Julia Le, a chemist and biologist by training, has had a diverse career so far that ranges from researching aquatic animal behavior on Vancouver Island to lab research developing sensors for water quality testing. For the past five years, she has served as an operations manager and partnerships specialist, significantly shaping the craft liquor industry in Alberta. In 2023, Julia made history as the first female distiller of Asian descent to win the Canadian Artisan Spirit of the Year. With this milestone, she hopes will inspire women to trailblaze their own careers in STEM.
Known for her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, Julia has earned numerous awards for her contributions and gained recognition across North America. Beyond her professional pursuits she actively participates in nonprofit work, including fostering animals, serving on the boards of both farmers markets and women in business groups. She uses these opportunities to inspire and support fellow entrepreneurs, as Julia is dedicated to not only driving innovation within her industry but also fostering a more inclusive environment. She hopes she can help to create a more empowering world for future generations of scientists, entrepreneurs, and underrepresented groups.
What do you do at the CIC?
I am the business development specialist here at the CIC. My main role is to create and maintain partnership relationships. Ensuring that our sponsors, collaborators and other stakeholders feel heard and act on any pain points. I am also involved in process improvement including process streamlining and implementation of new systems. Lastly, I am tasked with revenue generation, including grant writing and sponsorship proposals.
How has your background led up to this work?
After graduation, I knew I wanted to learn more about the business world and felt the best the best way to do so was to jump right in. I immediately got a job at a startup, learned the technical/ manufacturing side of the operation and became the Operations Manager. Over 5 years, that company went from a local manufacturer to a multimillion-dollar business with international distribution. I was heavily involved in strategic planning, process improvement, QA//QC protocol development, supply chain, logistics, and being a brand ambassador.
What else should people know about CIC?
There are so many ways to get involved with CIC! Doesn’t matter where you are in your career, undergraduate student, graduate student, new grad, postdoc, industry professional, aor cademic, there’s something you can be involved in. If you’re a student, it is likely that your university has a student chapter. In most major cities, there is a local section full of chemical scientists that put-on events and talks. The CIC has some funding opportunities available for both groups. If you want to gather with more like-minded individuals in your field, there are 18 subject divisions that hold their own symposia. There are so many ways to get involved with CIC!