A look into the Women in Engineering mentorship program
Since 2007, the Women in Engineering Society has been working hard, creating a safe space for aspiring female engineers to flourish
The Women in Engineering Society mentorship program is open to all women-identifying students in the faculty of engineering. After the annual introduction event in September, every interested first year is paired with an upper-year student. The role of the mentor is to guide their mentee through the first year of university life, helping them foster their love for engineering.
Sophia Kouroukis and Rosha Shokouhi, co-vice-presidents of McMaster's Women in Engineering Society's mentorship program, kicked off this semester with a paint night. On Jan. 23, 2025, a group of girls met up to relax and ease back into the semester, reconnecting with fellow students. “we have just come back in, and we wanted to keep it comfy and cozy,” said Kouroukis.
McMaster's WIE mentorship program has grown over the last few years, proving its importance. "I think we have around 450 to 500 people under our care," said Shokouhi.
Kouroukis and Shokouhi, spoke heavily of the significance of this program. It is a way to connect young female students to their more senior peers, helping them settle into university and figure out where they want engineering to take them. “The goal is just to make the transition into university so much easier,” said Kouroukis.
The goal is just to make the transition into university so much easier
Sophia Kouroukis, Co-Vice President of Mentorship
McMaster Women in Engineering Society
The mentorship program is actively cultivating a sense of community and belonging. Shokouhi personally shared how being a mentee in her first year of studies significantly impacted her personal growth and academic path. “My mentor helped me with so many different things,” said Shokouhi.
The program extends beyond formal mentorship pairings, as first-year students can also connect with each other. Kouroukis was quick to share that mentorship events are a way to connect with other first-years. “I actually met one of my closest friends at the kick-off last year,” said Kouroukis.
The women in engineering society kicked of the academic year with a massive mentorship event during welcome week. The first event of the year welcomed 200 to 300 women all showing up to meet their future mentors. The first years were able to walk around stations, make new friends and find out more about their new program. “we got a lot of good feedback on that event, a lot of people, really liked it, and it’s something we want to try again,” said Shokouhi.
A highlight event of the first semester was a small rock climbing event hosted by Shokouhi. A small group of girls turned up for a fun night of trying something new and meeting new people. “I just wanted a safe space for women-identifying students to just try out climbing,” said Shokouhi.
I just wanted a safe space for women-identifying students to just try out climbing.
Rosha Shokouhi, Co-Vice President of Mentorship
McMaster Women in Engineering Society
The mentorship program is a great example of what the Women in Engineering Society stands for.
“I think the mentorship program is a good insight into what the Women in Engineering Society community is,” said Shokouhi. Kouroukis and Shokouhi have both made it clear that this mentorship program is an opportunity for any woman-identifying student in engineering to connect with their peers and learn more about themselves.
The mentorship team is constantly planning events, bringing the McMaster community of women-identifying students in engineering together. To stay connected and keep up to date with current events, visit the you can visit the McMaster Women in Engineering Society's website or Instagram.