OUR TEAM
Meet our team for the 2026-2027 year! This talented group is dedicated to serving the McMaster community. We aim to make a positive and look forward to achieving great things together!
PRESIDENTS
Co-President: Julia Brzustowski (she/her)
Co-President: Arub Syed (she/her)
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Program & Level:
Mechanical Engineering & Management IV
What is your favourite WIE memory?:
WIE Gala 2025 preparation - super stressful as it was our first time running the event, but ultimately the most fun ever and a bonding opportunity for exec!
Program & Level:
Computer Science V
What is your favourite WIE memory?:
Getting to meet so many amazing women in our faculty through the mentorship program and planning Alumni Brunch last year!
Why join WIE? I became interested in computer science and STEM fields from outreach programs focused on getting young girls involved in tech, so the second I came to Mac and came across WIE I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in to give back to what got me here. I love the community and am so proud to be a part of our amazing initiatives and events!
Why join WIE? I joined WIE as a first year rep to get involved and get to know some of the incredible women in our community. I continued to join year after year for the friendships, mentorship, and unbeatable opportunity to grow as a professional and leader while giving back to the community I love!
COMMUNICATIONS
Co-VP Communications: Sophia Kouroukis (she/her)
Co-VP Communications: Gursimran Gill (she/her)
Program & Level:
Chemical III
Why join WIE? I joined WIE because I love the empowerment, mentorship, opportunities and values the society spreads throughout the engineering faculty. I had the privilege of being involved with the team the last two years and have seen firsthand the positive impacts WIE has on students. Our society has been able to empower students, foster a large sense of community, and boost kindness at Mac and it has been an honour to be a small part of that.
What is your favourite WIE memory?: Prepping for WIE’s International Women’s Day Gala the night before. It was so fun hanging out with the exec team and it was exciting to see all the Gala planning come together!
Program & Level:
Civil Engineering & Co-op III
What is your favourite WIE memory?:
My favourite WIE memory is last year's karaoke night! It was nice to see everyone signing and having fun!
Why join WIE? WIE made me feel like I had a place in engineering when I needed it most, especially in first year. Now being part of the team, I get to help create that same feeling for others. I’ve always loved connecting with people and being part of spaces that make others feel welcome and supported. WIE has such a strong, uplifting community, and I’m really proud to help keep that going for anyone finding their way in engineering.
MARKETING & MEDIA
Co-VP Marketing & Media: Seher Mian (she/her)
Co-VP Marketing & Media: Rosha Shokouhi (she/her)
Program & Level:
Computer Engineering III
Program & Level:
Mechanical III
Why Join WIE? I joined WIE because the community I found in first year made such a positive impact on my university experience. It gave me a sense of belonging and support, and I wanted to contribute by helping create that same welcoming environment for future first-year students.
What's your favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memory was attending Stream Selection Night in first year. As a first-year engineering student, choosing a stream felt like a big decision, and it was helpful to hear from upper-year students about their experiences in different programs. The event gave me valuable insight into the various engineering disciplines and helped me feel more confident about my future path. I also appreciated how welcoming and supportive everyone was, making it easy to ask questions and learn from students who had already gone through the process. It was a great introduction to the WIE community and the support it provides to engineering students.
Why Join WIE? I joined WIE because I wanted to be part of a community that supports, empowers, and connects women in engineering. Engineering can be challenging, and having a network of peers and mentors who are willing to share their experiences and encourage one another makes a huge difference. I appreciate WIE’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where students can grow both personally and professionally. Through WIE, I hope to help create opportunities for students to build connections, gain confidence, and feel supported throughout their engineering journey.
What's your favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memories are Karaoke Night and Gala. I loved getting to dress up, spend time with friends, and have fun with such an amazing community outside of academics.
MENTORSHIP
Co-VP Mentorship: Bianca Almeida (she/her)
Co-VP Mentorship: Diya Kalia (she/her)
Program & Level:
Mechatronics & Biomedical Engineering II
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Why join WIE? Throughout my first year of attending WIE events, from mentorship cafes to fun socials, I've had the chance to connect with mentors and meet like-minded friends. Those experiences made me feel supported and inspired, and now I'm excited to create that same sense of community for other women in STEM as a member of the executive team!
Program & Level:
Mechanical Engineering and Management II
What is your favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memory is Stream Selection Night. As a first-year student, nervous about choosing the right path, it was reassuring to hear honest advice and personal experiences from upper years who had once been in my position. Their stories helped me envision various streams beyond just program requirements and course descriptions! The event reminded me how valuable a supportive community is navigating engineering.
What is your favourite WIE memory?: Loved the WIE International Women's Day Gala! It's such a fun night of hanging out with friends, making flower bouquets, taking cute photos, and celebrating amazing women in our community
Why join WIE? I joined WIE because I wanted to be part of a community that helps female-identifying students navigate their own journeys in engineering, including the challenges and successes. WIE accomplishes this by creating spaces where students can find mentorship, build friendships, grow professionally and feel a sense of belonging among their peers! I’m excited to help continue WIE’s mission and give back to a community that has had such a positive impact on me.
SOCIAL
Co-VP Social: Sarah Ahmed (she/her)
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Program & Level:
Civil Engineering III
What is your favourite WIE memory?: May @ Mac 2026. Such a full-circle moment being on the other side of the table, meeting ambitious incoming students and having the opportunity to share my experiences and passion for both the program and the McMaster community.
Co-VP Social: Brianna Hirceaga (she/her)
Program & Level:
Chemical & Bioengineering III
What are some of your interests?:
Rock climbing, playing the piano, drawing
What is your favourite WIE memory?: Although I have so many great memories from some of our biggest events like gala or karaoke, some of my favourite memories are in the smaller moments. Whether it be seeing two first years form a new friendship from one of our events or giving people an outlet to forget about school, it reminds me why we do what we do and the impact it can have.
Why join WIE? It's an incredible community that helps you build meaningful connections and gain genuine confidence. WIE surrounds you with ambitious and driven individuals who inspire and support one another, while providing opportunities to develop those important soft-skills such as leadership and networking. It's a society that has your best interests in mind and will support you throughout your engineering journey at McMaster!
Why join WIE? WIE exec was the first club I joined in my time at university and what truly inspired me to apply was seeing all the events held throughout the year and seeing the community built through this society. Ultimately, I wanted to be apart of such an organized and passionate team and I've never looked back!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Co-VP PD: Emily Attai (she/her)
Co-VP PD: Sankavi Kirushnakumar (she/her)
Program & Level:
Materials and iBiomed V
Why join WIE? I joined WIE because I want to help encourage, support and uplift the women in our community in the same way that I've been supported throughout my undergraduate degree so far. It's also such an awesome community that continues to inspire me every day!
Program & Level:
Electrical Engineering and Society V
What is your favourite WIE memory?: Prepping for the Annual WIE Gala for International Women's day! Spending the entire day with the exec team was so much fun, and helping create an event for our community was so rewarding. Definitely one of my top uni moments!
What is your favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memory was the first year the IWD Gala happened! I got to celebrate with my friends and celebrate all of the women in our community who are doing amazing things!
Why join WIE? It is one of the most tight‑knit, supportive communities you will find! WIE members genuinely look out for one another, we share resources, opportunities, and advice so everyone can grow together. Being part of the WIE exec team also means getting to create meaningful events and give back to our communities. It is incredibly rewarding to help build spaces where women in engineering feel seen, encouraged, and connected.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION COORDINATORS
EDI Coordinator: Eliana Daniel (she/her)
Program & Level:
Computer Engineering III
EDI Coordinator: Sarah Lum (she/her)
Program & Level:
Software and Math IV
Why join WIE? WIE has been an important pillar in helping me and many other women succeed in engineering. I am committed to continuing to foster growth, support and community within WIE and MacEng, and ensuring that every woman feels empowered to pursue a career in engineering.
What is your favourite WIE memory?: IWD Gala! It was amazing to see all our hard work being paid off to celebrate women at MacEng
What is your favourite WIE memory?: One of my favourite events every year is the WIE Industry Night. So many industry nights and career fairs can be so intimidating and daunting to attend but WIE makes such an effort to find so many diverse companies and panel speakers that anyone attending will feel represented and instantly comfortable.
Why join WIE? Through volunteering for WIE events in the past, I realized how strong and special the community here at Mac is. I joined WIE so I could continue to contribute and foster that community for every new cohort of incoming women in engineering!
INTERNAL
Co-VP Internal: Rachel Leung (she/her)
Program & Level:
Materials & iBioMed II
What is your favourite WIE memory ?:
WIE Gala impromptu Zumba class 💃
Why join WIE? I joined WIE because I've been supported by so many incredible women in STEM, and I want to honour their efforts by being an advocate for others in our community. I stayed for the amazing women I get to meet and work alongside toward a shared goal, through mentorship, professional development, and a community that shows up for each other.
Co-VP Internal: Andrea Siroen (she/her)
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Program & Level:
Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering V
What is your favourite WIE memory?: Our WIE Karaoke nights! A place where you can sing your heart out and dance the night away; they are always a blast-and-a-half 🎤🎶.
Why join WIE? The community is unmatched! The McMaster Women in Engineering Society plays a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment for women-identifying engineering students. It is a space where you can learn, grow, and meet so many like-minded and ambitious individuals. Speaking from experience, the relationships I've built through this community have been invaluable, providing guidance, support, and encouragement as I navigate challenges and expand my horizons. I am eager to spend my final year of undergrad furthering our team's commitment to advancing inclusivity and empowerment within the engineering community. 🌟
SPONSORSHIP
IDEA CONFERENCE
Sponsorship Coordinator: Anne Paladino (she/her)
IDEA Conference Chair: Sama Al-Oda (she/her)
Program & Level:
Mechanical Engineering IV
What is your favourite WIE memory?: It's hard to pick just one, but my favourite WIE memories are Karaoke Night and winning the International Women's Day Intramural Tournament. Karaoke Night was so much fun because everyone was singing along and having a great time, and the tournament was exciting because we got to compete together and come away with the win. Both events helped me make new friends and showed me how supportive and fun WIE is.
Program & Level:
Software and iBiomed IV
What is your favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memory has to be the WIE brunch and getting to talk with so many amazing alumni and students. Hearing everyone's experiences was inspiring, but what stood out most was how quickly we connected. Despite being from different years and programs, there was such a strong sense of support and understanding that made the community feel special.
Why join WIE? WIE is a great way to meet people, build connections, and get involved in the engineering community outside of classes. Whether through social events, professional development opportunities, mentorship, or outreach initiatives, there is something for everyone. WIE helped me make new friends and feel more connected to the Faculty of Engineering, and I think it can provide that same sense of community and support for other students as well.
Why join WIE? I want to join WIE because I've realized how important community is as a woman in engineering. Being surrounded by people who understand your experiences and support your growth is incredibly empowering. WIE has had a positive impact on my own journey, and I'd love the opportunity to help create that same sense of belonging and encouragement for others :)
OUTREACH
VP Outreach: Julia Leszczynski (she/her)
Program & Level:
Civil II + Co-op
Why join WIE? I want to be a driving force in fostering a welcoming community at McMaster Engineering and inspire other women-identifying students to not be afraid to pursue their passions and dreams!
What is your favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memory was attending the welcome week event! I remember feeling incredibly nervous and scared I wasn't going to have any friends in engineering. As soon as I entered the room I met so many amazing women on the same path and with the same passions as me and it was so incredibly comforting. I started talking to the girl who sat beside me and we ended up spending the rest of the day together, and we realized how much we had in common. Still to this day she is one of my best friends and I only met her because of the amazing community of women that were in the room that day!
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FINANCE
Co-VP Finance: Jane D'Souza (she/her)
Program & Level:
Computer Engineering and Management IV
Why join WIE? Joining WIE has been such a rewarding part of my time in engineering. The industry nights and networking events were game-changers for my co-op search, helping me expand my professional network and connect with people in my program. Beyond the career stuff, it’s just a great way to build genuine friendships, de-stress at fun social events, and get truly involved in the campus community.
Co-VP Finance: Aadvika Mukherjee (she/her)
Program & Level:
Chem and iBio II
Why join WIE? For the community! Mac Eng is filled with so many awesome and inspiring women and it’s an incredible feeling to come together with so many of them to work on creating diversity and equity in such a male dominated field. Beyond that, it’s a great way to meet new people, network, and build connections that will last long after you graduate:)
What is favourite WIE memory?: My favourite WIE memory was definitely the pottery painting night! Engineering gets so intense, so having an evening to step away from the workload and paint ceramics with everyone was such a good break. It was super relaxed and gave me a chance to connect with people outside of labs and study sessions. I also loved the heart soldering event, it was a fun hands-on way to learn a cool technical skill while hanging out with everyone.
What is your favourite WIE memory?: Going to stream selection night and meeting so many incredible upper years who gave me so much clarity on where I wanted to go with my degree. And as a bonus, the free merch there was great too!