International Women’s Day at SNOLAB 

March 8th is International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to celebrating progress and taking action for gender equity. It serves as a powerful reminder for us to reflect on the inspirations that sparked a lifelong passion for STEM, and to acknowledge those who supported and encouraged women to overcome barriers to success. 

To mark this occasion, we invited those who identify as women at SNOLAB to reflect on their journeys and share stories of those who inspired them to follow their passions. Take a look at some of these stories below. 

“My biggest inspiration in STEM has always been my mom. She never measured my future by cultural expectations or by what others thought was “best” for me. Instead, she encouraged me to choose what genuinely interested me and reminded me that it was okay to follow a different path if it made me happy. 
Some of my favourite memories are of turning the house into a mini‑laboratory — using whatever supplies I could find to try little experiments and usually making a mess. Instead of stopping me, she would sit beside me and offer simple ideas to make the experiment better or help me think through what I was trying to do. Those moments made learning feel exciting and natural. 
Growing up, she quietly made sure I stayed focused on my education and didn’t let myself get pulled off track by the expectations around us. Not in a negative way — just in a way that showed she believed in my potential and wanted me to have the space to explore it fully. 
Her steady support, her trust in me, and the way she always encouraged curiosity are the reasons I’m here today. I chose my path in STEM because it genuinely excited me, and I carry her influence with me in everything I do.” 

– Sahima Dema, Chemical Technologist

“One piece that I have learned as I’ve grown in my career is the importance of having a network of colleagues. Prof. Michelle Dolinski (Drexel Univ.) and Prof. Gabriel Orebi-Gann (UC Berkeley & LBNL) are two examples of women who started out as friends and later became collaborators. We have all realized how essential it is to have people to bounce ideas off and support each other as our careers grow and intertwine.” 

– Dr. Erica Caden, Research Scientist 

“My Grade 5 teacher inspired me to pursue a career in STEM. I was strong in math, and she once asked if my parents were engineers — a question that made me realize how she saw potential in me. I am proud to be the first female engineer in my family. 
When we moved to Canada, my dad encouraged us to explore engineering as a career and supported my education wholeheartedly. He believed in my potential and stood by me every step of the way. 
When I got accepted to a university for engineering, he wasn’t fully prepared for the transition where I had to move out of the city and live independently. To support me, we all moved closer to where my university was so I could stay home and attend late evening classes more easily. This decision required him to travel more for work, but he made that sacrifice so I could focus on my studies and future.” 

– Mehwish Obaid, Project Management Office Manager

“My Grade 7 science teacher, Mr. Falconi, was a true inspiration. He opened my eyes to a world beyond what I could immediately see and taught me that real discovery begins when you look deeper and ask why.”

– Lina Anselmo, Scientific Support Manager 

“When I reflect upon my career, there are so many people who influenced me. This year I would like to recognize Professor Bernice Durand and Professor Randy Durand. Bernice and Randy volunteered their time to set up a qualifying exam study course in the evenings for graduate students who were on their last chance to pass the qualifying exam. I know that without this class and their guidance, I would have exited the Ph.D. program without a degree. Although Bernice is no longer with us, I am eternally grateful to her and Randy for helping me to focus and pass the exam.”

– Dr. Jodi Cooley, Executive Director

“My path was shaped by many women who opened doors for me and by the women I saw who were balancing academics, family, interests, and careers. Those who were balancing many commitments were not doing it perfectly but they showed me it was possible and that was the point.” 

– Blaire Flynn, Education and Outreach Officer 

This IWD, you are encouraged to reflect on how you can break down barriers to support gender equity.