ACM & CS-CAN INFO Annual Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing Conference (CAN-CWIC)

The event will be held at the York University Second Student Centre in Toronto.

Address15 Library Ln, North York, ON M3J 2S5

Address: 15 Library Ln, North York, ON M3J 2S5

The event will be held at the York University Second Student Centre in Toronto.

CAN-CWiC is the premiere Canadian computing conference for young women and non-binary people in technology. This annual event has been offered since 2011 and features networking, learning, sharing and mentoring. CAN-CWiC embodies the mission of encouraging curiosity and awareness for the digital innovations that change the community and world around us. Bringing together leaders in research, education and industry from across Canada. Get inspired by stories from women who have been there and done that and how they succeeded.

 

If you are a student interested in attending contact your department chair as they may coordinate the attendance of a number of students in your department. You can also register yourself via this website registration portal (opens in early spring).

Venue & Accommodations

The event will be held at the York University Second Student Centre in Toronto.

Students

If your school is participating in CAN-CWiC, it will provide the opportunity for some sponsored students to attend the event and will arrange and pay for your transportation (by bus or air) and accommodation (on the 25th). If you are not a sponsored student, you can still register yourself via the Registration Form and if you are a student in the below noted areas, you will be able to get a seat on the bus. If you are not in one of these areas, then you will then be responsible for your own transportation. CAN-CWiC is arranging for bus transportation for students from Quebec (leaving from Montreal) and Ontario (only from outside the GTA – leaving from Scarborough, Ottawa, Kingston, Oshawa, Windsor, Kitchener, and Waterloo). The buses leave on the morning of the 25th, drop you off at the hotel, and drive you back to your school on the 26st. Your department chair will have information on the bus schedule. If you are from outside Quebec or Ontario, you need to arrange transportation either through your department contact or by yourself.

Not A Student

We have booked a block of rooms at the Novotel for all faculty. Novotel Toronto North York Hotel 3 Park Home Avenue, Toronto. You can make a reservation at 416.733.2929 using block number #1750611.

The room rate is $190 plus tax. Please make sure to charge the room to your own credit card as the block has been secured with the CSCAN corporate card. UOIT and UfT Scarborough students will also be staying at the hotel. Students from other schools will not and are being routed to other hotels across North York. The hotel is about a 10 minute drive from the York University Second Student Centre

Accommodation

If you are arriving by bus or air, then your registration will include one night accommodation (on the 25th). CAN-CWiC will arrange and confirm your hotel accommodation once you have registered for the conference. Your hotel room will be guaranteed double occupancy (randomly assigned to either one King or two Queen) and you will share the room with another student of the same gender, in most cases, you have the option to be matched up with a person of your choice. All your food and beverages, including the Friday, October 25th CAN-CWIC Banquet, are included in your registration fee. Also, if you are arriving by bus, it will shuttle you between your hotel and the conference facilities. See your conference registration confirmation for more details.

Friday Evening Event

On Friday, October 25th all registered students will have an opportunity to attend the amazing CAN-CWiC reception and event. There are fun photo booths and we have some amazing keynote speakers lined up. It’s a great opportunity to dress up, enjoy some food and drinks, mingle, meet other students from across Canada and have fun evening of food and entertainment.

Chairs

Maleknaz Nayebi

Associate Professor Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
York University

Steering Committee Members

Joanne Atlee

Professor
University of Waterloo

Kate Larson

Professor
Cheriton School of Computer Science
University of Waterloo

Andrea Bunt

(2023-2026)

Professor Department of Computer science University of Manitoba

Vlado Keselj

(2023-2026)

Professor in The School of Computer Science
Dalhousie University

Ouldooz Baghban Karimi

Lecturer, School of Computing Science
Simon Fraser University

Sheila McIlraith

Professor
Department of Computer Science
University of Toronto

Wendy Powley

Associate Professor
Queens University

CAN-CWIC Registration

Registration is Now Closed 

Thank You for Your Interest!

Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing Conference Program Schedule

On a Bus?

The Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston buses leave 4:00 p.m. sharp. Don’t be late. Other buses leave at 5:00 p.m.

 

 

On a Plane?

You are responsible for getting to and from the airport. Book and UBER to get you to the airport on time.

Event Schedule

6:00pm – 10:00pm

6:10 p.m. Opening: Maleknaz Nayebi, York University, Chair CAN CWiC
6:15 p.m. Welcome to York University –  Dr. Jane Goodyer, Dean – Lassonde School of Engineering

6:20 p.m. NCWIT

Alison Adnani-Evans – Program Lead, Shopify

NCWIT Campus Reps – NCWIT Aspirations in Computing and Present Winners

6:30 p.m. RBC – Natalie Ripp, Senior Director, RBC Digital Cheque Processing Topic: Career Journey
6:45 p.m. AWS – Teresa Huang, Head of Solutions Architecture for Startups, Canada Topic: My Career Story: Randint as a chameleon, a Druid at heart”
7:00 p.m. Electronic Arts – Urbashi Das,  lead Analyst – Infrastructure Optimization & Cost Management – Topic: Journey to EA
7:15 p.m. Dinner Starts
10:00 p.m. Friday Program Ends

Event Schedule

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Breakfast (open to students and speakers)

8:30 am – 9:30 am

8:30 – 8:45 BMO – Susan White, Chief Information Operating Officer, Commercial Banking and Capital Markets Topic: TBC
9:00 – 9:15 CN Rail – Elena Boguslavsky, Delivery Manager – Information Security Office of the CISO, I&T Topic: Introducing CN
9:15 – 9:30 CGI – Christina Fung, Senior Vice President, Consulting Services – Topic: AI for Good and Economics of AI

9:30 am – 10:00 am

Coffee Break

10:00 am – 10:55 am

Room 1Room 2Room 3 (large middle room)Room 4Room 5Room 6
Electronic ArtsRBCTuring Society, University of AlbertaAWSUniversity of GuelphCN
Ivana Jovasevic, Manager, Software Development

Ioana Ravoiu, Manager, T&O Early Talent Programs

Robertha Alvarez/ Rochelle Etwaroo/ Youyi Deng

Emma McDonaldVictoria Granova / Janet Weldon / Janet Shea **Kate McRobertsElena Boguslavsky, Cybersecurity Delivery Manager
Choose Your Own Adventure – How to DIY a Career PathPanel Discussion: Early Talent and Tech@RBCGathering Voices for EDI: A Student-Led MovementPanel discussion on: “Embracing, shaping and building with GenAI”Code Your Future: Strategies for Securing Internships and Co-ops in TechCybersecurity in Rail

11:00 am – 11:55 am

Room 1Room 2Room 3Room 4Room 5Room 6
CGIOntario Tech UniversityDalhousie UniversityBMOMorgan StanleyAlgoma University
Maria Voicu, Campus Recruitment ConsultantDr. Annie Lee

Dr. Angela Siegel

Tammy Moorse / Suzanne Whitehead / Reshmi Choudbury / Beatrice Tam **Elizabeth RamirezDr. Mahreen Nasir
Resume and Interview PrepEmpowering the Future with Multilinguality and Language DiversityDiscover four initiatives reshaping CS: outreach programs, school partnerships, adult reskilling, and a Women in Tech Day.Panel discussion: Girls Vision for the FutureTechnical Debt ManagementTrends in AI: Deep Neural Networks in E-Commerce Recommendation Systems

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Room 1Room 2Room 3Room 4Room 5Room 6
Dr. Sara NabilLightning TalksLightning TalksLightning TalksLightning TalksLightning Talks
Queen’s UniversityMcMaster UniversityQueen’s UniversityUniversity of British Columbia, OkanaganMcMaster UniversityCarleton University
Smart Textiles and Empowering Women in STEMNishttha SharmaFarida MohamadLinda OkpanachiFeyi AdesanyaCharelle Jazmin
 Redefining Data Dependencies: Harnessing the Power of Rate of Change for Modern Data ChallengesRevolutionizing Vital Sign Measurement with Remote Photoplethysmography (rPPG) in HealthcareCombating Diabetes Misinformation in Africa: A Transformer Model ApproachSystems of Twinned Systems: State of the ArtTurning My Pants Into a Synthesizer: The Unexpected Journey of My Undergraduate Research Internship
Room 1 (12:30 – 1:00)Room 2Room 3Room 4University of TorontoRoom 5Room 6
RCMPMcMaster UniversityQueen’s UniversityOntario Institute of TechnologyUniversity of TorontoMcMaster University
Anshu PandeyaFatemeh NorouzianiMahzabeen EmuStacey KoornneefRue SriharshaSwati Mishra
The process of Cybercrime investigationsThe design of small-scale robotsHybrid Quantum Classical Computing For OptimizationRun, Llama, Run: Designing and Evaluating a Cost-Accessible Computational Thinking Educational Game for K-5 StudentsBeyond the Degree: Min-Maxing your Career GrowthDesigning Usable, Sustainable and Reliable AI systems for Healthcare
Room 1Room 2Room 3Room 4Room 5Room 6
 Queen’s UniversityUniversity of British ColumbiaQueen’s UniversityYork University

University of Toronto

 Nisha SimonParinda RahmanHebatalla OudaKarolina TchilinguirovaKashaf Salaheen
 What your LLM won’t tell you: Telling Stories with Large Language Models and Automated PlanningEthics and Trust in Persuasive TechnologyDigital Twins For Equitable Access To Surgical Care in CanadaBiases in gendered citation practices in software engineering literature: An exploratory study and some reflections on the Matthew and Matilda effectsEarly Career Advice – Imposter Syndrome, WFH vs. Hybrid vs. Office, Job Hopping, WHAT IS GOING ON!?
Room 1Room 2Room 3Room 4Room 5Room 6
 NYIT   

Queen’s University

 Fariha Chowdhury   Megan Bryson
 Breaking into Cybersecurity: A Guide for Women and Inspiring Success Stories   The Tortured Mathematics Department: A Graph Theory-Based Look at the Lyrics of Taylor Swift

Lightning Talks Time Slots

 12:00 – 12:1212:00 – 12:2012:00 – 12:2012:00 – 12:2012:00 – 12:12
 12:15 – 12:2712:22 – 12:4212:22 – 12:4212:22 – 12:4212:15 – 12:27
 12:30 – 12:4212:45 – 1:0012:45 – 1:0012:45 – 1:0012:30 – 12:42
 12:45 – 1:00   12:45 – 1:00

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Lunch (open to students, speakers, and sponsors) – start of photo booth

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Career Fair – Quebec and Ottawa/Kingston buses leave at 4:00

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Lunch and Career Fair :On Ground Floor.

Career Fair from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Second Floor. Buses for Montreal and Ottawa are leaving at 4:00 p.m.

 

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Faculty Mentoring Circles

Faculty/Academia Mentoring Circles

Participate in Mentoring Circles that focus on advice and experiences with different Career Paths in academia:

Academic Leadership

If you are interested in taking the path to become a leader in an academic institute and want to be familiar with the problems, challenges, and solutions, learning from the experiences of our mentors can be the best choice. Come with your questions and hear advice and stories from women who have walked the same path.

Tenure and Promotion

Join our mentoring circle for pre-tenure faculty, a supportive space where early-career academics connect with experienced mentors. Navigate the path to tenure with insights, advice, and a collaborative community dedicated to your professional growth in academia.

Teaching Professor

Engage with experienced educators who are ready to share insights, strategies, and stories about navigating the challenges and triumphs in the academic world. Bring your questions, and benefit from the collective wisdom of mentors who have walked a similar path. Join our teaching circle, where collaboration and shared experiences can enhance your journey as an educator and leader in academia.

Speakers List Profiles

Full speakers listing will become available in September.

Speaker List Profiles

Keynote Speakers

Tanjulia Akter

Electronic Arts

Christina Fung

CGI

Parallel Session Speakers

Christina Fung

University of Toronto

Anne Marie Salter

Canadian Center for Cyber Security - Communications Security Establishment

Bethany Edmunds

Northeastern University

Banani Roy

University of Saskatchewan

Jennifer Chan

BMO

Joanne Atlee

University of Waterloo

FeiFei Han

Carnegie Mellon University

Jacqueline Smith

University of Toronto

Japnit Ahuja

Go Girl Organisation

Jodi Tims

Northeastern University

Kate McRoberts

University of Guelph

Wendy Powley

Queen's University

Ouldooz Baghban Karimi

Simon Fraser University

Kelly Lyons

University of Toronto

Marwa El-Khatib

Morgan Stanley

Shital Desai

York University

Sadia Sharmin

University of Toronto

Lightning Talk Speakers

Enas Aitarawneh

York University

Lorena Barreto

Concordia University

Mahzabeen Emu

Queen's University

Medha Muppala

University of Windsor

Meriem Ben Chaaben

University of Montreal

Mouna Dhaouadi

University of Montreal

Parnian Eslamloo

University of Saskatchewan

Pragya Bhandari

The University of British Columbia

Sandra Kumi

University of Saskatchewan

Shri Harini Ramesh

Carleton University

Somayeh Fatahi

University of Saskatchewan

Swati Goswami

The University of British Columbia

Wejdene Haouari

York University

Yan Yan

University of Guelph

Speakers List Profiles

Do you possess an enthralling academic research endeavour craving a spotlight among fellow burgeoning computer scientists? Brace yourself for the exceptional opportunity that awaits you at the 2024 Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing (CAN-CWiC). This is your stage to illuminate, captivate, and spark dialogues that resonate long after the event.

Why CAN-CWiC is Your Ultimate Canvas

Showcase Brilliance

This is your moment to bring your innovation, hard work, and creativity to the forefront. Share your projects and achievements with a receptive audience that hungers for inspiration.

Energize Discourse

Engage in spirited discussions and steer conversations toward the next horizon of computing. Your input could be the spark that ignites new ideas and collaborations.

Ignite Connections

Forge connections with like-minded minds and potential collaborators. CAN-CWiC is a bustling hub of future computing leaders.

Elevate Your Profile:

Woven into a conference experience that fosters growth, CAN-CWiC provides a unique opportunity to bolster your professional standing. Your contribution will be recognized among the brightest minds in the computing sphere.

Deadline

Applications remain open until the stroke of midnight on September 30, 2024.

Session Length

Each lightning presentation on October 26 is slated for a 15 minute duration.

Seize The Spotlight:

Step forward into the limelight by expressing your interest through the form below. The CAN-CWiC Program Committee will curate an electrifying program that aligns with the conference’s essence, making every effort to accommodate as many remarkable sessions as possible. We will notify you the second week of October if your presentation made it into the program.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Become a beacon of inspiration at the 2024 Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing – where your voice, your insights, and your journey shape the next generation of computing excellence.

Ignite curiosity. Fuel progress. Spark connections. Join us at CAN-CWiC 2024.

Please Register For Your Lightning Talk


For more Info Contact:

Gina van Dalen, Executive Director, CS-CAN|INFO-CAN

gina_vandalen@cscan-infocan.ca

Call For Presentations

Unveil Your Expertise & Knowledge at Canada's Premier Conference for Emerging Computing Minds!

Do you possess an enthralling academic research endeavor craving a spotlight among fellow burgeoning computer scientists? Are you eager to unravel a riveting real-world case study from your journey in the corporate or non-profit realms? Brace yourself for the exceptional opportunity that awaits you at the 2023 Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing (CAN-CWiC). This is your stage to illuminate, captivate, and spark dialogues that resonate long after the event.

Our audience, a dynamic assembly of post-secondary students ranging from freshmen to accomplished graduates, is eagerly poised to absorb your insights.

Why CAN-CWiC is Your Ultimate Canvas

Showcase Brilliance

This is your moment to bring your innovation, hard work, and creativity to the forefront. Share your projects and achievements with a receptive audience that hungers for inspiration.

Energize Discourse

Engage in spirited discussions and steer conversations toward the next horizon of computing. Your input could be the spark that ignites new ideas and collaborations.

Ignite Connections

Forge connections with like-minded minds and potential collaborators. CAN-CWiC is a bustling hub of future computing leaders.

Elevate Your Profile:

Woven into a conference experience that fosters growth, CAN-CWiC provides a unique opportunity to bolster your professional standing. Your contribution will be recognized among the brightest minds in the computing sphere.

Deadline

Applications remain open until the stroke of midnight on September 30, 2024.

Session Length

Each parallel presentation on October 26 is slated for an engaging 45-minute duration, allowing ample time for immersive insights and vibrant exchanges.

Note on Participation Compensation:

Participation in this captivating journey is a voluntary endeavour, an investment in your personal growth and in nurturing the future of computing. While monetary compensation isn’t part of the equation, the intrinsic rewards of knowledge sharing and community engagement are boundless.

Seize the Spotlight:

Step forward into the limelight by expressing your interest through the form below. The CAN-CWiC Program Committee will curate an electrifying program that aligns with the conference’s essence, making every effort to accommodate as many remarkable sessions as possible. We will notify you the first week of October if your presentation made it into the program.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Become a beacon of inspiration at the 2024 Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing – where your voice, your insights, and your journey shape the next generation of computing excellence.

Ignite curiosity. Fuel progress. Spark connections. Join us at CAN-CWiC 2024.


For more information contact:

Gina van Dalen, Executive Director, CS-CAN|INFO-CAN

gina_vandalen@cscan-infocan.ca

Sponsorship

Thank you for your interest in the 14th Celebration of Women in Computing Conference (CAN-CWiC)

CAN-CWiC provides an excellent opportunity to connect with hundreds of female computing students from across the country.

Sponsorship Benefits:

CAN-CWIC is funded by sponsorship by industry, government and universities/colleges. Becoming a sponsor of the CAN-CWIC affords your organization the opportunity to:

Statistics from 2023:

CAN-CWIC is funded by sponsorship by industry, government and universities/colleges. Becoming a sponsor of the CAN-CWIC affords your organization the opportunity to:

Attendees
0
Orgnizations
0 +
Institutions
0 +
Sponsors
0 +
Funding Success
0 %
Lighting Talks
0
Awards
0
Job FairBooths
0

CAN-CWiC is 75% funded through sponsorship by industry, government, universities and colleges.

All funds are used to support student participation. Sponsorship allows CAN-CWiC to offer highly subsidized fees for students to attend all presentations, panels and workshops, participate by giving talks or presenting posters, network with other attendees and attend the career fair and banquet. Thanks to our sponsors, we are also able to provide overnight accommodation, and, in many cases, transportation for students.

Sponsor Packages and Intent to Sponsor Form

Information for Sponsors

Sponsorship Terms

Welcome

We had another great Canadian Celebration of Women in Computing. Hope to welcome you next year. Dates and location will be announced in early 2025

Thank you to the 2024 Sponsors

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