Meet the team

Sawsan Abdul Majid

President

Dr. Abdul-Majid, a distinguished academic and engineer at uOttawa, holds a PhD in Optical Communication Systems with 25+ years of extensive experience and numerous publications. As founder of ANCWT, she empowers newcomer women in engineering, IT, and computer science to thrive in Canada. A licensed professional engineer, she's a devoted faculty advisor and received recognition for her five-year volunteer service to the engineering profession. In 2020, she earned a Shared On-line Projects Initiative (SOPI) award for developing a research skills module, now integral to M.Eng. students' education. In 2021, she secured another SOPI grant for ANCWT in collaboration with Carleton University professors. Her impact resonates widely, serving as an inspiration to women and girls in STEM worldwide.

Mandy Lewis

Communication Officer

Mandy R. Lewis is a PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa’s SUNLAB. She received a BASc. degree in electrical engineering in 2015 and an MASc. degree in electrical engineering in 2020 from the University of Ottawa. From 2015 to 2018, she was a Systems Designer with Allen Vanguard in Ottawa, ON. Her research interests include high efficiency solar power and power-over-fiber applications. Mandy has been working with ANCWT as Communications officer since 2018 and works with the core team to organise the ANCWT cohorts.

Astha Tiwari

Digital Strategist

Astha, a Senior Business Analyst at the University of Ottawa, holds a Master's in Digital Transformation and Innovation. She actively champions equity, diversity, and inclusion through various initiatives. Astha co-founded and served as the former president of the Professional Development Club at uOttawa. Her expertise spans universal design for user experience, data analytics, and user experience research. Since Fall 2020, she has played a pivotal role as a Digital Strategist and integral member of ANCWT's core team. Her dedication to global change through incremental contributions and emphasis on knowledge sharing underscores her professional ethos.

Rhema Kirby

Social Media Strategist

Rhema Kirby is a Biomedical Engineer with rich experience in Medical Devices and Product Development. Rhema graduated with a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and is currently working in R&D as Physical Design Scientist at DNA Genotek. Apart from that, she is an avid reader, a singer, and a left-handed guitarist.

Twinkle Rane

Event Coordinator

Twinkle is an Intermediate Business Analyst Specialist at University of Ottawa with a Master's in Electrical and computer Engineering.

MArjaneh Jafar Targhi

Logistics Manager

Marjaneh is a Quality/Infrastructure Analyst at the Canada Revenue Agency, equipped with a master's degree in digital transformation and innovation. Her professional journey is characterized by a strong dedication to the realms of data and artificial intelligence, where she leverages hands-on expertise in data analytics for informed decision-making and strategic planning. She aspires to empower immigrant women in STEM, helping them navigate the Canadian job market, reflecting her commitment to fostering both professional and social progress Apart from that, she is an avid reader, a singer, and a left-handed guitarist.