OTTAWA, ON, February 11, 2020 – If I can see her, I can be her. An Instagram campaign seeks to showcase women working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), in hopes of inspiring a new generation of girls to consider a career in these fields.
Developed in partnership with Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature, #MySTEMjob tells the stories of twenty inspiring women from across Canada through social media stories designed to spark curiosity in girls and inspire them to pursue STEM careers.
Launching via @IngeniumCanada, this aspirational campaign will release daily Instagram stories showcasing a wide range of STEM careers ranging from mineralogist Paula Piilonen to deep-sea marine biologist Cherisse Du Preez. Each story captures the passion, excitement, and drive of each of these accomplished women, who highlight the diversity of a STEM career in these ever-evolving fields.
The campaign will run from February 11th (UN/International Day of Women and Girls in Science) until March 8th (International Women’s Day).
Media interview opportunities can be available upon request.
Quotes
“Encouraging more women and girls to reach their full potential as scientists and innovators benefits Canada and the world. Female scientists have played a leading role in the history of Canadian ocean science and continue to do so today. We are committed to making the department a workplace that supports more role models for girls and women.”
- The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Women have always made significant contributions to STEM, but their stories are often untold. Through this campaign, we hope to inspire the next generation to challenge gender biases that often impede girls to pursue STEM careers. Our driving force is to contribute to the growing need for career and leadership opportunities among youth in these exciting fields.”
-Christina Tessier, President and CEO, Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
“We are proud to play a part in sharing these inspiring stories of Canadian women in science. As a Canadian leader in gender parity, the NFB is committed to doing all that we can to ensure that women have the opportunity to make even greater contributions to STEM, and we hope that by sharing these experiences, we can celebrate the work of Canada’s women scientists and encourage future generations.”
-Claude Joli-Coeur, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Film Board of Canada
“We’re immensely proud of the contributions that female Canadian scientists, including those conducting research at our museum, have made in advancing scientific knowledge. Whether exploring in the field, researching in the lab, documenting and publishing their discoveries, or working nationally and internationally with leading scientific organizations, they are setting a leadership example for the younger generation.”
-Meg Beckel, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Nature
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Contact
Christine Clouthier
Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
cclouthier@ingeniumcanada.org
613-410-5943
Magalie Boutin
National Film Board of Canada
m.boutin@nfb.ca
514-233-8646
About Ingenium – Canada’s Museums of Science and Innovation
Ingenium celebrates the innovative spirit of Canadians by telling the stories of those who dared to think differently. Inspired by the power of ingenuity, Ingenium encompasses three national institutions: the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and the Canada Science and Technology Museum. These three museums are places where the past meets the future, with spaces where visitors can learn and explore, play and discover. Ingenium continues to evolve — the brand new Ingenium Centre houses Canada’s science and technology collection, a research institute, and a digital innovation lab, all designed to protect priceless Canadian heritage artifacts for the benefit of many generations to come. Beyond the physical walls of its museums, Ingenium’s engaging digital content, outreach programs and travelling exhibitions serve to educate, entertain, and engage audiences across Canada and around the world.
About the NFB
The NFB is Canada’s public producer of award-winning creative documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories and participatory experiences. NFB producers are embedded in communities across the country, from St. John’s to Vancouver, working with talented creators on innovative and socially relevant projects. The NFB is a leader in gender equity in film and digital media production, and is working to strengthen Indigenous-led production, guided by the recommendations of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. NFB productions have won over 7,000 awards, including 24 Canadian Screen Awards, 21 Webbys, 12 Oscars and more than 100 Genies. To access this award-winning content and discover the work of NFB creators, visit NFB.ca, download its apps for mobile devices or visit NFB Pause.