Intersecting priorities: Empowering women and girls in science
Here at Cenovus Energy, we are committed to acceptance, belonging, Indigenous reconciliation and fostering the next generation of talent. These priorities intersect through many of our partnerships with community organizations working to inspire interest and confidence in girls and women pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Learning together: Indigenous youth and mentors educating each other
Supporting two under-represented groups in STEM, Women in Science and Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador (WISE NL) raises awareness about the educational and career opportunities in STEM, especially within their home communities, and works to encourage greater participation from Indigenous women and youth.
In October, Cenovus sponsored the WISE NL Indigenous Youth Gathering, which brought together students from rural communities across the province to learn more about Indigenous culture in Newfoundland and explore STEM-based programs and careers.
“I am honoured to have been invited to speak at the 2024 Indigenous Youth Gathering,” says Aimee Sheppard, Cenovus Senior Industrial Benefits & Diversity Advisor. “The event was held at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook and included a visit to the observatory with members of the university’s Physics Department, a medicine walk led by an Indigenous elder and various engaging workshops. I am proud to be a part of a company that values diversity and is working to help more young people see themselves in STEM and industry.”
Promoting equity and innovation: engaging youth in STEM with Actua
For 31 years, Actua has worked to cultivate equity in STEM through various initiatives, including their National Girls Program, which engaged 66,375 girls and young women in 2024, and fights systemic challenges women in STEM may face. Cenovus’s support has helped provide girls and Indigenous youth increased access to Actua’s STEM programs, including in many of our operating communities across Canada.
“Innovation underpins the way we operate at Cenovus and that is a part of what makes this investment so impactful,” says Megan Marshall, Cenovus Senior Social Investment Advisor. “Working with Actua to encourage STEM education for young women and Indigenous youth helps to ensure diversity of thought in the next generation of STEM professionals who will drive future innovation in our industry.”
Coding and community: developing digital skills for girls across Canada with Hackergal
Cenovus supports Hackergal and their mission to inspire Canada’s future tech leaders. Since 2015, Hackergal has helped over 29,000 young learners explore coding and network with accomplished women in the field.
“Having the opportunity to be a judge for Hackergal’s 13th national Hackathon was such an amazing experience,” says Jeneane Whyte, Cenovus Director of Information & Cyber Security. “Providing feedback to the young women that will be securing the digital future showcased the value of programs like this. The students collaborated in a bilingual environment to work on various coding projects that will drive cyber security awareness, social change and innovation, and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.”
Acumen through accessibility: opening doors through community partnerships
Initiatives like these improve job and career readiness, provide innovative skills training, enhance professional network development and make STEM more accessible for all young people. When we invest in STEM-focused education and training, we seek to empower young people to explore diverse career paths and cultivate a workforce with the right talent and skills today for the jobs and ingenuity needed tomorrow.
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2025
In our highly competitive, innovative and technical industry, Cenovus has an abundance of STEM expertise and careers, including mechanical and chemical engineering, geosciences, data analysis, laboratory science, forecasting and modelling, machine learning and more.