Member Spotlight | Farah Elraggal reflects on the importance of community in her STEM career

Fara Elraggel, EIT at Avalon Mechanical

Farah has always been a blend of logic and creativity. In high school, she excelled in math and physics but also had a talent for drawing and painting - so much so that she considered pursuing fine arts. It seemed like the more “girly” option at the time. But a conversation with her uncle during her final year of high school changed everything. When he questioned whether engineering was “for girls,” Farah didn’t back down - she leaned in. That moment sparked a determination to prove him wrong and to prove to herself what she was capable of. At the end of the day, Engineering is creativity – you take a problem and translate it into something else.

With a civil engineer father, a medically trained mother, and a brother also in engineering, Farah had plenty of influences, but she was determined to carve her own path in Engineering. She studied Mechanical Engineering at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Arriving in a new province where most students already knew each other, Farah faced the challenge of finding her place in a male-dominated program. But through persistence and deep friendships especially with a tight-knit group of women in her cohort, she found both community and confidence.

Are you a corporate or individual member?  

Corporate!

When did you join or learn about IWIST?

 I joined through Avalon and learned about iWIST right as I moved to BC about 10 months ago.

Why does this organization matter to you and to the community? 

It’s about creating a space where we can grow, inspire, and empower. We need that, especially where representation still struggles.

What is your background in STEM? 

I'm a mechanical engineer!

On your own career journey how important was it to have/provide peer support? Why? – 

Peer support has been absolutely critical throughout my academic career journey, and honestly, I wouldn't be where I am today without it - precisely why I'm equally committed to providing it to others now! In my opinion, it extends beyond just receiving advice (though that's also crucial). It's about having a sounding board and a source of perspective that validates your experiences!

What do you see as an opportunity to support women in STEM?  

There’s so much room to lift each other up! Mentorship, sharing real everyday stories, creating platforms where we can be raw and vulnerable. We need to make STEM feel less intimidating and more like a community where everyone truly belongs.

What is the difference between IWIST and other sector-based associations? 

IWIST is about us: the women in tech and engineering here on the island - it’s not just about networking but rather about representation, visibility, and real support rooted in our everyday experiences!

What would you say if someone asked you about IWIST? 

I'd say that if you're a woman in STEM here on the island -or even considering a career in these fields- connecting with IWIST is absolutely essential!

What was the most fun you had at an event? 

It's tough to pick just one, so I'll start with the Hatley Castle event. Having just moved to BC, it was my first time meeting so many incredible IWIST women in person. I felt an immediate sense of belonging in such an inspiring setting and everyone was so incredibly kind and eager to chat.

The Glo Restaurant event also stands out- it wasn't just about networking, but rather it was about forging genuine connections through real conversations and just genuine fun! 

The high school volunteer event really hit home for me personally. I put myself in the students' shoes, remembering how I was also intimidated by STEM just a few years back. Seeing that panel of the incredibly inspiring women that day and telling the girls they belonged was just rewarding. These moments truly underscore why IWIST matters!

Anything extra you’d like to share? 

Be stubborn. Every stubborn decision has always been the best decision in my life. Don’t settle for something because others think you are not capable of doing it. Be stubborn and say, “Watch me do it.”

Yes, it can be scary, but you will impress yourself. You don’t know what you are capable of until you put yourself in the position. For example, I was never thought I was good in math even though I got good marks. I worked hard and studied hard. I loved listening to such successful women in the field and hear their career stories. It was a very cozy environment with appetizers and drinks – which made for the perfect evening.