An initiative at żě˛ĄĘÓƵ’s is building stronger pathways for women to succeed in computing and engineering.
Women in Computer Science and Engineering (WiCSE) is a faculty- and student-led group that strengthens mentorship, builds inclusivity and expands supports for women and allies pursuing studies in STEM fields.
Rooted in Lassonde’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), WiCSE offers guidance, professional development, scholarships and community‑building opportunities that help students navigate both academic and industry settings.
Students receive advice on courses, academic planning and career preparation through faculty-led sessions. Assistant professors Anirudh Kaushik and Sima Soltanpour, for instance, have helped students make informed decisions and feel prepared for next steps while additional programming led by professors Suprakash Datta and Emily Kuang focuses on internship and co‑op readiness.
“These sessions reduce uncertainty and help students gain confidence as they plan for their studies and future aspirations,” says Sunila Akbar, assistant professor and WiCSE Chair.
One recent mentorship session had a particularly meaningful impact, notes Akbar. Students, she says, reported feeling more motivated and comforted about future career aspirations, and more prepared for taking first steps in the application process.
The session’s value stems from practical guidance paired with a supportive environment that welcomes honest questions and provides clear next steps. Beyond mentoring, WiCSE sponsors women students to attend the annual CAN-CWiC conference which offers real-world opportunities to engage with industries and professionals.
It also hosts networking events, invites guest speakers and participates in community-focused events, giving students access to real-world examples of success in science. A new Meet‑and‑Mingle for first‑year students, for example, supports early peer connections and helps reduce feelings of isolation that women in STEM often face.
These efforts, says Akbar, respond to ongoing barriers for women in computing and engineering.
“Our goal is to work collectively to give students visible leaders in the field and opportunities to build supportive networks and create lasting impact for women in STEM,” says Akbar.
WiCSE is guided by a committee of faculty members – Akbar, Uyen Trang Nguyen, Maleknaz Nayebi, Mona Nasery, Ruth Urner and Ping Wang – who provide academic leadership and help shape programming to meet students’ needs. A team of student representatives supports this work through event coordination, community engagement, social media management and other organizational tasks.
“These student leaders serve as both organizers and role models, helping to cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the WiCSE community,” says Akbar.
Founded in 2003 through a $20,000 gift from the late Catherine Cragg – a successful editor and sister to the late Brian Cragg, professor and founding director of York’s Natural Science program – WiCSE has grown into a central hub for women in EECS at York.
Akbar, who joined the committee in 2025, has helped lead new initiatives such as structured mentoring and first-year engagement events. While the group’s programming currently focuses on women within York where representation gaps and retention challenges remain most pronounced, WiCSE welcomes students of all genders and plans to expand activities to include external participants.
“Our mission is not exclusion, but community-building – creating a space that centres women’s experiences while engaging the wider STEM community in meaningful, inclusive ways,” says Akbar. “WiCSE reinforces the importance of visibility, representation and community.”
Throughout the academic year, WiCSE hosts monthly mentorship sessions based on themes identified by students. Recent topics have included AI research, navigating engineering pathways, preparing for work placements, planning for graduate studies and building essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership. Upcoming sessions take place March 13 and April 14.
On March 5, WiCSE will host Women Leading Technology for Society, an International Women’s Day panel featuring leaders in academia and industry. The event will explore how inclusion‑centred leadership and technical innovation can drive meaningful societal impact, and will offer students opportunities to engage with panelists working in cybersecurity, renewable energy, fintech, advanced computing and more.
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