SWIS Awards 2025

As we approach the end of the year, SWIS Africa seeks to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and impact of women in STEM within Manitoba, Canada, a province that has become home to a growing community of African women pursuing excellence in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

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Award Categories

Research & Innovation Award

This category honors a woman in STEM who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to scientific research, technological advancement, or innovative problem-solving in Manitoba.

Criteria: Research excellence, originality, impact, and dissemination of knowledge.

Dr. Ayooluwa Bolaji

Dr. Bolaji is the Acting Head of the Special Bacteriology Unit at Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (NML).

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Dr. Leisha Stratchan

Dr. Strachan is the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba.

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Dr. Mary Adedayo

Dr. Adedayo is an Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg specializing in digital forensics and cybersecurity.

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Leadership & Community Engagement Award

This award recognizes a woman who has shown exceptional leadership in driving STEM-related community programs, mentorship, advocacy, or initiatives that empower others.

Criteria: Leadership impact, volunteerism, mentorship, and community influence.

Faith Akinyemi

Faith is a goal driven researcher and computer scientist passionate about leveraging technology to address real-world challenges.

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Tshego Matshoga

Tshego is a leader in agribusiness and youth empowerment, supporting innovation and student engagement at the University of Manitoba.

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Mercy Oluwafemi

Mercy is a community leader empowering youth and women through leadership, mentorship, and social impact initiatives.

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Business & Entrepreneurship Award

Honoring a woman who has successfully applied STEM knowledge to build or scale a business or social enterprise, contributing to innovation and economic empowerment.

Criteria: Business innovation, sustainability, and social or economic impact.

Mpho Begin

Mpho is the founder of Cassidy e-Care Solutions, a digital health startup using AI to support type 2 diabetes self-management.

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Malia Anitoh Atangabua

Malia is an innovator and leader dedicated to advancing Africa through technology and purpose-driven solutions.

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Jacintha Ifeyinwa Eze

Jacinta is an entrepreneur and community leader empowering Black women and immigrants through Afri-Inspire Concepts.

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Emerging STEM Category (College)

This category highlights a university student or early career professional who is demonstrating excellence and commitment to STEM research, leadership, or professional growth.

Criteria: Academic or career excellence, innovation, and leadership potential.

Zipporah Gitau

Zipporah is a PhD student and research scientist in Medical Microbiology studying infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis C.

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Adeyemi Bunmi

Bunmi is a fourth-year Health Sciences student and leader passionate about inclusive healthcare, neurodivergent support, and STEM access.

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Fareedah Ibitoye

Fareedah is a University of Manitoba science student and youth leader, recognized for academic excellence and community impact through multiple awards.

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Emerging STEM Category (High School)

Celebrating a high school girl who has shown outstanding curiosity, creativity, or achievement in STEM-related studies, competitions, or projects.

Criteria: Academic performance, innovation, passion, and initiative.

Tsion Abera

Tsion is a senior student committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM through leadership, advocacy, and science.

Treasure Oluwadebi

Treasure Oluwadebi is a Grade 12 straight-A student passionate about STEM and community involvement.

Tolu Ogunlesi

Toluwanimi Ogunlesi is a Grade 10 student passionate about science and aspires to become a neurosurgeon.

Thank you very much for voting

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