Team and volunteer photo, L-R: Flor Campos Flores; Anuradha Colombathanthri; Azadeh Khoshoei, Ph.D, Polytechnique Montreal; Salim Tirera; Sarah-Ève Tremblay; Jade Boutot; Tugce Tuysuz, SWE global ambassador; Deborah Braide, SWE global ambassador; Paola Prado, SWE McGill University Affiliate; Leah Davis, SWE McGill University Affiliate; Denise Sezen
On March 12, 2026, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) networks in Montréal, made up of the SWE global ambassadors, SWE McGill University Affiliate, and Roots & Bridges, hosted its first cross-community International Women’s Day Meetup.
Centered around the theme “Give to Gain,” the networks brought together multiple communities, students, and professionals to create a shared space for connection, learning, and collaboration.
Event recap summary – SWE networks in Montréal 2026 International Women’s Day Meetup
The event welcomed 44 attendees from five institutions and nine companies, beginning with a networking reception where participants connected through an interactive bingo activity. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers from academia, industry, and entrepreneurship who shared their experiences and perspectives on navigating careers and supporting others.
The event also included group activities, games, and meals, creating an atmosphere that was both engaging and inclusive.
The panel discussion emphasized that generosity through mentorship, opportunity-sharing, training, and inclusive practices is not just an individual act, but also a powerful driver of collective progress.
The panelists shared the importance of building confidence and doing things in spite of fear. They encouraged participants to reframe failure not as a limitation, but as a starting point for growth, learning, and new possibilities.
Panel discussion, L-R: Moderator – Leah Davis, SWE McGill University Affiliate; Panelists – Professor Daria Boffito, professor of chemical engineering, Polytechnique Montreal; Mélanie Kahle, regional director – environment, people and place, Hatch; Elsa Tannous, founder, DigiWomen; Balkissa Moure, data analyst – business intelligence; Cogeco Média, Katya Marc, associate director, McGill Engine Centre. Photo credit: Denise Sezen
In addition to the networking bingo activity, the event featured a trivia game hosted by Women Techmakers Montréal. Participants formed teams and engaged in a light, collaborative competition that added energy and fun to the evening. Three participants won the bingo activity, and one team won the trivia challenge with prizes awarded to celebrate their participation and engagement.
Trivia led by Stefania Pecore, Women Techmakers Montreal, and the winning trivia team. Photo credit: Paola Prado
This event was made possible through the collective effort of a dedicated and supportive community. We were proud to collaborate with:
- Five community businesses and organizations
- Six organizing team members
- Six community volunteers
- Several local organizations who supported the event publicity
We extend our sincere thanks to our panelists, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made this event possible. Your contributions helped create a meaningful and welcoming space for connection and growth.
As SWE networks in Montréal continues to grow, there is an opportunity to expand and deepen this impact through future events, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. Together, we are building a community where giving leads to growth for individuals, organizations, and the future of engineering.
Team
Deborah Braide – SWE Global Ambassador Azadeh Khoshoei, Ph.D., Polytechnique Montreal
Tugce Tuysuz – SWE Global Ambassador
Saadia Wasim – SWE McGill University Affiliate
Paola Prado – SWE McGill University Affiliate
Leah Davis – SWE McGill University Affiliate
Volunteers
Anuradha Colombathanthri
Denise Sezen
Flor Campos Flores
Jade Boutot
Salim Tirera
Sarah-Ève Tremblay
Sponsors and Partners
IGA
Homers
Spicebros
Mr. Puffs
Women Techmakers
Panelists
Professor Daria Boffito, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal
Mélanie Kahle, Regional Director – Environment, People and Place, Hatch
Elsa Tannous, Founder, DigiWomen
Balkissa Moure, Data Analyst – Business Intelligence, Cogeco Média
Katya Marc, Associate Director, McGill Engine Centre
