2024 Board of Directors

Kelsey graduated Memorial University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in political science. She first became involved with WISE NL in the Fall of 2017, when she was hired as the Program Administrator. Though her career aspirations have taken her elsewhere, she is committed to the goals and mission of WISE NL and has thoroughly enjoyed serving as Director of the Student Summer Employment Program on the WISE NL Board; and will continue to do so. Professionally, she is the administrative assistant/transaction coordinator for the Sold by Stokes Real Estate team with Keller Williams Platinum Realty. She is also an active volunteer with the Goulds Lions Club since 2013. On her personal time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and travelling (whenever that can happen again!).

Kim Byrne is a Development Officer for Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, with prior experience as the Executive Director at a sports non-profit and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

She uses diverse experience to leverage community strengths from a background in volunteering with organizations such as TEDX, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Gathering Place, and by virtue of experience on multiple sub-committees for organizations. Kim also brings lived experience from her student politics days, working abroad, teaching, and having a background in Occupational Health & Safety.

Kim has a passion for integrative thinking, inclusion, collaboration, policy, and formalizing strategic planning goals into operations. Kim is invested in youth outcomes, equitable work environments, and mentorship.

Dr. Kerri Smith received her BSc (Honours) in Biology from Memorial University, with a specialization in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. She then completed MSc and PhD degrees in Medicine in Memorial’s Cancer & Development group, with a focus on the genetic and endocrine factors that contribute to pediatric-onset ovarian cancer. Kerri has worked as a Research Assistant in Memorial’s Discipline of Genetics and Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and as a Research and Development Scientist with Eastern Health’s Public Health and Microbiology Laboratory. Kerri currently works as a Clinical Genomic Scientist at the Centre for Translational Genomics, Eastern Health, where she is involved with the development of clinical genetic tests and the interpretation of genetic variants. Kerri volunteers as a Public Interest Member on the Council of the College of Physiotherapists of Newfoundland and Labrador, and in her personal time enjoys reading, playing volleyball, and hiking with her dog Gin.

After completing a BSEE in 1978, Gloria began her career in the Silicon Valley where she advanced through high tech positions in design, customer support, technical sales and marketing support, project and program management. She left private industry to join the Institute for Women and Technology (now AnitB.org) as the director of an innovative, design-based experiential learning program. She came to NL in 2006 to earn a Master of Education degree then worked in various roles in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial University.

Now post-salary, Gloria continues to seek to broaden discussion on the role women play in the identification, development and distribution of technology-based solutions and she uses her experience and skills for the benefit of non-profit and volunteer organizations. Gloria is a Past President of WISE NL, a national Past President of the Society of Women Engineers in the US, and has served on several boards including the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT).

Alison is a Professional Geologist registered under the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. She graduated from Memorial University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Earth Sciences focusing on economic geology and biogeochemistry. In 2018 she completed a Masters by Research in Mining and Mineral Engineering from the University of Exeter (Camborne School of Mines) in the UK. Since graduating, Alison has worked in greenfields and brownfields mineral exploration in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Greenland focusing on precious and base metal projects.

Alison is passionate about women having equal representation in technical roles, especially within the junior exploration and mining sectors. She hopes to introduce young students to geology and other STEM related fields and to build a network that can support graduates and young professionals throughout their career progression.

Kathleen Shallow earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Memorial University in 2022. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Neuroscience from King’s College London. Kathleen has been a dedicated member of WISENL since 2018 driven by her passion for supporting and advocating for women in STEM fields.

Kathleen is a committed advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion and an active volunteer in her community. Kathleen is a Swim Coach with Special Olympics Canada teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities to swim. She is also a mentor for young women facing life challenges through Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition, she advocates for the rights of women and LGBTQIA2S+, as well as for humanitarian and environmental causes.

In her free time, Kathleen enjoys pottery, she uses wheel throwing to create functional ceramic art. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, appreciating nature and immersing herself in a good book.

Kourtney completed a Diploma in Remotely Operated Vehicles at the Marine Institute in 2013, and received a Bachelor of Engineering from Memorial University in 2018. After graduation, Kourtney moved to Nova Scotia where she worked in the utility industry, supporting the day-to-day operations of Regional Engineering. During her time in Maritimes, Kourtney volunteered as a unit leader with Girl Guides of Canada.

Kourtney is a Professional Engineer with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and is currently employed as an Electrical Engineer with Newfoundland Power. She has volunteered with organizations such as Skills Canada, FIRST Lego League, and Women in Resource Development Corporation.

Dr. Svetlana Barkanova obtained her BSc in physics from the University of Latvia in 1994 and earned her PhD in theoretical subatomic physics from the University of Manitoba in 2004. An internationally-acclaimed researcher and an award-winning teacher, Svetlana is currently a Full Professor of Physics at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Grenfell Campus, there she leads the provincial science outreach program designed to engage rural youth, girls and Indigenous students. Svetlana is the Chair of the Division for Gender Equity in Physics of the Canadian Association of Physicists, the Chair of Hadronic Physics/QCD Scientific Working Group of the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics, a member of WISE NL working on initiatives such as Indigenous Youth Gatherings, and a popular presenter with lectures ranging from astrophysics to clean energy.

Stephanie is from Mount Pearl, NL, graduated from the Mechanical Engineering program at Memorial University in April of 2021 and has been with Growler Energy ever since as a Renewable Energy Engineer-In-Training. Stephanie’s work at Growler has focused on renewable energy development projects in Nunavut in partnership with Indigenous communities, as well as electrification and blue hydrogen research initiatives. Stephanie’s work term experience from her undergraduate degree was quite broad; starting in Oil and Gas she moved on to tech and spent her fifth work term with Tesla at their Gigafactory in Nevada, exposing her to a variety of industries and workplaces.

In 2018, Stephanie was named a Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation Ambassador, one of five national ambassador awards presented to the most promising female engineering students in Canada. Upon graduation, she was also awarded the Dean’s Award in Engineering in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science through leadership in student affairs and service to the community while maintaining high academic standing.

Stephanie has always loved being involved, she was President of the MUN Engineering Society throughout her undergrad and was engaged in a variety of panels and speaking opportunities throughout her studies and into her career. Currently, Stephanie is a Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland program, and she is excited to be continuing her involvement with WISE NL.

In her free time, when not spending time with family or friends, Stephanie enjoys being with her two dogs, reading, baking, and in the winter, she loves to get out skiing.

Morgan Chafe is a practicing lawyer with McInnes Cooper. Her practice is primarily focused on administrative litigation, regulation of professions, and insurance defence. Morgan became a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2020. She received a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) from Memorial University in 2016, and her Juris Doctor from the University of New Brunswick in 2019. Morgan is a vocal activist for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and women’s’ rights.

Off the clock, Morgan can often be spending time with her golden-doodle, Cooper, exploring the beautiful sits of Newfoundland and Labrador, or practicing her culinary skills through local cooking classes.

Mona El-Tahan is the founding president of WISE NL, leading the development of a provincial chapter of WISE National in 1988. Mona is a professional engineer, businessperson, and successful entrepreneur experienced in leading diverse and highly talented teams of professionals in the offshore and high technology industries. She is recognized nationally and internationally through awards for success in engineering, business and entrepreneurship, and has an extensive network of professional industry and academic contacts throughout the Middle East, North America, Europe and Southeast Asia.

After obtaining a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Cairo University in Egypt and a Masters in Ocean Engineering from Memorial University. After graduation she worked with Lavalin-Fenco Newfoundland Ltd. as a Project Engineer and Senior Research Engineer/Manager then moved to C-CORE as a Senior Research Engineer/Manager. Mona founded InCoreTec Incorporated, an applied research and development company specializing in offshore and environmental engineering, marine navigational aids, sea ice management, project management and consulting. She stepped away from the company and is now in a consulting role.

Mona’s numerous awards include Canadian Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award (1999), NLOWE Entrepreneur of the Year NL 2000), Sara Kirke Award – Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) (2002), and the Canadian Muslim Contributors to the Business Sector – Canadian Islamic Congress (CIC) (2005).

Mona’s own favourite quality is her love of helping others. In 2019, this very quality won her a community service award offered by the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador (PEGNL).

Jenny grew up on the South Coast of Labrador and moved to St John’s upon finishing high school. Graduating in 2009 with a Diploma in Marine Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Maritime Studies, Jenny started her career with a large corporation as a field engineer. Within a couple of years, she found herself in a management operations role and relocated to Texas, Houston.

Ready to begin a family, Jenny returned to Newfoundland and continued to work in the marine industry locally. She has worked in the marine industry for 14 years with service companies in various roles, and recently served as a legal Marine expert representing a litigation case for a large corporation. Her passion really is the marine industry, as she is fascinated with ship repair and design. Jenny lives in Holyrood, NL. She has two small girls who keep her busy, and the family likes to spend all of their spare time outdoors, enjoying the Newfoundland scenery.

Rachel Coombs is from Portugal Cove South, a small community on the southern Avalon, and has always been passionate about helping her community through volunteering. She graduated from MUN Civil Engineering in 2022 and has since been employed with CIMA + as an Engineer in Training with their energy and resources team. CIMA + is a multidisciplinary company specialized in engineering, project management, urban planning, new technologies and environment. Rachel primarily works with transmission lines to complete structural analysis and design with the aid of modelling programs such as PLS-CADD.

Rachel first became involved with WISE when she was a SSEP participant in 2015. Participating in SSEP helped her discover her interest in Civil Engineering, and inspired her to pursue a degree. In 2018, she returned to the SSEP program to work as a Program Coordinator. Rachel started volunteering with WISE to help women pursue their goals in their chosen STEM field. She volunteered with WISE-US from 2017-2022 taking on roles such as President, Past-President, VP Engineering, and Treasurer. Rachel also volunteers as Youth Representative for the Mistaken Point World Heritage Advisory Council.

Mikayla completed a Bachelor of Engineering, majoring in Electrical, from Memorial University in 2022. After graduation, she started working as an Engineer-In-Training at Newfoundland Power first in their Electrical Maintenance Centre, and now in their Asset Management Group. After growing up in a small community in Newfoundland, Mikayla is excited to be joining the WISE NL Board of Directors to bring light to other young women about opportunities in engineering and sciences.

During her free time, Mikayla enjoys hanging out with her miniature dachshund Emmy, enjoying some trivia, or anything escape room/mystery related.

Ashley Critch is originally from the West Coast of Newfoundland and got her start with WISE during high school, as a participant in the SSEP program. A few years later, she flipped roles and spent a summer as a SSEP coordinator – grateful to have the opportunity to help encourage young individuals to pursue STEM, just like she was. She is excited to be staying involved, having joined the board in 2024.

Ashley is currently studying Naval Architecture and has luckily already been exposed to the industry, confirming her passion for the marine sector, all things ships, and a diverse and welcoming workforce! In her free time, she can be found hanging out with her dog and cats, or crocheting something new!

Veronica Naterer is from Winnipeg, Manitoba and lived in two other provinces before coming to Newfoundland in 2012. She graduated from Gonzaga High School in 2020 and while at Gonzaga, completed the WISE SSEP program. Through the SSEP program, she developed a passion for motivating and advocating for other women in STEM careers. She is now in her final year of Mechanical Engineering at Memorial University. Her plan is to graduate in April of 2025 and pursue higher education the following September.

Veronica has made a persistent effort to stay involved in her community as well as the engineering faculty. She is involved in many clubs and societies at MUN in hopes to improve student engagement within the school of engineering and applied science. She has been a member of the WISE Undergraduate Society since 2022 as VP of Engineering Society B. Veronica plans to stay on the society until the end of her degree in efforts to continuously encourage and empower other like minded women interested in STEM careers!

Jillian Francis
Emily Kavanagh
Abygail Pike
Leah Pumphrey

Melissa Keats is the Program Administrator at WISE NL. Since moving to St. John’s in 2015, she has earned a BSc. (Honours) in Biology, with a minor in Psychology, from Memorial University in 2020. This was followed by a Master’s degree in 2023, where her research focused on aging and Parkinson’s Disease genes using the fruit fly as a model organism. Now, she is excited to be coordinating WISE NL programs which engage and promote young women in STEM.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys baking sweet treats, as well as playing board games with friends and testing her knowledge in trivia.