In this episode we talk with Julie Hawco the founder of the STEM Moms Project, join us as we explore how to increase the retention of mid-career STEM women.

Thank you for listening to the Leaders, Innovators and Big Ideas podcast, supported by Rainforest Alberta. The podcast that highlights those people who are contributing to and/or supporting the innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Host: Peter Beaudoin Peter manages strategy and partnerships for an innovative alliance of energy companies committed to reducing environmental impacts through collaborative R&D efforts. Peter worked for more than 20 years in Asia building and investing in a variety of businesses. His most recent role outside of Canada was with the World Wildlife Fund, where he was the Chief Executive Officer of WWF China, based in Beijing. Prior to that, Peter lived in Hong Kong for 15 years working in the technology industry.

Guest: Julie Hawco, P.Eng - Founder, STEM Moms Project, has spent the past 15 years working in Canada’s Energy sector as an engineer focused on Oil Sands technology and innovation.  Through this experience she noted the contrast in the challenges faced by her female vs male peers once they became parents.  Julie founded the STEM Moms Project to understand the unique challenges and nuances of being a Mother and STEM professional utilizing a focus group approach; and identifying recommendations towards improving the retention of mid-career STEM women.  Julie is a mom of two and dedicated volunteer within Alberta’s energy ecosystem.

Please be sure to share this episode with everyone you know. If you are interested in being either a host, a guest, or a sponsor of the show, please reach out. We are published in Google Podcasts and the iTunes store for Apple Podcasts We would be grateful if you could give us a rating as it helps spread the word about the show.

Show Links:

• The STEM Moms Project

Show Quotes:

"For some people, they might be feeling really ill, and maybe they are struggling to show up every day, and they're worried about what the repercussion of that."

Credits...

This Episode Sponsored By: New Idea Machine

Episode Music: Tony Del Degan

Creator & Producer: Al Del Degan