As part of our focus on contributing to organizations that support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education outreach and foster diversity, Finning Canada has partnered with Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and developed two scholarships awarded annually to young women in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo pursuing careers in STEM.

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Girls Inc. awarded the Finning Canada STEM awards to Aparna Gupta and Janelle Flett.

Aparna is a 5th year chemical engineering student at the University of Alberta, whose desire to become an engineer is rooted in her experience being raised in Fort McMurray. At 13, she had the opportunity to visit Syncrude and experience life as an engineer for a day. Aparna is involved in encouraging and educating young people about opportunities for females in engineering, through mentoring with Girls Inc.

Janelle is working towards becoming an environmental scientist. Growing up near the oil sands and being Indigenous, she understood the economic benefits but worried for her community and land. “As a little girl I remember wanting to save the world after watching a water documentary,” says Janelle. “Now I know I won’t save the world but I think the path I’m on is a step in the right direction.”

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