Some of Ontario’s most prominent women leaders in K-12 IT are joining forces to inspire the next generation of female technology professionals.
Through the Women in IT Networking and STEM Education initiative, this accomplished group of school board IT leaders is hosting community sessions and mentorship opportunities designed to provide actionable insights, shared experiences and valuable resources for women and girls interested in pursuing leadership in education technology.
Speakers include Paulla Bennett, Carolyn Glaser, Ivana MacIsaac, Pam Nielsen, Sandy Owens, Cathy Thier, and Josie Tober – all current leaders in K-12 IT – along with vendor partner Katina Papulkas of Dell Technologies, a strong advocate for women in STEM and programs that help close the digital divide. Together, they are building pathways that not only strengthen professional connections but also foster confidence in women and girls aspiring to lead and grow in the technology landscape.
Speakers include Paulla Bennett, Carolyn Glaser, Ivana MacIsaac, Pam Nielsen, Sandy Owens, Cathy Thier, and Josie Tober – all current leaders in K-12 IT – along with vendor partner Katina Papulkas of Dell Technologies, a strong advocate for women in STEM and programs that help close the digital divide. Together, they are building pathways that not only strengthen professional connections but also foster confidence in women and girls aspiring to lead and grow in the technology landscape.
Cathy Their, Halton District School Board, says,
“Sometimes the encouragement of knowing that someone else has done this is enough to encourage others to follow their dreams.”
It’s a sentiment that captures the spirit of the initiative: highlighting visible examples of women in IT leadership and showing that success in IT and education technology is achievable, even more so with support, encouragement, and mentorship.
Participants will gain access to a STEM program for girls that can be introduced within school boards to help spark curiosity and leadership among students interested in technology careers.
One of the featured programs, Girls Who Game, developed in collaboration with Dell Technologies, Microsoft, and Intel, uses gaming and creativity to bring STEM concepts to life. Through Minecraft: Education Edition, students take on design challenges connected to real-world issues while developing vital skills in communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
Reflecting on the broader impact, Carolyn Glaser, Thames Valley District School Board, shares,
“Collectively, we’ve all reflected on the opportunity for ECNO to take on a leadership role in the support of IT learning and the advancement of supporting women in STEM programs, and we’ve been able to leverage our own knowledge and experience, and their existing reach, expertise, and impact.”
The field of information technology has long been viewed as a male-dominated space, and stepping into it can feel intimidating for anyone, especially young women who may not see themselves represented in leadership roles.
Two innovative initiatives are being launched to support women in technology within the K–12 sector. The first focuses on community sessions and mentoring, providing a platform for women in education technology to connect, share experiences, and learn from established leaders in the field. These sessions create a space where open dialogue and practical advice can prosper, helping participants build confidence, expand their networks, and strengthen their leadership potential.
The second initiative introduces a STEM program for girls that can be implemented within school boards across Ontario. This program is designed to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for technology among students while building essential skills in communication, collaboration, and creative problem solving.
By showcasing female role models in leadership and providing tangible opportunities for engagement, the initiative helps bridge the gap between interest and action, ensuring that girls see technology as a space where they belong and can thrive.
As female CIO leaders, this group is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in technology through mentorship, visibility, and actionable resources that build confidence and spark curiosity. By introducing STEM programs in schools and fostering supportive networks, they are breaking down barriers and showing that innovation, creativity, and leadership in technology have no gender, encouraging girls to explore the field with confidence and excitement.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and empowerment. By sharing expertise, encouragement, and opportunity, Ontario’s female CIOs are working to shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for students, educators, and the technology leaders of tomorrow.