Transforming the culture of STEM towards inclusivity
Our Vision
We envision an inclusive culture within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) where interdisciplinary approaches are used for positive social change.
By highlighting the potential for science and technology to better our communities, we anticipate an increase in the diversity of people, perspectives, and ideas in STEM, resulting in more innovative and sustainable solutions.
Our Vision
We envision an inclusive culture within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) where interdisciplinary approaches are used for positive social change.
By highlighting the potential for science and technology to better our communities, we anticipate an increase in the diversity of people, perspectives, and ideas in STEM, sparking more innovative and sustainable solutions.
Our Mission
Empowering youth to transform lives through STEM.
Our Values
Diversity
Our work starts from a place of compassion, empathy, and integrity. We welcome and value different viewpoints, experiences, and sources of knowledge. We are curious about different ways of doing things while staying true to our individual sense of self.
Collaboration
Our team improves through mutual respect, learning, and contribution towards common goals. Working together, we aspire towards our mission of advocating STEM for social impact and our vision of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the STEM fields. Within our team, we foster a growth mindset while remaining solutions-oriented.
Creativity
We thrive on the opportunities presented by the unknown. We value process and positive risk-taking because meaningful change and authentic innovation can only be achieved by trying something new. We believe our creativity will help us find emerging possibilities.
Meet The Team
Andrea Hemmerich
Toronto
Andrea is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Queen's and McMaster Universities and Co-founder of Up4 The Challenge. Her expertise in biomedical engineering and global health informs her teaching practice in Human-Centred Design to tackle social justice issues. She is excited to work with a growing team and expand the impact of Up4 The Challenge.
Lauren Folk
Virtual Office
Lauren has been instrumental at getting our Toronto program off the ground while completing her Master's in Civil Engineering at York University. She mentored our initial cohort of participants through our pilot program.
Robyn Roy
Virtual Office
Robyn has over 15 years of experience in teaching and success coaching. With specialized training in pedagogy, special education, and literacy, Robyn is known to facilitate creative solutions to educational practices that minimize barriers and allow all students to engage in their learning fully.
Sneha Nemichand
​
Toronto
Sneha is a Strategy, Operations, and Transformation leader with 7+ years of experience driving people-centric improvements across the public sector, healthcare, and IT. She applies Lean Six Sigma, business process reengineering, and change management to create sustainable system transformations. A wellness educator and lifelong learner, she integrates critical thinking and strategy to drive lasting impact.
Omaiz Wasi
Toronto
Omaiz, a results-driven Director of Finance and Administration, excels in strategic financial management and operational efficiency. With strong analytical skills and a detail-oriented approach, he drives profitability and success across industries. Known for effective communication and relationship building, he fosters collaboration and delivers impactful solutions that enhance organizational growth and performance.
Ariadni Anathassiadis
Ottawa
Ari is a lawyer, consultant, and educator. As Chair of WISE-Ottawa she helped co-found Up4 The Challenge and continues to provide invaluable advisory support to the organization.
Lauren Seto
Toronto
Lauren joined our team as our Digital Media Design Consultant. She is a recent graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to creating amazing content like the video on our home page she has helped facilitate numerous design programs.
Selena Jagdeo
Hamilton
Selena joined Up4 The Challenge in 2024 as a Digital Outreach & Learning Facilitator, co-leading program design and facilitation while driving strategic communications. Selena is pursuing a degree in Global Peace, Social Justice, and Political Science with a minor in Justice, Law, and Order at McMaster University.
Jackson Yu
Toronto
Jackson Yu, a McGill Global Challenges Award recipient (2024), developed our digital STEMflower activity for our Up4 The Challenge youth programs. He continues to support our team with the design of instructional materials while studying Bioengineering and Applied AI at McGill University.
Post-Secondary Students
We have been very fortunate to have had so many fantastic students from various universities across Ottawa, Hamilton, and the Greater Toronto Area join us as part of their learning experiences. Thanks so much for all of your hard work and contributions!
