Celebrating the women of SAIT
SAIT recognized some of the incredible women in our community during the Women in Trades and Technology International Women’s Day conference on Monday, March 9.
See how this year’s award winners are making their mark in the world.
Achievement Award winner — Dr. Vita Martez
Dr. Vita Martez, a researcher with SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services and NSERC Industrial Research Chair, was recognized for her achievements in chemical technology and environmental engineering.
Fast facts:
- Martez leads the Centre for Energy Research in Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions.
- She holds two industry patents, directing all of the royalties to empowering the next generation of learners.
- She was part of The Women of ARIS, a group of 11 women researchers and support staff at SAIT who provided mentorship to foster female involvement in STEAM and the trades.
Catalyst Award winner — Carina Butterworth
Carina Butterworth, Geomatics Engineering Technologist instructor, is making a difference in a non-traditional industry.
Fast facts:
- Carina volunteers with the Capstone Collaboration Committee and as the Education Director at a free, open online geomatics program called Eclipse College.
- She welcomes international students into her home to help them learn English.
- She’s applied for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering where she will be looking to apply Geomatics in breast cancer research.
Futures Award winner — Kayla Vander Molen
Kayla Vander Molen, SAIT alumna (Welding ’17) and pre-apprenticeship instructor, was recognized for her work in equity and inclusion in her field.
Fast facts:
- Kayla teaches students welding, grinding, rigging and theory related to the welding and boilermaking trade.
- In a role traditionally reserved for tradesmen aged 40 and up, she became a pre-apprenticeship instructor at just 29 years old — and is the only woman in Boilermakers Union Local 146 in this role.
- She’s worked with emPOWER, Women in Trades, Women Building Futures, Construction Career Expo and SAIT's mentorship program to help bring more women into the trades.
Indigenous community recognition — Deanna Burgart
SAIT alumna and University of Calgary Petroleum Engineering Instructor Deanna Burgart (Chemical Engineering Technology ’03) was also recognized as a member of the Indigenous community supporting women in non-traditional roles.
Fast facts:
- Deanna was praised by the Canadian Senate for using her training to solve engineering problems through an Indigenous lens.
- She is passionate about helping Indigenous youth build an interest in science, establishing a youth science group called the Global Association for Indigeneering Alliance.
- Deanna is a 2019 Distinguished SAIT Alumna award recipient.
To learn more about SAIT's Women in Trades and Technology and their upcoming initiatives, email witt@sait.ca.