Member Spotlight | Oluwapelumi Ogeroju, Exiting Board Member 2025
Oluwapelumi Ogeroju, Project Director at BC Ministry of Transportation
Oluwapelumi describes herself in three words - A Believer. An Explorer. An Epicurean. Currently, she is a Project Director at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in Victoria, British Columbia with a specific focus on clean and sustainable transportation- active transportation. She has several years under her belt developing propositions and strategy for global companies, including Etisalat, Nokia, Microsoft, and LafargeHolcim, before establishing a consulting firm, Transform to Scale.
When did you join or learn about IWIST?
I first heard about it through Sue Maitland. She encouraged me to join so I could get a free coaching session with her. I joined in August 2021, a few weeks after I arrived in Victoria. It was the first transaction on my credit card. Joining iWIST was one of the best decisions I made when I arrived in Canada. Thanks, Sue
Why does this organization matter to you and to the community?
When you arrive in a new city, often, the trajectory of your path is formed by the first set of people you meet. I am so glad that I had the IWST community to learn from. Notably, women like Corina Ludwig, Claire Skillen, and Shelley Langille are three remarkable women who went above and beyond to introduce me to different people within their networks and provided support in terms of my career move and integration into the Victoria community. Every day, I continue to pay their support forward when I meet other women, especially other women who have just moved to Victoria.
What is your background in STEM?
I have worked on various marketing projects across multiple organizations, including Nokia, Microsoft, and Lafarge. Currently, I serve as a project director, focusing on sustainable transportation infrastructure in the BC public service.
On your own career journey how important was it to have/provide peer support? Why? –
Throughout my career, peer support has been instrumental in enhancing my knowledge base and navigating the complexities of various organizations I have worked with. I will give 2 examples.
Several years ago, I was involved in developing propositions for consumers, and I saw an opportunity to enhance the lifetime value of the customer base. By the time I pitched the idea to senior management, I was told another unit would be handling it, so I should drop it. While I was still mulling the idea, I told a colleague, and she gave me a book titled “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office.” The insights I gained from this book empowered me to continue the work and gain the technical capacity to deliver. Eventually, I gained a promotion when I presented the research and work I had done on the subject matter. Over my career, peer support has been vital to my advancement and overall well-being.
On the eve of 2024, another colleague recommended the book How Will You Measure Your Life By the prolific Professor Clay Christensen. To books were given to me as a form of support, and to me, reading these books has been pivotal in my career. I remind people that serendipitous moments happen when you least expect them, and most of the time, they happen when you are with peers, and sometimes not. We just have to remain connected with warm-hearted people.
What do you see as an opportunity to support women in STEM?
iWIST provides women in science and technology with an opportunity to connect with one another and build a community by creating a local network where they can share their experiences. This is especially important on Vancouver Island, where STEM professionals may be spread out over a large area. iWIST also provides an opportunity for women to be role models on the island by showcasing their success stories in STEM fields. This provides opportunities for girls and women considering careers in STEM, as well as those transitioning into STEM careers.
What is the difference between IWIST and other sector-based associations?
iWIST provides a unique platform for women in STEM and aspiring women in STEM to connect. This could be through various in-person and online networking and community-building sessions we offer. Also, the scholarship awards for exceptional women beyond their first year of post-secondary programs in the STEM field are currently the only ones available on Vancouver Island. I was one of the women who walked on the runway to raise funds and awareness for the inaugural scholarship fund.
Secondly, according to Statistics Canada, “among high school graduates, women are 29.8% less likely than men to enroll in a postsecondary STEM program shortly after graduation. The gender gap in STEM enrolment falls to 19.9% when focusing only on bachelor’s degree STEM programs.” The iWIST Future Innovators Program serves as a potential opportunity to bridge that gap. It serves as a platform for girls to engage with older women and organizations that encourage them on their future STEM career journey.
What would you say if someone asked you about IWIST?
IWIST is an organization dedicated to supporting women in STEM and other related fields, focusing on career advancement and community integration through various networking opportunities. Most IWIST events provide an opportunity to meet someone new and engage with them on how they are making a difference. Join us!
What was the most fun you had at an event?
I always appreciate the opportunity to learn new things. From stem crawl visits to several amazing organizations to paddleboarding at Willows Beach and stargazing at the University of Victorias’ Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences Observatory, where I saw the planet Saturn. These experiences were quite memorable because it was my first time experiencing such. And to make it even better, it was in the company of other remarkable IWIST members.
You have served two terms as a Director on the Board of iWIST - what did it mean to you?
Joining the iWIST board was not something I could ever have imagined. Here is the story that brings a smile to my face every time I recall the experience:
Immediately after I joined IWIST, I had a call with Corina Ludwig, the then vice chair of IWIST. During our call, I spoke about my aspirations as an immigrant in Canada. Unknown to me, she was going through my LinkedIn profile. Just before the call ended, she asked that I consider joining the board of IWIST. I took that initiative and applied to join the board. This is my fourth year of that journey. It has been a very interesting ride, as I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing women every year. Most importantly, I have learned a lot about building and nurturing human relationships. A great deal of work goes into planning all that we do, and the amazing women who serve on the board make it possible. In the four years, I have been guided by my faith and the Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? In all, I can say that it has been a rewarding experience.
Anything extra you’d like to share?
A great deal of work goes into planning all that we do, and the amazing women who serve on the iWIST board make it possible. In the four years, I have been guided by my faith and the Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? In all, I can say that it has been a rewarding experience.