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STEM Equity in Action

A Professional Development Learning Series

CASC in partnership with Visions of Science are proud to introduce  STEM Equity in Action, a five-module professional development pilot launching in October 2025. This live, cohort-based series was created in direct response to a needs assessment that identified a clear call for practical tools, shared language, and deeper reflection around STEM equity.

Who is this for:

STEM Equity in Action is a professional development learning series for CASC members. We welcome STEM educators, program planners, administrators and decision makers at various levels of all CASC member organizations to join us in this deep learning series. 

What to Expect: 

  • Live, Facilitated Modules: Interactive 1–1.5 hour sessions led by trained facilitators
  • Each module is designed to balance reflection, analysis, and application—supporting real shifts in how STEM equity is understood and practiced within your organization.
  • Real-World Tools: Actionable worksheets and templates that build toward a final organizational toolkit
  • Flexible Reflection: Opportunities to engage both individually and as a team
  • Each module centers on one or more of the core pillars below to shift in how we think, design, evaluate, and relate to diverse communities.
    • Expanding Access & Opportunity
    • Advancing Equitable Outcomes
    • Recognizing STEM Everywhere
    • Using STEM to Drive Change

Design Principles

This course is:

  • Practical: grounded in the day-to-day realities of STEM organizations
  • Learner-Centered & Learner-Informed:  shaped by feedback from the sector
  • Collaborative & Participatory: encourages dialogue across teams
  • Reflexive & Relational:  supports honest reflection on systems, assumptions, and power
  • Community-Oriented: designed to build shared language, trust, and alignment

Learning Goals

By the end of this series, participants will:

  • Define what STEM equity means in their own context
  • Identify systemic barriers and assess current equity posture
  • Map where equity lives—and doesn’t—in their organizational structures
  • Apply principles of inclusive design and equity-centered evaluation
  • Build a practical toolkit to guide ongoing STEM equity work

Why This Matters

This series was developed in direct response to the 2024 STEM Equity Needs Assessment, where organizations across Canada named:

  • A lack of clarity around what STEM equity really means
  • A need for structured, practical tools—not just more discussion
  • Desire for sector-wide alignment that avoids one-size-fits-all mandates
  • This course is not about checkboxes—it’s about building the clarity, commitment, and capacity to do this work meaningfully.

Course Components

  • Watch & Listen: Live facilitation 
  • Download & Read: Toolkit templates, self-assessment guides, mapping worksheets
  • Reflect & Participate: Opening reflections, discussion prompts, mini-assignments
  • Connect & Network: Optional community of practice (live or async) 

Timeline + Expectations

To kick things off, CASC is inviting up to 15 people to be part of a pilot program that will provide feedback towards the development of a final certification course. 

By participating in this pilot program, participants will:  

  • Receive a $200 grant from CASC
  • Be acknowledged as a co-creator of the learning series
  • Leave with a STEM Equity tool kit to put what you’ve learned  into action. 

Pilot program Sessions will run from October, 2025–April 2026 (meetings will take place in October, November, January, February and April). Participation in the pilot program includes a commitment to providing feedback via surveys, as well as two live focus group feedback sessions.

The final version will be introduced to all CASC members in September 2026. This final version will include a certificate of completion.

Meet the Team 

Dr. Eugenia Duodu Addy

Dr. Eugenia Duodu Addy is the CEO of Visions of Science, a charitable organization with the mission of transforming communities, society, and the planet through equitable access to STEM. In her role, she leads the organization in facilitating community-based youth engagement, strengthening youth support networks, and advocating for broader systems change. Eugenia is an advocate, consultant, and thought leader in STEM equity, leadership, and community development. She acts as an educational consultant and subject matter expert for STEM-focused media initiatives, and serves on the boards of the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Foundation, and The Counselling Foundation of Canada. Eugenia holds an honours bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology, as well as a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Toronto.

Desirée Sylvestre

Desirée Sylvestre is the Director of Education at Visions of Science, where she leads educator and caregiver engagement, supports equity-centered program design, and builds strategic partnerships. Her work focuses on justice-oriented science education and amplifying the voices of Black and racialized communities. She brings experience as a teacher, researcher, and curriculum consultant, and is completing her PhD in Education Leadership and Policy at the University of Toronto.

Zarah Suficiencia

Zarah Suficiencia is the Senior Manager of Catalyst Programs at Visions of Science. She leads a team focused on expanding the organization’s reach and deepening its impact, ensuring that youth in underrepresented communities see themselves reflected in STEM and experience it as fun, accessible, and relevant. With a background in education and community engagement, she brings a strong equity lens to program development and partnership-building.

Yi Lu

Yi Lu is the Director of Team and Culture at Visions of Science. She leads people strategy, organizational development, and culture-building initiatives that support a thriving, mission-aligned team. With nearly a decade of nonprofit experience across programming, operations, and HR, Yi is committed to building equitable systems that foster growth and belonging. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.