Electronics engineering technologist wins provincial award for supporting women in STEM
06, May, 2024
EDMONTON, May 6, 2024 – In Canada, women make up less than one quarter of the people employed in STEM careers. That is why Carstairs resident Cassandra Yousph is dedicated to supporting and advancing women in the engineering technology profession. In recognition of her commitment, a provincial organization, the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), has honoured her with the 2024 ASET Women in Technology Award.
The award was presented to Yousph, an ASET member and electronics engineering technologist, during an awards event at the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) on April 19 in Banff. She received the award for her strong advocacy of gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Influenced by her mother’s professional background in computer programming and operations, Yousph has worked hard at pursuing an engineering technology career, including achieving her certified engineering technologist (CET) designation through ASET. She is currently an account manager for a Calgary-based firm that provides industrial automation solutions.
As part of her commitment to women in STEM, Yousph has participated as a mentor for her employer’s 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) event, and is a proud member of a company-wide initiative designed to foster connections for women through mentorship, education and activities.
In addition, she mentored a University of Alberta mechanical engineering co-op student, serving as a trusted advisor and offering assistance when required. She was also a speaker at a SAIT industry night, and an organizer and presenter for previous IWD events where she discussed her career journey to help encourage and motivate other women.
“It is important to move the needle and break gender biases by encouraging girls and women to pursue the engineering technology profession,” said Yousph. “This will enable and promote diversity, gender equality and inclusion as we increase the representation of women in this STEM profession.”
Yousph’s mother, Jo Klitzke, has been a critical source of inspiration for her career path. She and her mother held the same title of project manager and responsibilities. They studied, learned, and practiced programming skills and used similar software programs, worked in oilfield and manufacturing environments, and been sole proprietors and owned and operated their own small businesses over the years.
“With such a low percentage of women in STEM careers, the engineering technology profession benefits greatly from hardworking individuals like Cassandra Yousph who continue to blaze a trail for women in it,” said ASET CEO Barry Cavanaugh. “Recent studies have signaled the urgent need to attract more Canadians to STEM careers, and women engineering technology professionals are poised to play a vital role in meeting that demand. Cassandra’s contributions to the profession in supporting and mentoring women in STEM are invaluable and deserve recognition.”
About ASET
ASET is the professional self-regulatory organization for engineering technologists and technicians in Alberta. ASET currently represents over 17,000 members, including full-time technology students, recent graduates and fully certified members in 21 disciplines and more than 120 occupations across a multitude of industries.
Media Contact:
Michele Penz, Calico Communications for ASET
1.778.888.2249
calicocomm@telus.net