Fort McMurray, Alberta – October 7, 2024 – Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta (Girls Inc.), in partnership with Finning Canada, is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Finning Canada STEM Awards: Agametochi Okoro and Hannah Nolan.

These remarkable young women from the Wood Buffalo Region have been awarded $3,500 scholarships each to support their pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These scholarships provide a vital step in ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion within the STEM industries, where the gender gap remains significant.

The Finning Canada STEM Awards aim to break down gender and financial barriers that limit girls’ access to STEM fields. With a significant increase from $1,000 to $3,500 in 2021, these scholarships continue to propel young women from the Wood Buffalo region into STEM careers, supporting those entering or currently enrolled in post-secondary STEM programs.

“Agametochi Okoro and Hannah Nolan are incredible role models for youth in the Wood Buffalo Region and they are well deserving of these scholarships,” said Kim Carlson, Vice President of People and Culture for Finning Canada. “We are excited to see where their studies will take them as they pursue their careers in STEM.”

Agametochi Okoro, a first-year student in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo, chose engineering because it fit with her love of innovation and art. Agametochi has been a participant in the Girls Inc. Operation SMART program and continues to be an advocate for girls in STEM and is a passionate leader for Black youth. She led a group of students to make a presentation to over 70 teachers across the public school district about diversity and racism within school systems, sharing their stories on the racism they experienced during their years of school and how it affected their actions around other people. Using those shared experiences, they presented methods and actionable steps that teachers could actively implement in their classrooms to discourage acts of interpersonal racism.

“As a kid in elementary school, the SMART program run by Girls Inc. in partnership with Brain STEM Alliance was the initial opening to the world of STEM for me. Since then, it sparked my interest in engineering and the world of robotics and programming, which led to my involvement within my school and the community in STEM-related activities for several years. Being one of few Black people, especially Black girls, in engineering has been something I’ve wished to change through my involvement, now both in my community and in my university through my program. This scholarship isn’t only about the money for me – it’s also more importantly about the publicity it brings to girls in STEM; that your goals are truly attainable through supportive programs, mentors, and strong self-determination.”

Hannah Nolan, a Métis student in her second year of Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta, aims to return to her hometown of Fort McMurray to gain experience in the oil field before pursuing a postgraduate degree in physics. Throughout her academic journey, Hannah has been dedicated to supporting others and tutoring younger students and peers in math, science, biology, chemistry, and physics. She has also been actively involved in the community, participating in Girl Guides of Canada and volunteering with various community organizations, local schools and sports teams, as well as First Nations communities, including the McMurray Métis.

When asked if she always knew what she wanted to do and what she would tell young women who are thinking about going into STEM fields but are not sure, Hannah said:

“I always knew I wanted to do something related to physics. When I first applied to the University of Alberta, I applied to do Astrophysics, but I realized it wasn’t the most practical option for me. So, I decided to try engineering, and I love it. I love figuring things out; it’s fun.”

“It’s really scary going into it, but once you do it, it’s the most rewarding thing ever. The satisfaction when I do well or when I’ve managed to figure something out is so fulfilling. Going into a male-dominated field can be intimidating, but I met a great group of girls and they’re my support system; we’re always together, and once you meet those people, it’s so great. The friends you make are amazing.”

“We are incredibly thrilled to celebrate Agametochi and Hannah as the scholars of this year’s Finning Canada STEM Awards,” said Nanase Tonda, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta. “Both Hannah and Agametochi are actively breaking down multiple layers of intersecting barriers on their post-secondary STEM journeys. They are trailblazers in their fields, inspiring countless girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

The Finning Canada STEM Awards represent Girls Inc.’s ongoing commitment to empowering girls and young women in the Wood Buffalo region. By breaking gender stereotypes and addressing financial barriers, these awards open doors for future generations of STEM leaders.

From left to right, top to bottom, Hannah Nolen, STEM Award Recipient; Lynette Lefsrud and Kelly Tole, Finning Representatives; Agametochi Okoro, STEM Award Recipient; Nanase Tonda and Stephanie Myrick, Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta.