For Adults
Join the City of Waterloo Museum and Waterloo Public Library for an inspiring one-hour panel discussion, Iron Willed: Shaping the Future of STEM. This engaging talk brings together trailblazing local professionals to dive into the dynamic world of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Panelists will share their personal journeys, unpack the unique opportunities and systemic challenges facing women in these fields today, and offer invaluable advice for the next generation of innovators. Whether you are a student, a professional, or an ally, come discover how these leaders are paving the way and how you can help forge a more inclusive future in STEM.
Dr. Xu (Sunny) Wang is a Professor in Wilfrid Laurier University's Department of Mathematics and has contributed greatly to the university, professional community, and broader public. She has served on numerous faculty and university committees, including the Senate Academic Planning Committee (SAPC) and its Program Review Sub-committee, the University Library Council, and the Faculty of Science Strategy Committee on Experiential Teaching. Currently, Dr. Wang is one of WinS (Laurier Centre for Women in Science) Scientific Committee members, and serves as the graduate coordinator, and the deputy director of Operations and Advancement for MS2Discovery Institute.
Dr. Wang is a dedicated leader in community engagement, education, and academic innovation. She founded and led Laurier’s Shad Laurier Program, helped establish one of Canada’s first undergraduate Data Science programs, and has advanced statistics and data science education through national leadership roles with the Statistical Society of Canada. Her significant contributions to student learning, outreach, and professional service have earned her numerous accolades, including Laurier’s 2026 University Faculty Award for Service Excellence and Community Engagement.
Mary Dagg is Anne Innis Dagg’s daughter and the Chief Executive Officer of the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation. She is a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) and worked as a Senior Director of Finance at a large Bay Street law firm. In 2020, she decided to leave the financial world and dedicated herself to her mother and her mother’s work. She accompanied Anne on her trip back to Fleur De Lys in South Africa and has been by her side when Anne received the Order of Canada, her honorary doctorate at the University of Waterloo and many screenings and special events for the award-winning documentary based on Anne’s life, The Woman Who Loves Giraffes.
Following Anne’s passing in 2024, Mary continues to carry forward her mother’s vision through the AID Foundation. She also leads trips to South Africa on behalf of the Foundation, offering guests the chance to experience the beauty of the country and see giraffes in their natural habitat.
Dr. Mary Wells is Dean of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where she leads Canada’s largest engineering school. Wells was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2026 and served on Canada’s federal AI Strategy Task Force. She is a member of the TRuST Collective, a national network advancing trust in science and technology; served as Chair of Engineering Deans Canada and is a Fellow of both the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. A materials engineer, she bridges industry, research, and academia to tackle complex challenges.
Presented in collaboration with the City of Waterloo Museum.
Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced, and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos.
For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image, and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video.
Staff: Lainie
AGE GROUP: | Older Adults | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | STEM | Lifelong Learning | Guest Speakers |
TAGS: | Adult learning |
Located on the west side of Waterloo, the John M. Harper Branch shares a building with the Stork Family YMCA. It features soaring ceilings, dedicated study space (including 3 bookable study rooms), a large Community Room and an outdoor courtyard.
