Meet Vanessa Raponi

“Even at a young age I was a professional multi-tasker in the making!” - Vanessa

Vanessa Raponi graduated with a Bachelors of Materials Engineering & Management Degree from McMaster University. She currently works as a Product Development EIT at Spin Master, and as the Founder of EngiQueers Canada. In her spare time, Vanessa likes to play sports, sing, dance, and volunteer.

When did your love of STEM begin?

In high school, I always loved the logic and clarity of my science and math courses. They were challenging, and always had a new puzzle for me to solve!

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

The never-ending options, opportunities and applications. I've worked in industries ranging from airplanes to toys & games to food & beverage. Engineering is everywhere!

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

No matter what hurdles you've had to overcome in life, there is a place for you in STEM. Creativity, teamwork and helping others are critical skills needed to excel in STEM - it's not all formulas and molecules! If you put your mind to it, and work hard in class, you can have a fruitful career in anything from construction to engineering, marine biology to artificial intelligence... the sky is the limit!! Unless you get into aerospace... then not even the sky can hold your back!