Pioneering Change & Shaping the Future of Innovation in Technology

Join (WIE) Toronto Section and (IBZ) as we celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring event focused on advancing diversity and innovation in STEM!

📅 Date: March 5, 2025
📍 Location: Centre for Urban Innovation, Toronto Metropolitan University
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM

This event brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts to explore how women are driving change and shaping the future of technology. Come enjoy a great discussion, connect with like-minded individuals, and grab some snacks and refreshments!

Agenda:

5:30 – 6:00 PM – Networking Session
Meet fellow attendees, industry professionals, and tech enthusiasts while enjoying refreshments.

6:00 – 6:15 PM – Opening Remarks
Welcome from IEEE Women in Engineering and Innovation Boost Zone.

6:20 – 7:00 PM – Panel Discussion
Industry experts discuss challenges, successes, and opportunities for women in STEM and entrepreneurship.

7:00 – 7:15 PM – Q&A, Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up
A chance to ask questions, hear final insights, and acknowledge our sponsors.

Whether you're a student, professional, or industry leader, this event is a chance to celebrate, learn, and connect with a community dedicated to fostering diversity and technological advancement.

For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, contact [email protected]
Panelists:

Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi is a Senior Scientist at KITE and an Associate Professor at the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. She is a leading researcher in sleep and airway disorders, specializing in the physiological mechanisms that contribute to breathing difficulties during sleep, including sleep apnea and nocturnal asthma. Dr. Yadollahi directs SleepdB, Canada's first sound-proof sleep laboratory, where she pioneers advancements in diagnosing and treating chronic respiratory conditions. Her work integrates biomedical engineering with innovative wearable technologies to improve respiratory health.

She completed her doctoral training at the University of Manitoba, followed by postdoctoral research under renowned respirologist Dr. T. Douglas Bradley at UHN. With expertise spanning respiratory sound analysis, sleep health, and rehabilitation research, she continues to push the boundaries of sleep medicine through cutting-edge discoveries and translational innovations.

Dr. Neda Ghazi is the CEO of Comfable. As a tech entrepreneur with a passion for innovation, Neda is dedicated to leveraging technology, AI, and user-centered design to create impactful digital solutions. As the CEO of Comfable, she leads a team committed to turning cutting-edge research into real-world innovations that enhance everyday life.

At Comfable, her team has developed award-winning products like Sun Index and UV Weather, featured by Google and Apple, and trusted by millions worldwide. Beyond their own innovations, they collaborate with startups and businesses to design AI-driven applications, intuitive UX, and scalable digital solutions that bring ideas to life.

With a deep background in technology and business, she has honed her leadership through programs like Next Canada, DMZ, and GrowClass, equipping her with the tools to bridge technology, business, and innovation.

Beyond building products, she is committed to mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and fostering more opportunities for women in technology. As we navigate the next wave of AI, digital transformation, and ethical innovation, she remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders in STEM.

Dr. Dalia Hanna has over 25 years of experience in academia and industry. She currently serves as the Director of IT Services at Sheridan College, where she oversees governance structures for service management and technology solutions. Previously, she served as an Associate Dean at Sheridan, Program Director at The Chang School, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and Manager of Teaching and Learning at TMU. Dr. Hanna holds a PhD in Computer Science from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and an M.Sc. in Instructional Design and Technology from Walden University. She is a Professional Engineer in Ontario (P.Eng.) and a Project Management Professional (PMP®).

Dalia is an award-winning researcher and adjunct professor, recognized for her contributions to the field. She has presented, published, and moderated presentations and talks both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Olivier Trescases is a Full Professor at the University of Toronto and a Canada Research Chair in Power Electronic Converters, specializing in high-efficiency power electronics for automotive, industrial, aerospace, and renewable energy applications. He is also the Director of the U of T Electric Vehicle Research Centre, collaborating with leading automotive suppliers and OEMs. He earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Toronto in 2007 and previously worked at Infineon Technologies in Austria. His expertise includes high-frequency power electronics, battery management systems, and power integrated circuits. During his 2016 sabbatical, he worked at Texas Instruments Kilby Labs and NXP Semiconductor.

A prolific researcher, he has published over 115 peer-reviewed IEEE papers, earning multiple best paper awards. He serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics and was Chair of the IEEE Toronto Section (2018-2019). His contributions include developing Porsche Canada’s National Electromobility Certification Program, and he has received the City of Toronto Green Innovation Award, ECE Teaching Award, and several IEEE conference honors.

Host or Publisher IEEE WIE