Annual Canadian
Celebration of Women In
Computing Conference
(CAN-CWIC) West

Dr. Ouldooz Baghban Karimi teaches and conducts research on data, systems, and networks. She is passionate about networks and systems, computing science education, and facilitating progress towards diversity, inclusion, equity, and fair access in the computing science discipline, and through computing science in the society. She is active in taking opportunities to serve the community. She has served as the Chair of Diversity Committee, at the School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University (2019-2025), Diversity and Inclusion Chair at ACM MMSys 2023, co-chair of CAN-CWIC 2023 and CAN-CWIC West 2025, and steering committee member of CAN-CWIC since 2024. She is currently a senior lecturer and a Rajan Family Scholar at the School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University.

Dr. Giulia Toti is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Computer Science Department at the University of British Columbia (UBC) - Vancouver. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic of Turin and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Houston. She teaches large undergraduate courses on introduction to systematic programming, applied machine learning, and ethics in computer science. She is also the chair of her departmental Committee for Outreach, Diversity and Equity (CODE).

Mantaj is a Computing Science student at Simon Fraser University and a past president of SFU Women in Computing Science (WiCS). Outside of her leadership activities, she is dedicated to building technology that is challenging, meaningful, and capable of real change. She is a huge supporter of women in tech and casually enjoys heading outdoors and building small, crafty projects.

Gizem Kurekci Polat is an MSc student in the School of Computing Science at Simon Fraser University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, and her master’s research focuses on human-centric networked systems, exploring how technology can better support human needs and interactions. She is also interested in machine learning and artificial intelligence and is eager to expand her knowledge in these areas. Gizem enjoys collaborating with others, learning about emerging technologies, and contributing to an inclusive computing community that encourages women and diverse individuals to pursue careers in technology. As a member of the event management team for CAN-CWiC West 2026, she is excited to help create a welcoming conference where students, researchers, and professionals can connect, share ideas, and build meaningful connections.

Emily is a third year student in Computing Science at SFU, part of the team that started CAN-CWiC West in 2024 and is thrilled for the third iteration, as a Registration Manager! Her leadership roles include Mentorship Coordinator for WiCS and Events Director of the CSSS. She was inspired to run for these positions due to the powerful and supportive women in the SFU computing community. After attending the Grace Hopper Celebration last year, she’s looking forward to bringing ideas from that conference over to CAN-CWiC West 2026!

Hi, I’m Muniza. I love reading books and writing, and there isn’t a day that goes by without me reading. I also make it a priority to exercise every day. In my free time, I enjoy creating videos and capturing photographs, and I am deeply passionate about supporting and encouraging women in Computer Science.

I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Computing Science at Simon Fraser University, where I have gained experience in teaching, research, data engineering, and machine learning. I currently work as a Research Assistant in Natural Language Processing (NLP), with a research focus on text processing for large language models (LLMs), contributing to the Parabix high-performance text processing framework. I also work as a Data Engineering Intern at Cavallo Technologies, where I build data solutions using Python, SQL, and Databricks. My previous experience includes developing machine learning models, performing data analysis, and conducting AI research.

Isabelle is a computing science student at SFU, thrilled to be part of the organizing team for CAN-CWIC West for the third year in a row. She is proud to see how much the event has grown since its first iteration and is passionate about continuing that momentum. An active member of her community, Isabelle volunteers with her student society and clubs such as Women in Computing Science (WiCS). Through CAN-CWIC, she hopes to connect with other women in technology and highlight the incredible contributions they make to our communities.

I’m a third-year Computing Science student at Simon Fraser University, and I’m currently the Director of Communications for SFU Women in Computing Science, where I manage official communications and share opportunities with our members. Alongside that, I work as a Software Developer at SFU Blueprint, a pro bono organization building software for local nonprofits. I’ve lived across five continents before coming to Canada, and I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and seeing new places. I’m really excited to join the CAN-CWIC West team as Sponsorship Manager this year, and I’m looking forward to working with such a great group!

Audrey Safikhani is a computing science student at Simon Fraser University who spends most of her time asking how technology can better the lives of the people using it. At SFU’s Tangent Lab, she works at the intersection of HCI, robotics, and AI; her team’s co-design study on diminished reality as attention support for students with ADHD was recently accepted to DIS 2026. She currently works as a Software Engineer Co-op at Kardium Inc., on the manufacturing software behind a cardiac ablation device for atrial fibrillation. On campus, she is the sole developer behind The Peak Publication, SFU’s independent student newspaper, which reaches over 2,000 readers a month, and she previously handled marketing for CAN-CWiC 2025 as part of SFU Women in Computing Science. Outside of professional life, she is passionate about photography, music, and taking long walks by the ocean.

Nicole Chu is a second-year Business + Computer Science student at UBC who enjoys combining business strategies with technical problem-solving! She is excited to help deliver a meaningful and engaging conference experience while expanding opportunities for women in computing. She loves learning new things and meeting new people! Outside of school, she loves playing racquet sports, getting sweet treats, and playing the piano and guitar.

Hi! I’m Asmi, a third-year Computing Science and Business student at Simon Fraser University and the Director of Marketing for SFU Women in Computing Science (WiCS). I enjoy combining creativity and community building to help students discover opportunities and encourage more women to feel comfortable stepping into the CS community. I love bringing ideas to life and enjoy the process of solving problems through technology. As part of the CAN-CWIC West organizing team, I’m excited to help create a welcoming conference where students can learn, connect, and feel inspired. Outside of school, I enjoy creating content about university life, painting, baking, cafe hopping, and listening to music.

Saman Atiq is a UBC student studying Computer Science as part of the Combined Major in Science Program. She currently works with the UBC Faculty of Science Dean’s office on strategic initiatives involving software development, data analysis, and digital tools for students and faculty. Her work has included developing data pipelines and dashboards, supporting degree planning tools, and creating AI enabled applications. Saman also serves as Data Analyst Lead with Women in Data Science UBC, where she contributes to data focused initiatives and team coordination. Outside of technical work, she is a Residence Advisor and an International Scholars Peer Leader at UBC, roles that have strengthened her experience in communication, event coordination, and student support. She is particularly interested in using technology, data, and project management to improve how teams and communities operate.

Hello my name is Yuko and I am a fourth year statistics major at UBC. As an executive of Women in Data Science at UBC, I am passionate about creating inclusive spaces in tech and am excited to work with like-minded people across Canadian universities to further uplift our community! In my free time I enjoy knitting, graphic design, and am currently learning to sew :3

I’m Prajna, a Computer Science student at the University of British Columbia with interests spanning technology, product, and creative media. I’ve gained experience across software development, cloud infrastructure, and AI through my work at Hootsuite and the UBC x AWS Cloud Innovation Centre. Outside of work, I’m the co-founder of Formme, a fashion-tech startup exploring how technology can make manufacturing more accessible for independent designers and emerging brands. I’m also involved with UBC Women in Computer Science, where I currently serve as VP Operations and have previously worked on media and community initiatives. I’m especially interested in the intersection of technology and creativity, and I love building things, exploring new ideas, and finding ways to use technology to create meaningful impact.

Rachel is a 4th-year Computer Science and Microbiology & Immunology student at the University of British Columbia. Driven by a passion for interdisciplinary technology and innovation, she actively works to create an empowering and supportive community as Co-President of UBC Women in Data Science. This year, Rachel is thrilled to serve as the Registration Manager for CAN-CWIC West 2026, and looks forward to creating an environment where underrepresented groups in tech feel inspired and connected. In her free time, she enjoys running, hanging out with friends, and trying new food spots around Vancouver!

Hi! I’m a CS and Statistics student going into my 5th year at UBC. I’ve joined the CAN-CWiC organizing team as part of Women in Data Science @ UBC. I first heard of CAN-CWiC when I toured universities in high school and met Wendy Powley, a friendly face in Kingston, Ontario who started this conference. I’ve remembered her passion for creating inclusive spaces for women in tech throughout my time at UBC. After being a gender-inclusive hackathon co-lead and now Co-President of WiDS@UBC, I’m happy to share my passion for promoting gender diversity in tech through this conference.

Hi everyone! I’m Leticia (Lele to my friends), a 3rd year Business and Computer Science student at UBC and the UBC-side Sponsorship Manager for CAN-CWiC. Originally from Goiânia, Brazil, I got into tech through a SheCodes workshop where I learned HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and I liked it enough to keep going.

This past summer, I worked as a Software Engineering Intern at BTG Pactual in São Paulo, building features for an internal investment platform. At UBC, I’m also Co-VP of Logistics for Women in Computer Science (WiCS) and a workshop facilitator for GIRLsmarts4Tech. My goal as Sponsorship Manager is to bring in partners who show up for students. In my free time, you’ll probably find me at the gym, running at Stanley Park on the weekend, or out with friends at The Gallery.