Lassonde School of Engineering launches challenge to achieve gender balance

York University's Lassonde School of Engineering has launched the Lassonde 50:50 Challenge, an initiative intended to make it the first engineering school in Canada to reach a 50:50 gender balance. The school will also create a new position, Assistant Dean of Inclusivity and Diversity, to lead the school's commitment, and will assemble a team of alumni, industry leaders, students, and academics to act as strategic advisers. Entrepreneur Sandra Bergeron and author Katty Kay will serve as co-Chairs of the Challenge. The initiative will be funded in part by $1 M set aside from Pierre Lassonde's $25 M founding donation to the school. "We live in a world where engineers are wielding greater power and influence over our lives than ever before. We need more women studying engineering, teaching engineering, and practicing engineering. Now is the time to act and for Canada to take the lead," said Lassonde. Increasing female interest in STEM fields has become a focus for many institutions and organizations. YorkU News Release