At Calian, diversity is not only essential to our success—it’s the driving force behind the technological innovations shaping the future of our industry, and our world. By fostering an inclusive workplace, we’re unlocking fresh ideas and perspectives that fuel groundbreaking advancements every day. 

While current statistics highlight a clear gap, they also reveal an opportunity for change. Women represent 34 per cent of Canadians with STEM degrees, yet they make up only 23 per cent of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

At Calian, we are determined to close this gap. Our commitment goes beyond simply increasing representation—we are dedicated to creating an environment where women can thrive and lead in traditionally male-dominated fields. Today, 46.2% of Calian’s workforce is female—a reflection of our unwavering commitment to gender parity in the tech industry, and a testament to our belief that diverse teams are essential to solving the world’s most complex challenges. 

Ushering in a new era of tech leadership

Calian is proud to be a place where women are shaping the future of technology—leading, innovating and inspiring change at every level. 

One standout example is Valérie Travain-Milone, who joined Calian as President of our Advanced Technologies division in 2024. Valérie’s leadership stands as a powerful demonstration of women excelling in industries where they have historically been underrepresented, such as space, telecommunications, defence, manufacturing, science and nuclear technologies. Her forward-looking approach is already driving success at Calian, while motivating women company-wide to challenge boundaries and pursue leadership roles of their own. 

“Until you see someone you can identify with, like a woman in a leadership role, it’s easy to think there’s a glass ceiling in this industry,” says Valérie. “But when you see women leading, it gives others the confidence to believe, ‘If I join a company like Calian, I can become a leader too.’”  

Valérie’s example shows how representation in leadership can empower women in STEM—helping them envision new career paths and build meaningful futures in technology. 

Driving global innovation through diversity

Meanwhile, as Calian continues to grow, we are seeing firsthand the direct link between diversity and innovation. Our clientele is comprised of various genders, nations, cultures and backgrounds—and they expect us to be innovative and able to find unique solutions that meet their needs.   

Diversity not only improves the variety of ideas Calian can bring to our clients—it also presents new approaches and perspectives on problem-solving, ultimately improving outcomes for customers and enhancing their bottom line.  

“Different perspectives lead to breakthrough solutions that resonate and connect with a wider range of people, not just one homogeneous group,” says Valérie. “Therefore, to truly understand the world’s needs, diversity is key—and the more diverse your team, the better you can reflect that in your products, work culture and corporate values.”  

In other words, by fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment, Calian is not only strengthening our internal culture but also enhancing our credibility as a global leader in tech—ensuring we remain responsive to the ever-evolving requirements of our customers.

Building a future talent pool that reflects our values

At Calian, we recognize that attracting and retaining diverse talent is crucial to our long-term success. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) drives us every day to maintain an environment where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to be their true selves at work. 

We firmly believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our company—and we remain committed to providing women, particularly those in STEM, with the leadership and growth opportunities they deserve. 

By promoting diversity at every level of Calian, we’re proudly building a culture where everyone—regardless of gender or background—can lead, thrive and contribute to positive change. We hope others take our lead and continue to champion women in pursuit of STEM careers.