Professional Development
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 series launching in January 2027.
Why it exists
Why STEM Equity in Action?
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
What to Expect:
- Live, Facilitated Modules: Interactive 2 hour sessions led by Visions of Science facilitators. Each module is designed to balance reflection, analysis, and application that supports real shifts in how STEM equity is understood and practiced within your organization.
- Learning Experience: Drop in learning labs that offer support, peer learning and connection across program participants.
- Real-World Tools: Actionable worksheets that build toward a final organizational toolkit
- Reflection: Opportunities to engage both individually and as a team
- Certification: Participants who complete this program will receive a formal certification from Visions of Science.
How it’s designed
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
The evidence
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.
What’s included
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)
Dates
Timeline + Expectations
Here’s a breakdown of dates and times, including an information session, registration deadline and program schedule:
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 29, 2026 | Lunch and Learn Information Session |
| Thursday, January 21, 2027 | Program Registration Deadline |
| Thursday, January 28, 2027 | Module 1: Understanding the Landscape of STEM Equity Evaluating Your STEM Equity Posture and North Star |
| Thursday, February 11, 2027 | Drop-In Learning Lab (optional) |
| Thursday, February 25, 2027 | Module 2: Evaluating STEM Equity Impact Determining What Equity Outcomes Matter and What Success Looks Like |
| Thursday, March 11, 2027 | Drop-In Learning Lab (optional) |
| Wednesday, March 31, 2027 | Module 3: Designing Equity-Centered STEM Programs Aligning Program Design with STEM Equity Outcomes |
| Thursday, April 15. 2027 | Drop-In Learning Lab (optional) |
| Thursday, April 29, 2027 | Module 4: Partnerships and Ecosystems Developing Reciprocal, Accountable Relationships Beyond Your Organization |
| Thursday, May 13, 2027 | Drop-In Learning Lab (optional) |
| Thursday, May 27, 2027 | Module 5: Final Portfolio STEM Equity in Action Toolkit |
| Thursday, June 3, 2027 | Drop-In Learning Lab (optional) |
Get started
Learn More
To learn more about the STEM Equity in Action program, join us for a Lunch and Learn on Thursday, October 29 at 1:30 pm ET. The team from CASC and Visions of Science will share details of the program and answer any question you have.
Facilitators
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.
