Meet Yudi Yang
Yudi Yang is currently pursuing a HBA and Software Engineering Dual Degree from Western University, Ivey Business School, 2022. She's a full time student, CEO of Nu, and CTO of MyKairos. In her spare time, Yudi likes to do triathlons, swim, run, sing, and design clothing.
When did your love of STEM begin?
My father was a top civil engineer in China, and my mother was a mechanical engineering professor. I grew up watching my dad spend late nights drawing up blueprints and then, a few years later, driving across the bridge that I had only seen conceptually sprawled on our kitchen table. It was fascinating to see designs come to life in front of my eyes. Having parents who were so technologically knowledgeable definitely sparked an interest in STEM from a young age. More importantly, as a child I developed a strong passion for the arts, having gone to L.B. Pearson School for the Arts. Being immersed in an environment at school where we viewed the world from a creative lens while my home life was so math and science focused, I developed a unique perspective of the roles that engineering and art play in our society. As much as I loved math and science, I also could not imagine my life without creativity and design. This intersection led me to where I am today – loving STEM and everything it has to offer.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The people! The field of STEM has such a wide breadth of smart, interesting, and unique individuals, I always learn something new with each person I interact with. When I was the Vice President of External Relations for the Undergraduate Engineering Society at my school, I travelled across the country and even internationally to represent Western and Canada at numerous engineering conferences. There was not a single moment where I did not feel welcomed whether I was in BC, Canada or in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Through my experiences, the field of STEM if making improvements in becoming more diverse, and it has been incredible seeing and being a part of that change.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Initially, my parents were hesitant to see me go into engineering as an immigrant woman in Canada. However, I have not only had an incredible experience thus far, but I also see that there was nothing to be afraid of. If you are passionate and interested in STEM, do not let fear hold you back.