Alicia Bjarnason
Alicia Bjarnason is a Canadian EDI strategist, researcher, Human Geographer, Geoscientist, and advocate for women in STEM.[1][2]
Bjarnason is an experienced geologist who, after working for 13 years as a geoscientist, co-founded the Women's Workplace Improvement Network (WWIN).[1] She currently works as a project and EDI strategist for the Canadian Coalition of Women in Science, Engineering, Trade, and Technology (CCWESTT).[1] She also runs her own consulting company called “Bjarg,” which has been running since 2012.[2][3]
Bjarnason's advocacy for women in STEM has helped many women get into and stay in STEM. She has been recognized for her efforts, receiving the “Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award” in 2019.[4]
Biography[edit]
Bjarnason received a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of Saskatchewan in 1999, a Master of the Arts in Human Geography in 2018, a CCIP certification from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion in 2019, and a certificate in Indigenous studies from the University of Alberta in 2021.[1] Bjarnason has two children.[2]
In February 2014, Bjarnason created a team for the childhood cancer group “Tour for Kids” called “Kiptyns Crusaders,” in honor of her son, Kiptyn, who is a survivor of childhood cancer.[1]
Career[edit]
Bjarnason began her career around 1999, drawn to geology due to her enjoyment of being outdoors and the lack of competition between women in the field.[4] She co-founded the Women's Workplace Improvement Network, aiming to help women re-enter the workforce after taking time off for family or personal reasons.[2] She also served as president of the Alberta Women's Science Network for six years.[2]
Using her MA from the University of Calgary in Human Geography, Bjarnason works as a professional geoscientist. She focuses on equity and diversity in the STEM workforce through her company, Bjarg Consulting, and her affiliations with AWSN and CCWESTT.[2]
Bjarnason ensures companies adhere to equity and inclusion policies through Bjarg Consulting. She also co-hosted a podcast called Exclusion, discussing her work as a geologist and her consulting business.[5]
Recognition and legacy[edit]
Bjarnason believes that innovation comes through equity, inclusivity, and diversity. She has been recognized with awards like the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship and the Alberta Graduate Citizenship Award.[2] She is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional and has volunteered at the Alberta Women's Science Network since 2013.[2]
In 2015, Bjarnason initiated the AWSN Work Re-engagement Program to help women in STEM re-enter the workforce.[2] She serves on various EDI advisory boards and is the director of the Operation Minerva Program, which mentors young girls in STEM.[6] Bjarnason also designed the AWSN Equitable Scholarship, which has won awards for social innovation.[2][7][8]
Awards[edit]
Bjarnason received the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award in 2019 for her work in STEM and advocacy.[9]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Alicia Bjarnason PGeol, FGC, MA, CCIP". Retrieved October 4, 2023 – via LinkedIn.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Bjarnason, Alicia. "ALICIA BJARNASON PGEOL, FGC, MA, CCIP". Bjarg. Alicia Bjarnason. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
- ↑ Hawranik, Marcie (2018-11-13). "#GameChanger Alicia Bjarnason". CEC. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chloe, Ellis (December 11, 2019). "Calgary geologist advocates to help girls in sciences, from school to the boardroom". CBC.
- ↑ "(Ex)clusion". Buzzsprout. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ↑ "TELUS Spark Science Centre". www.sparkscience.ca. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ↑ "AWSN Scholarship $3000 | AWSN.org". www.awsn.org. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ↑ "Women in Engineering & Geoscience Champion". APEGA. Retrieved 2023-10-04.
- ↑ Government of Alberta. (2023, March 31). Past Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards Recipients 2000 – 2021. https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/csw-past-stars-of-alberta-volunteer-awards-recipients.pdf
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