U of G hosts sixth annual RISE Conference for women in engineering
Written by Sofia Rimando
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, U of G hosted the sixth annual RISE Conference, a conference for women in engineering. Organized by Women in Engineering (WiE), the event brought together more than 100 students, alumni, and industry professionals for a day of connection, learning, and career exploration.
RISE was organized by Dr. Jana Levison, professor and Doody Family Chair for Women in Engineering, Jean Hein, Outreach Manager for the College of Engineering and the College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, and Sofia Rimando, Women in Engineering Outreach Co-op, with support from a team of student volunteers.
Participants began the day with a light breakfast and networking activities, providing an opportunity to meet fellow students, alumni, and industry professionals before the day’s programming began.
The conference featured a talk by Stephanie Thompson, the founder of STEM by Steph, who drew on both personal stories and professional experiences to reflect on the multigenerational journey of women in STEM. Her talk emphasized the importance of encouraging, supporting, and mentoring young women and girls throughout every stage of their STEM journey.
Three interactive workshops followed, giving participants the opportunity to explore topics ranging from professional licensure to resilience and career development. Representatives from Professional Engineers Ontario led “Career Insights on the Path to a P.Eng.,” exploring the requirements and application process for professional licensure. “Unraveling Burnout: What Crocheting Can Teach Engineering Students About Resilience” introduced participants to the basics of crocheting while offering a creative perspective on resilience and managing burnout. The final workshop, “Landing the Job: AI Tools and Networking Tips to Make You Stand Out in the Application Process,” provided practical strategies for navigating the job search and building professional connections.
After lunch, participants took part in roundtable discussions led by U of G engineering alumni and engineers who had recently received their Iron Rings. The conversations gave recent graduates an opportunity to share their stories, advice, and lessons from the early stages of their careers. Current students could ask questions and hear firsthand about the transition from university into the workplace, further education, and other career paths.
Representatives from DENSO, Professional Engineers Ontario’s Grand River Chapter 30 by 30 Committee, and Pomerleau also joined the event, providing additional opportunities for participants to connect with professionals and learn about different pathways within engineering.
RISE 2026 was made possible through the generous support of the Doody Family and event sponsors DENSO, Dennis Group + IFAB, and Pomerleau. Many thanks to the workshop and roundtable discussion leaders for sharing their insights and expertise, and to the many student volunteers who helped make the event possible.
Through its workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, RISE emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women in engineering can connect, learn from one another, and build supportive professional communities.