As technology evolves and reshapes our world, women taking a role in driving innovation has never been more crucial. Sophia Hanna, an alumna of the University of Toronto’s Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and now an Operating Partner at Brookfield, is a powerful example of the impact women can have in this field.
Sophia underscores a key opportunity for future engineers: closing the gender gap in technology is not just about fairness — it’s about unlocking potential. “The gender gap in technology is not just a statistic; it’s a missed opportunity for industries to thrive.” According to data from McKinsey, gender diverse teams are more likely to outperform their peers by 25% — a powerful indicator that when women are supported and encouraged to pursue technology roles, innovation and success follow.
As an industry leader, Sophia is passionate about mentoring the next generation of innovators. She highlights the University of Toronto’s role in developing these future leaders. “The University of Toronto has created a beautiful program that prepares our young, brilliant minds to become the cornerstones of success in our society.” In fact, the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering is proud to say that over 33% of ECE students are women.
Sophia’s message resonates across sectors and generations: we need all the talent we can muster to solve the complex problems we face today. To Sophia, this means dismantling barriers, mentoring future innovators, and making sure women have a seat at the table.
Through education, opportunity, and encouragement, we can empower more women to become the innovators and industry leaders of tomorrow.