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.
Astha Tiwari
Board Member| Vice President
Astha Tiwari is an IT Product Manager at the University of Ottawa with experience in digital transformation, business analysis, agile product delivery, user centred design, and web technologies. She holds a Master of Engineering in Digital Transformation and Innovation and is a Certified Scrum Product Owner and Certified ScrumMaster. She also facilitates technology courses at Algonquin College. Astha has been part of ANCWT’s core team since 2020 and currently serves as Vice President and Board Member, contributing to mentorship, career development, community engagement, events, and organizational growth. Beyond ANCWT, she mentors aspiring professionals and supports STEM education initiatives for young learners. Drawing from her own experience as an international student who built her career in Canada, Astha is passionate about helping others recognize their strengths, build confidence, and create meaningful careers in technology. She is committed to making technology and STEM more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring.
INGRID HERNANDEZ REMEDIOS
BOARD MEMBER | OPERATIONS MANAGER
Ingrid Hernandez Remedios is a senior IT executive at the University of Ottawa with over 15 years of experience in technology leadership across the private sector and higher education. With a background in Computer Science and a Master’s in Applied Mathematics, she combines strong technical expertise with a strategic and people centered approach to leadership. Her experience spans digital transformation, enterprise solutions, and organizational effectiveness, with a strong focus on building inclusive, high performing teams and fostering collaboration across disciplines. As an immigrant to Canada, Ingrid brings a unique perspective on resilience, adaptability, and the value of diverse experiences in professional growth. At ANCWT, she serves as a Board Member, Operations Manager, and mentor. She has been instrumental in planning and coordinating ANCWT’s events and initiatives, bringing together teams, priorities, and resources to support successful delivery. Ingrid is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, supporting women in STEM, and helping bridge the gap between academic preparation and the realities of the technology industry. This keeps the essence of what Ingrid wrote. Her education, 15 plus years of experience, IT leadership, transformation work, leadership philosophy, immigrant perspective, and mentorship commitment are all still there.