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Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko

breaking gender stereotypes in math & science

YWCA Toronto young woman of distinction 2006

At the ripe age of nine, Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko founded the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS). Many of the girls Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko grew up with enjoyed neither science nor math, and believed these were subjects better left to the boys.

Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko thought differently.

Her mother, a member of the Canadian Association of Women in Science, had introduced her to many women who worked in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. With these women as role models, Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko learned early on that women as well as men could excel in these fields. She founded CAGIS to pass on the benefit of her perspective. Now it’s her passion to overcome gender stereotyping and the inequality of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A published author and frequent contributor to scientific roundtables, Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko has grown CAGIS from a small local chapter to a Canada-wide organization for girls 7 to 16. Currently the Toronto Chapter coordinator, Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko also runs the national organization. Media-saavy, poised and an engaged mentor to other young women and girls, Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko is the 2006 Young Woman of Distinction.

Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko’s dedication to breaking down barriers through education ensures her members are excited about science. She keeps busy planning monthly events, maintaining the website, fundraising, mentoring CAGIS members and writing and editing the quarterly newsletter.

When she is not engaged with CAGIS, Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko explores her talent for writing. She develops and co-writes the children’s book series, Science Squad Adventures, which has already sold 4,000 copies in Canada. She regularly contributes to YesMag and New Moon magazines and has been featured in various books and magazines including, National Geographic World, Extraordinary Girls, Canadian Family and Canadian Girls Who Rocked the World, in which an entire chapter is dedicated to her and her work.

Her confidence in public speaking has proved invaluable, and Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko has often been called upon to speak about her expertise in youth science education and to encourage girls to participate in science. She has received invitations to give speeches and presentations at the Canadian Institute for Health Research Roundtable on Women in Science, Industry Canada’s Forum on Women in Science and Technology and the Harvard Experience-Bridges to Canadian Context.

Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko’s hard work and commitment to inspiring a love of science in young girls has been recognized across the country. In 2004 her organization received the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council’s Michael Smith Award for excellence in science promotion and the TD Canada Trust Scholarship in 2001.

In addition to her awards, her knowledge and determination have led to invitations to participate in and advise the Canadian Space Agency Roundtable and the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council Science Colloquium.

While helping young women identify their scientific potential, Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko is realizing her own. She is currently completing a life sciences degree at the University of Toronto. As she pursues her dream, she continues to break down gender stereotypes and barriers for young women in science, becoming a role model for girls and women everywhere. Testimonials from CAGIS members prove Ms. Vingilis-Jaremko is an inspiration and a true leader. These reasons make 23-year old Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko, this year’s Young Woman of Distinction.

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