Meet Stacey Metcalfe
I love exploring Ontario lakes and rivers by kayak! In this picture I am paddling through Port Darlington in Bowmanville after a beautiful day out on Lake Ontario.
Stacey currently works as a Manager of Accessories Planning and Marketing at Toyota Canada Inc., where she is responsible for planning all Factory, Port, and Dealer installed Accessories for Toyota and Lexus Vehicles in Canada. With a background in Electronics Engineering Technology (Information Networks) from Fleming College, she combines her expertise in technology and engineering with a passion for creativity. Whether sketching, painting, writing, knitting, or home decorating, Stacey finds joy in artistic expression. She also loves staying active outdoors through hiking and kayaking and has a deep appreciation for travel and exploring different cultures. Most of all, she treasures time spent with her family, including her three grandkids!
When did your love of STEM begin?
I don't have a typical answer for this - it was out of necessity. I was a young single Mom at the time I chose to enroll in the Electronics Engineering program. I had always been a creative person and thought I would go to art school - but becoming a Mom at an early age changed that decision. I wanted to choose a program that would provide a stable career to support me and my son - and the result has been a very diverse and rewarding one!
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
It has afforded me the opportunity to work in different areas of the Automotive industry. There is diversity with STEM that can translate into many different industries and business functions (technical and non-technical). STEM skills are transferable to so many areas of business - allowing you to bring a unique perspective and approach that is sought after.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Sometimes we hold ourselves back with labels - I am an artist, I am not good at math, and I am a woman. It gave me apprehension about pursuing an education in STEM. If I could tell my younger self something it would be that a career in STEM will open doors and take you to places you can grow in, create change in, and carve a diverse path in. And guess what? - you can still be an artist who is bad at math.
Tell us a fun fact about you and your current role!
I had a desire to create engagement and fun within the Toyota Canada family, and I love comedy! As a result, I created Toyota Canada Theatre - we put on 3 live comedy plays over 3 years that were written, casted, directed and acted in by Toyota associates. It gave people a chance to showcase their talent or to try something new - many of our actors had never acted before. It was fun for the entire organization!