Faces of WISEST: Shirley Mah

When I retired after a 38 year career in Information Technology (IT), I searched for volunteer opportunities that would contribute to my passion for inspiring females to enter the tech industry.  I saw that WISEST needed volunteers for their CHOICES and SET conferences.  My prior experience organizing an annual IT conference for grade 9 girls seemed like a good fit. 

Growing up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, traditional gender roles and career choices were pretty entrenched.  The feminist movement was only starting to raise awareness of gender inequalities in work places and in general societal attitudes – especially regarding females in STEM fields.  My career trajectory into computing science was due to a progressive junior high math teacher who taught a class on how to code, using a dial-up account into a U of A mainframe.  It was the leading edge at the time. 

Being one of only 2 females to graduate with honours in Computing Science meant we were surrounded by male students and professors. There was only one female professor in the department when I did my undergraduate degree. I didn’t have any female role models to follow. This fuelled my desire to encourage greater female participation in the IT field. 

Outside of work, I enjoy ice hockey and golf. Both sports historically were male dominated.  I’m pleased to say I’ve recruited many women to enjoy these sports - no longer just spectators watching the men and boys play.