The national hub for immigrant women+ in STEM & business since 2017
For nearly a decade we've stood alongside immigrant women+, pushing for the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
Now, it's your turn.
FEATURED IN
It’s not you. It’s the system.
Our research with Statistics Canada shows that immigrant women+ make up 52% of Canada’s STEM workforce, yet they remain underrepresented and overlooked.
Canada tells immigrant women+ that their skills are valued. But when they arrive, they can’t get hired.
This not only impacts their ability to thrive in Canada, it steals their confidence, sense of purpose, and self worth.
Immigrant women+ deserve more.
One part of a bigger mission
Immigrant Women in STEM, an initiative of TGC, was created to meet the unique challenges immigrant women+ face in Canada’s STEM and business fields.
This work is part of TGC’s bigger mission: to double the number of women+ in high growth sectors within the next decade.
We believe that by supporting immigrant women+ today—with the tools, resources, and community to thrive—we can reshape Canada’s STEM and business sectors into a more inclusive and equitable place for generations to come.
Courses, coaching, and community to get your career back on track
You already have the talent and training. We’ll help you translate it into a career that gets recognized and rewarded in Canada.
Courses that help you move from “stuck” to hired
Personalized career coaching from our team of experts
Opportunities to network with supportive mentors and peers
Free resources to support you at every step
We understand because we’ve been there
Many of our team members are immigrant women+ themselves, so we know the challenges you’re facing and are here to validate and support your journey.
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Aarani Mathialagan
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Aarani is a graphic designer who uses illustration to represent the mosaic of identities and experiences of immigrant women+ in STEM.
Using real people as her inspiration, Aarani seeks to capture the lived experiences of her subjects, incorporating small details — from jewelry and pins to clothing and hairstyles — to make each illustration feel as unique and authentic as the women+ themselves. -
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AJ Tibando
STRATEGY
AJ is an entrepreneur and strategist with 15+ years of experience across startups, policy, and government.
AJ is a leader in innovation, workforce development, and social impact who bridges tech, nonprofits, and politics to drive meaningful change. AJ has co-founded multiple organizations, including Palette Skills, which she scaled from $1M to $250M in under five years. AJ is also a former Senior Policy Advisor in the Ontario government. -
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Chi-Chi Egbo
PRODUCT
Chi-Chi is an award-winning career strategist and speaker with 10+ years of experience in career development, curriculum design, people development, and coaching.
Her mission is to help everyone feel good about their careers by changing the systems where career growth happens. Chi-Chi’s work has helped over 1,000 people launch successful careers and guided numerous startups and global organizations on employee development strategies.
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Jocelyn Courneya
COPYWRITING
(she/her)
Jocelyn is a marketing and communications consultant who is passionate about advancing social change through storytelling and digital strategy.
Over the last 9 years, Jocelyn has led strategic communication initiatives for mission-driven organizations, including TGC, QueerTech, and others. Jocelyn brings creativity, empathy, and an equity-centered approach to every project, from digital campaigns to brand strategy. -
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Katie German
OPERATIONS
Katie has been working in non-profits and charities for the past 15+ years, working in the fields of health equity, food justice, and gender-based violence.
Katie’s strength is building well-funded programs that are deeply rooted in community, while advancing the organization’s advocacy goals and mission. At TGC, Katie brings expertise in non-profit management, operations, fundraising, board governance, and equitable workplace policy development. -
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Lina Komkova
MARKETING
Lina is a marketing and partnerships leader with 10+ years of experience building inclusive brands and connecting with diverse communities.
Lina has led cross-functional campaigns, launched agencies, and collaborated with global companies including Warner Bros., Intel, HP, Toyota, and Unilever. Lina also volunteers with AMA Toronto, supporting strategic partnerships and emerging marketers.
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Patricia Simms
COMMUNITY
Patricia is a passionate tech leader with a background in non-profits. She is deeply committed to empowering women in the industry, and making room at the table by lifting others up through mentorship and community.
When collaborating with global organizations and startups, Patricia leans on her expertise in sales, client success, and conflict resolution to create transformative solutions that use technology in intentional ways. -
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Rebecca Nguyen
WEB DESIGN
Rebecca is a web and brand designer who helps startups and early-stage tech companies turn their ideas into visually compelling brands and websites.
With 8 years of experience as a tech marketer, she understands how great design connects with business goals. Now, as the founder of her own web and branding agency (Dep Space), Rebecca partners with growing companies to build strong, strategic, and conversion-driven digital experiences. -
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Saadia Muzaffar
FOUNDER & CEO
(They/She)
Saadia is a tech entrepreneur, author, and the founder of TGC, a non-profit that’s focused on building a STEM economy where women thrive.
Saadia is a passionate advocate of responsible innovation, decent work for everyone, and the prosperity of immigrant talent in STEM. In addition to their work with TGC, Saadia is also the co-founder of Tech Reset Canada, a group of business people, technologists, and other residents advocating for innovation that is focused on the public good. -
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Sara Kazi
PROGRAMS
Sara is a program strategist and equity-driven leader with 10+ years of experience designing initiatives that support women, youth, and communities historically excluded from opportunity.
A Fulbright Scholar with a Master’s in Psychology from NYU, Sara has led national and international programs with Oxfam, USAID, and the University of Oxford, specializing in strategic design and inclusive leadership.
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Zeinab Kahera
CAREER COACHING & FACILITATION
Zeinab Kahera, M.Ed. is a top-ranked Career Coach and sought-after speaker specializing in mindset, career strategy, and personal branding.
Recognized as one of Montreal’s Top 15 Coaches in 2023 and 2024 by Influence Digest, she brings nearly a decade of experience supporting professionals in navigating transitions, building resilience, and aligning their careers with their values.
“When I first got to Canada, I thought my education, experience, and ambition would open doors.”
“Instead, I was met with questions and doubts: ‘Do you have Canadian experience?’ ‘Who can vouch for you?’
I know what it’s like to feel invisible – to work twice as hard for half the recognition, to question your worth in a system that wasn’t built for you.
Over time, I realized the barriers we face aren’t about ability; they’re about access.
That’s why I created a space where immigrant women in STEM can rebuild confidence, strengthen their networks, and move forward together.”
— Saadia Muzaffar, Founder, Immigrant Women in STEM
From courses to coaching, discover programs built to help immigrant women+ in STEM move forward in their Canadian careers.
