writing of a guide on how companies can manage transitions before, during and after maternity leave.

The Outcome: Powley's efforts are contributing to a change for the better. WISEST programs have introduced nearly 19,000 young people to careers in STEM. With her participation, the Women in APEGA advisory group has helped increase the representation of women in engineering and geosciences. Powley's resource guide for employees and employers, Managing Transitions: Before, During and After Leave, changed the way companies approach the issue. The guide was jointly published in 2016 by Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada and is seen as an important ingredient in achieving the national goal to have 30 per cent of newly licensed professionals be women by 2030.