What is Girls in STEAM?
MPL is excited to introduce Girls in STEAM, a 8-week program crafted for Grade 9 girls to inspire their passion for the sciences and explore careers in STEAM fields. This dynamic program provides a fantastic chance for mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on experiences.
Why Should You Join?
Boost Your Confidence: Discover your potential and gain the confidence to excel in STEAM.
Hands-On Learning: Engage in STEAM-based training and develop practical skills
Mentorship Opportunities: Connect with experienced mentors who can guide and inspire you.
Supportive Community: Join a network of peers and professionals committed to your success.
Real-World Projects: Work on a STEAM project with real-world. applications, showcasing your talent and creativity.
Certificate of Completion: Get a letter/certificate of completion to be used towards higher education applications.
Volunteer Hours: Get volunteer hours for participating in the program.
About the Program
Step into the empowering world of the Girls in STEAM program! Over the course of 8 immersive lessons, students will be:
- Exploring STEAM Careers and the gender-based bias in STEAM
- Learning about research methodology and conducting primary research
- Investigating artificial intelligence (AI)
- Building skills in coding, presenting, collaborating, critical thinking, and problem-solving
Join us in this one of a kind opportunity to unravel your passions, uncover your strengths, and discover where your unique skills intersect within the vibrant realm of STEAM!"
Registration Opens: Monday June 8th, 2026
Registration Deadline: **new deadline**Monday September 14th, 2026
Other Key Dates:
- The Kickoff Event will be held on Tuesday September 15th - 5:30pm -7:30pm at Markham Village Branch
- Meetups on Tuesdays at Markham Village Branch from September 22nd to November 10th from 5:30-7:30 pm
- Closing Presentations: Tuesday November 17th 5:30-7:30pm at Markham Village Branch's Fireside Lounge
How to Apply?
This program is exclusively for girls enrolled in Grade 9 as of Fall 2026. We have a limited number of spots available. You must have a strong interest in STEAM and be a highly self-motivated and committed student. Please submit your online application form. You also have the option to upload an optional letter of recommendation along with your application. The most suitable candidates will be selected to be part of the program. Please see here, opens a new window [PDF] for reference requirement.
For more information, please email a Community Librarian at mplcommunitylibrarians@markhamlibrary.ca, opens a new window
Mentors
Abigail Laverick
Fifth-year Neuroscience BSc student
York University
Abigail is a fifth-year Neuroscience BSc student, specializing in the Molecular and Cellular stream at York University. She has worked as a research assistant in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies and tutors students in math and science.
Alice Wong
Director, Operations
City of Markham
Alice is a registered Professional Engineer with 20 years of diverse and progressive technical and leadership experience. She graduated from the University of Toronto Civil Engineering program, beginning her career right away with the private consulting specializing in traffic engineering and planning. Shortly after, Alice joined the Ministry of Transportation and rotated through different areas such as urban planning, structural, traffic, intelligent transportation system, highway engineering and construction to gain multi-disciplinary experience.
In 2014, Alice joined the City of Markham's Engineering Department as their Manager of Infrastructure and Capital works to oversee the City's infrastructure projects. Alice is currently the Director of Operations for the City of Markham overseeing Roads, Parks, Fleets, Corridor Management and other Operations to ensure the City is operating seamlessly. She has led many innovative initiatives to continue industry advancement. She is most proud of her team dynamic and inclusion, as she knows they have each other’s back no matter what challenges they face. In her spare time, Alice volunteered as a mentor with the WTS (Women in Transportation Seminar) Toronto Chapter and PEO (Professional Engineers of Ontario) to give back to the community by helping other emerging leaders.
Amy Au
ACC, FCPC, FCBC, BSc.
Innovate You
Amy Au is an Executive Leadership Coach, ICF Certified (ACC), and Fascinate® Certified Advisor who radiates inspiring transformation. As the Founder of Innovate You, Amy empowers Women in STEM leaders and their teams to lead with confidence, embrace their unique value, and create positive impact through bold, authentic leadership.
With 25+ years in the tech sector, including two decades at a Global Fortune 500 company. Amy brings expertise in business analytics, tech-driven innovation, and leading change. Her journey as an Asian woman immigrant in STEM fuels her mission to uplift women, underrepresented leaders and build inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive and cultivating the next generation of trailblazing women leaders.
Amy is a best-selling co-author of “Evolution of Leadership in STEM – Women Catalyzing Change”, a 2024 ICF Toronto Volunteer of the Year, and an enthusiastic voice for self-promotion and confidence as a certified #IAmRemarkable facilitator.
Known for her energizing connection, innovative thinking, and deep empathy, Amy speaks on topics including leadership visibility, confidence, resilience, inclusive team cultures, navigating career transitions, and building executive presence with authenticity.
Caitlin Kwan
Software engineer
Caitlin is a software engineer who recently graduated from the University of Waterloo, where she studied Computer Science and Human-Computer Interaction. She cares deeply about building tech that solves problems to make the world a better place, with specialized interests in UI/UX design and accessibility. Through internships and volunteer roles, she has gained insights into a variety of industries, from startups to healthcare, to building software for non-profit organizations.
Caitlin is passionate about teaching and mentorship in STEAM, and brings a wide range of experience at the intersection of these fields, having previously led STEAM-based summer camps at MPL, mentored students in study skills and math tutoring, and taught children's coding classes with the City of Markham. She is excited to be a mentor for this year's cohort of Girls in STEAM, having personally experienced the positive impacts of having female mentors in her own career, and wanting to give back to the community in a similar way.
Denisa Necula
Brownfield Environmental Technologist
City of Markham
Denisa Necula is a Brownfield Environmental Technologist at the City of Markham with more than 15 years of experience dealing with brownfields and environmental concerns. Specializing in soil and groundwater contamination issues, Denisa uses that experience to help facilitate development approvals for City’s Engineering Department and Real Estate Group. Denisa loves that this program will give the participants a chance to explore different possibilities, and find their passion in STEM, but also give her and other professionals the opportunity to give back to the community.
Dianna Senior
Civil/Environmental Engineer with Jacob
(previously CH2M Hill Canada Limited)
Dianna Senior is a Professional Engineer and credentialed Sustainability Professional. She has over 25 years of experience in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure projects, primarily in the field of water, wastewater and transportation. Dianna’s work focuses on sustainability in wastewater treatment and transportation and her experience includes small, large, and mega-projects (over $500 million capital cost). Throughout her career, Dianna has worked collaboratively with various clients, contractors, consultants, and multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of projects, with a focus on meeting project objectives, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and industry best practices.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Dianna is passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of engineering professionals. She believes that providing students with meaningful
practical experience, guidance, and exposure to real-world engineering projects is an important part of developing future leaders in the profession. Dianna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of the West Indies, a Masters of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a licensed Professional
Engineer (P.Eng.), in the Province of Ontario
Erin Westerman
Scientist in Schools
Erin Westman is the Director of National Outreach for Scientists in School, a charitable organization that has engaged over 11 million youth in Canada since 1989. Erin has always been fascinated by living things, from insects to elephants, and curious to learn more about how life works. After earning her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Guelph and a Postdoc at the Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University, Erin designed and instructed numerous biology courses at various Ontario Universities as a sessional lecturer, drawing on her enthusiasm for science and belief in the importance of communicating academic work accessibly. Erin was drawn to Scientists in School to unite developmentally appropriate science learning for youth with deep belief in the importance of basic research. Erin seeks to promote inclusivity in science, starting by increasing children’s interest and confidence in STEM disciplines.
Hailey Leung
Gr. 11 -
past girls in steam participant
I am Hailey, a Grade 11 student at Markville Secondary School. I am currently studying university prep course of Chemistry and Physics and pursuing a major in Biochemistry or Medicine. I want to pursue Science because when I was very young, I loved books about Chemistry and would always go to the library to learn more. My family also values health a lot so I was influenced to learn about Medicine in post-secondary. I love baking, learning about new scientific discoveries, and helping younger students in school and my community.
Marina Riad
M.Eng, P.Eng, PMP
City of Markham
Marina Riad is a passionate civil engineer with over ten years of hands-on experience in infrastructure design and project management, primarily within the City of Markham. With both a Master’s and bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University, she consistently excelled academically, making the Dean's Honour List multiple times. Currently, as the Manager of Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Marina leads important municipal initiatives, ensuring they stay on budget and meet regulatory standards while promoting teamwork and open communication. Before joining Markham, she gained valuable experience at the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, where she tackled challenges on various highway projects and worked closely with engineering consultants. Marina is dedicated to finding innovative solutions that enhance the city’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Dr. Melinda Chelva
Postdoctoral Fellow
SickKids
Dr. Melinda Chelva (she/her) has a BHSc in Life Sciences and a PhD in Translational Medicine from Queen's University. Currently, she is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at SickKids. She has worked with several international collaborators to improve the cervical cancer ‘screen-
triage-treat’ approach in East Africa. Her research expertise is focused on improving the uptake of HPV self-collection using various recruitment strategies and reducing loss to follow-up using mHealth supported patient navigation strategies. Through extensive field work, Melinda has had
the opportunity to explore the levels of knowledge and awareness on HPV and cervical cancer among rural and urban women in Tanzania and has been able to understand the barriers
and facilitators to enhance cervical cancer prevention services using an ‘implementation science-focused lens’. Currently, as a Postdoctoral Fellow at SickKids, Dr. Chelva is advancing several global pediatric oncology research initiatives, continuing her commitment to improving health equity through collaborative, impactful research. Dr Chelva loves that STEM fosters curiosity and empowers problem-solving. It is a field where creativity meets logic, allowing for innovative
solutions to real- world challenges. STEM encourages exploration across disciplines, fueling discoveries that can improve lives, whether it is through medical breakthroughs, technological advancements, or sustainability efforts. The collaborative nature of STEM brings together diverse perspectives to positively impact communities across the globe.
Negar Mahmoudi
Manager, Utility and Right of Way,
City of MArkham
Negar Mahmoudi is a registered professional engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, with over 20 years of experience in the planning, design, and delivery of complex utility infrastructure, energy systems, and major public works projects across Canada in both the private and public sectors.
She currently serves as Manager of Utility & Right-of-Way at the City of Markham, overseeing utility permitting reviews and compliance inspections, corridor management, engineering design reviews, and management of operations and maintenance programs. In this role, she leads a diverse, multidisciplinary team of professionals, directs engineering services and policy development, and represents the City in negotiations and stakeholder engagement with utilities and external agencies.
Previously, Negar held senior leadership positions with several leading private engineering firms, where she managed civil/structural teams delivering engineering design, owner’s engineering services, construction oversight, and compliance inspections for utility projects, including large-scale transit developments, transmission lines, substations, and other capital infrastructure projects.
A dedicated mentor and coach, Negar has guided engineering and technical teams throughout her career, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and innovation. She is committed to advancing diversity in STEM and inspiring the next generation of engineers by sharing her professional journey and demonstrating the critical role of engineering in building sustainable communities.
Nya Ali
Grade 12 student ,
Unionville High School
Hello! My name is Nya and I am a Grade 12 student at Unionville High School. I am a part of my school's STEM program, which gives me a lot of experience with STEAM related activities at the high school level. We do a lot of contests, host events, and run classes to teach elementary students. I have always been curious and innovative as a kid and wanted to find a way to show other kids about how fascinating STEAM can be. This led to the creation of my collaborative STEAM board game: Breakthroughs: Ages of Innovation. This game is a fun, educational way for teachers to tackle STEAM curiosity while engaging younger children. I have worked with professionals to design, produce, and package these games. As a result, I have experience in working with STEAM professionals! If you have anything you want to talk about, STEAM related, about high school or anything else, feel free to talk to me. I remember my first few days of high school, and I definitely would have felt more relaxed if I had an upperclassmen to talk to! I am very excited to get to know all of you!
Aleeya Irshad
Computer Engineering student ,
York University Lassonde School of Engineering
I am a fourth year Computer Engineering student at York University Lassonde School of Engineering, with a passion for innovation and a drive to harness strengths into the solutions of tomorrow! I am currently learning about computer vision, analog electronics and robotics, and simultaneously doing a micro-internship at Dell Technologies! Previously, I worked at KPMG as a Software Developer Intern, and was President / CRO of York University's Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) club for a couple years! I have also been involved in volunteering as a hackathon judge, contributed AI research in a STEM conference, lead career and tech workshops, and worked as a Program Mentor Lead for Lassonde's k2i academy. For fun, I love to play volleyball, sing, play my electric guitar, game with my brother, and spend time with friends and family!
Rosalie Daffern
Borrower Services Clerk,
Markham Public Library
Rosalie has worked in various capacities at Markham Public Library since 2017. She currently holds the position of Full Time Borrower Services Clerk at the Angus Glen Branch. In this role she provides customer service and manages library materials. Since 2009 Rosalie has also been a
passionate presenter and mentor with the Scientists in School. A National charity which ignites
scientific curiosity and provides science education thorough interactive workshops. As a life long
learner, Rosalie has a passion and curiosity for learning and is dedicated to inspiring a love for learning to all ages. When not working, you’ll find Rosalie outside exploring nature or
performing kitchen chemistry, creating delicious treats for family, friends and staff.
Zahra Parhizgari
City of Markham
Zahra Parhizgari is an Environmental Engineer with over 20 years of experience leading environmental and water resources projects. Her expertise spans water and sediment quality monitoring and modeling, lake and stormwater management, erosion control, and environmental risk assessment. Zahra has successfully managed multidisciplinary projects from planning through execution, collaborating with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, while mentoring teams and ensuring high-quality outcomes. With
a strong foundation in research and data analysis, she brings both scientific rigor and practical insight to her work. Zahra is passionate about STEM because it empowers her to solve complex environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable, science-driven solutions that protect our natural resources.