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BlackBerry takes leadership role in supporting Women in STEM

BlackBerry’s new approach to staying relevant and important in the world of technology just received a new boost with the unveiling of their new BlackBerry Scholars Program.

Announced earlier today at BlackBerry Live in Orlando and spearheaded by Global Creative Director Alicia Keyes the program will provide scholarships to young women around the world who enrol in courses in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

“Women are underrepresented in fields of science and tech, and we feel strongly that it’s time to support a change,” says Alicia Keys. “It’s important to connect the dots for young women in high school and college and show them that careers in science and technology are within their reach. And when women do land these jobs, it’s vital they receive the tools and support they need to advance in their careers.”

This scholarship program is BlackBerry’s first step in in a long-term commitment to engage young women at every step of their education and through to their careers in STEM-related fields.

Both in North America and around the world, women’s role in STEM industries and careers lacks that of male participation. For example, less than 9% of women graduate with computer engineering degrees.

Karim Kanji
Karim Kanjihttp://karimkanji.com
Karim Kanji is the Canadian Director of Social Media Strategy at iNvolved Media. iNvolved Media was purchased by Active International in 2015. Clients include popular food brands, technology brands and other CPG companies. Prior to joining iNvolved Media, Karim led the paid social media strategy for some of Canada's most popular CPG and confectionery brands for Catalyst/GroupM. Karim started in the social media space when he co-founded and was the President of THIRDOCEAN where he led the creation of digital content for companies including Scotiabank, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Microsoft, Wild Water Kingdom, Palomino Systems Inc. and Techvibes. Karim has also been recognized as a pioneer in podcasting having interviewed people such as such as federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, former MLSE boss Richard Peddie, TVO's Steve Paikin, Canadian serial angel investor Dr. Boris Wertz, HootSuite founder Ryan Holmes, Mathew Ingram, Mitch Joel from Mirium and many, many others. As a demonstration of thought leadership, Karim led the development and execution of reports discussing how technology and digital media have impacted industries such as retail, education, health, gaming, sports and banking.

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Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

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