Panel discusses findings of retention pilot program
MONTREAL, QC (February 13 th , 2020) – YES, a charitable non-profit that provides
resources, tools and strategies to improve employment and entrepreneurship
opportunities for Quebecers, will be hosting a panel discussion to share the findings of a
3-year pilot project identifying advancement and retention strategies for women in
STEM industries.
Advancing Women in STEM, a 3-year YES initiative, will be completing its pilot study shortly.
The Advancing Women in STEM pilot project was launched by YES in 2017 to
recommend and test solutions to key challenges compromising women’s retention and
access to leadership positions within the STEM industry, as more than half of women
who begin their careers in tech leave for other industries (Catalyst, 2016).
“Fostering a more inclusive economy in Quebec is at the heart of YES’ mission. We are
proud to be supporting innovative initiatives and real-world solutions that address
imbalances in the workplace. We hope that the results of this pilot program continue to
bring more women, and keep more women, in the fields of STEM,” said Aki Tchitacov,
YES Executive Director.
The project identified over 25 recommendations, with potential solutions tested in three
Montreal companies that together employ over 230 women. On February 19 th , leaders
from these three piloting Montreal companies, GSoft, IC Axon, a Division of GP
Canada Co and OneSpan, will discuss the outcomes, lessons learned and
recommendations from the 3-year pilot program.
The event will also feature a keynote address delivered by Dr. Gina Cody, the engineer
and business leader for whom Concordia’s Gina Cody School of Engineering and
Computer Science is named.
When: Wednesday, February 19 th , 6:30-9:00pm
Where: SAP Labs Canada, 111 Boul. Robert-Bourassa, #9000, Montréal (QC)
To register: http://bit.ly/yesadvance
For more information about YES’ Advancing Women in STEM project, please visit
http://yesadvancingwomen.com/. For more information about the ELLEvate Women
Entrepreneurs Project, please visit www.yesmontreal.ca.
About YES:
As a not-for-profit organization, YES enriches the community by providing English-
language support services to help Quebecers find employment, and start and grow
businesses.
We help people start successful careers – for themselves, and for our community.
www.yesmontreal.ca
For further information or to gain entry to the event, media representatives may contact:
Kathy Slotsve
Director of Communications &
Stakeholder Engagement
514-878-9788 ext. 337
[email protected]
Aki Tchitacov
Executive Director
514-878-9788 ext. 301
[email protected]