Nina Gregoire and Kimberley Kaseweter: Uplifting women in STEM with mentorship

Helping women overcome hurdles and advance in fields where women have been underrepresented means a lot to both Nina Gregoire (BSc’17, MA’21, PhD’25) and Kimberley Kaseweter (PhD’20).

Gregoire is a Mediator working in private practice and a law student at the University of Essex. Kaseweter is the Senior Clinical Researcher at Thrive Health and an adjunct professor at UBC Okanagan’s Department of Psychology. Together, they’re the co-owners of consulting firm PsiSolutions, which specializes in market research and survey design.

Based in Kelowna, both volunteered for UBC Okanagan’s WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) Mentoring Program, in which female students in the Faculty of Engineering and the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science connect with industry mentors. 

In this Q&A, this dynamic duo explain why they became involved in the WiSE program, what they gained from doing so, and how even small volunteer efforts can have big impact.

Why did you feel it was important to volunteer for the WiSE program? And why do you feel it’s important to do so in the current climate?

Volunteering for the WiSE program was an easy decision because of the impact it has on supporting and empowering women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). [UBC Okanagan associate dean and professor] Dr. Trudy Kavanagh, who spearheads the program, has been an incredible mentor and inspiration to both of us. We’ve seen firsthand how WiSE fosters community, mentorship, and opportunities for women in science and engineering. 

Mentorship plays such a critical role in helping women navigate challenges, gain confidence, and access opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to reach. By sharing our own experiences and lessons learned, we hope to provide guidance, encouragement, and tangible support to the next generation of women in STEM. Given our backgrounds in psychology, law, and digital health, we strongly believe in the importance of mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and breaking down systemic barriers. Diversity, equity, and inclusion standards still have a long way to go in Canada, and seeing programs that serve these principles come under threat in unstable political times makes grassroots efforts even more critical. 

WiSE aligns with our values of promoting equity and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in academia and industry. Nina was also part of the program during her undergraduate studies, so giving back felt natural and meaningful. We’re excited to contribute to a program that not only supports women in their academic and professional journeys but also strengthens the broader STEM community through collaboration and inclusion.

How do you feel you have you professionally and personally benefitted from volunteering? Or what have you learned from volunteering with UBC?

Professionally, volunteering with WiSE has strengthened our mentorship and leadership skills. Guiding students through their academic and professional development has reinforced our own knowledge and perspectives, while also allowing us to see challenges from fresh angles. Mentorship is really a two-way exchange — we are continually inspired by the talented UBC students we work with, learning from their innovative ideas, diverse experiences, and fresh approaches to problem-solving. These interactions have not only deepened our understanding of the evolving STEM landscape but have also fostered strong connections for collaboration and networking.

Personally, it has been fulfilling to support students in navigating challenges we once faced ourselves. It has also reinforced the importance of community and mentorship — seeing how even small pieces of advice or encouragement can make a meaningful difference in someone’s trajectory has been a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

What do you feel most proud of or found to be the most satisfying as a volunteer for UBC?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of volunteering at UBC has been contributing to efforts that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia and industry. Through programs like WiSE, we’ve had the opportunity to support and uplift students from diverse backgrounds, many of whom face systemic barriers in STEM fields.

We take pride in creating spaces where students — especially those from underrepresented groups — feel valued, heard, and empowered to pursue their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to help foster an environment where students can discuss challenges related to gender, equity, and access, while also equipping them with tools to navigate and challenge those barriers.

Beyond mentorship, we are proud to be part of broader conversations about structural change — helping to bridge gaps between academia and industry, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that educational and career opportunities are accessible to students from all backgrounds. Seeing tangible progress in these areas, whether through students securing meaningful opportunities or systemic improvements in institutional support, has been one of the most satisfying aspects of our work with the WiSE program at UBC.

Is there anything that has surprised you about volunteering for UBC? Or is there anything you found you discovered because of your volunteering experiences?

One of the biggest surprises has been just how impactful even brief interactions can be. Sometimes a short conversation, a word of encouragement, or a shared experience can make a significant difference in how a student approaches their studies or career path. We’ve both heard from students — months after interacting with them — thanking us for the help, which is always really touching.

We’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how much we’ve learned from the students we mentor. Their curiosity, resilience, and innovative thinking continue to inspire us. It has reinforced the idea that mentorship is a two-way street — while we offer guidance, we also gain fresh perspectives, insights, and motivation from the next generation of professionals.

What advice would you give to UBC alumni who are considering volunteering for UBC?

Our biggest advice would be: Just start. You don’t need to have all the answers or a perfect plan — what matters most is showing up, being available, and offering your time and perspective. Even small contributions can make a meaningful impact. Something as simple as sharing an area that you struggled with and how you overcame it can be reassuring to someone starting out.

There are so many ways to give back and it can be done to suit the time you have available. Whether it’s mentoring a student, speaking on a panel, or sharing your career journey. Every bit of support helps create a stronger, more connected UBC community. Plus, you might be surprised by how much you gain from the experience — whether it’s personal fulfillment, professional connections, or new insights.

Finally, if you’re considering it but feel unsure, remember that your experiences and knowledge are valuable! Also, like us, you can work with a friend to share the experience and workload. There are students who would benefit from your guidance, and UBC provides many ways to get involved in a way that fits your expertise and availability.