Abstract: The Canadians Working for Inclusivity in Chemical Sciences, Engineering and Technology
(CWIC) Network is a member resource group (MRG) under Chemical Institute of Canada. The
executive team members are working towards promoting inclusivity, diversity and equity in the
chemical sciences and engineering by connecting chemical sciences groups also known as
Chapters across Canada.
Since 2017, CWIC has organized The Leaders Overcoming Great Inequalities in Chemistry
(LOGIC) Retreat with the goal to provide an avenue for professional development and to create
a supportive community in the chemical sciences. CWIC also has Chapters (Equity, Diversity,
and Inclusivity Groups) across various Canadian Universities that constantly host diverse events
keeping Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility as the core theme.
Through this talk, we will go through the journey of CWIC over the last few years. We will talk
about the community building and networking events that have been organized by CWIC and its
Chapters with the aim of building lifelong connections, as well as ways to get involved nationally
and through local chapters
Holly Fruehwald, PhD
PhD in Materials Science
Incoming Chief Executive Officer, Canadians Working for Inclusivity in Chemical Sciences, Engineering, and Technology
Biography: Dr. Holly Fruehwald is currently a NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow in the Smith Group at the
University of Waterloo. She began her journey within CWIC from 2019-2021 where she served
as the Chief Administrative Officer of the CWIC network as well as organizing the 2021 LOGIC
conference. In 2021/2022 she was elected as the incoming Chief Executive Officer and now she
currently serves as the CEO for the 2022/2023 year. She completed her BSc in Chemistry and
PhD in Materials Science at Ontario Tech University working under the supervision of Dr. E.
Bradley Easton and Dr. Olena V. Zenkina, where she studied functionalized carbon materials for
clean electrochemical energy systems. During her PhD she Co-founded and served as the
Co-president of the Ontario Tech-Trent Working for Inclusivity in Chemistry group. Holly is
passionate about both research in clean energy, as well as, promoting and supporting chemistry
outreach with her community. In her free time she likes to paint, and read about space, in the
hopes of one day being able to visit another planet
Milanpreet Kaur
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Chemistry, University of Calgary
Chapter Liaison, CWIC Network (2022-Present)
Chief Marketing Officer, CWIC Network (2020-2022)
Biography: Milanpreet Kaur is a Ph.D. candidate in the Van Humbeck Group at the University of Calgary. Originally from India, where she did her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Delhi. Milan’s graduate research interest is focused on designing a new catalytic system for site-selective C-H functionalization in azaheterocycles. When she has time, she enjoys photography, blogging and exploring different places and cultures. Her life goal is to stay purpose-driven and to leave a positive impact wherever she goes.