Governance
WISEST Governance
At WISEST, we believe that building inclusive pathways in STEM takes a community. Our governance structure reflects this belief, bringing together scientists, engineers, scholars, educators, students, and industry partners who share a commitment to advancing equity and belonging in STEM.
Our Governance Bodies:
- Advisory Council – Blessie Mathew, Lisa Willis, Sandra Renihan, and Fervone Goings
- External Relations Committee – Chaired by Sandra Renihan
- Internal Relations Committee – Chaired by Lisa Willis
- Networks Council – Chaired by Fervone Goings, with co-chairs from both WiSER and UA-WiSE
This engaged and collaborative structure supports WISEST’s day-to-day operations, guides our long-term sustainability, and ensures that our work continues to reflect the needs of our diverse community.
In 2025, following valuable feedback from our stakeholders, we updated our governance model. This included the dissolution of the WISEST Advisory Board as of August 31, 2025, to create a more responsive and connected framework for the future.
We are deeply grateful to all current and past members who have generously given their time, expertise, and encouragement over the years. Your contributions have been instrumental in shaping WISEST’s journey. Together, we continue to inspire young people, expand opportunities, and change the story of who belongs, and who thrives, in STEM.
Name: Sandra Renihan
Position: Industry Co-Chair
Current work title: Associate (Structural Engineering) at DIALOG
How long have you been with WISEST and in what capacity? Participated as a student in Choices 1999, Volunteered on the Program Committee from 2016 (I think?) – 2018, Volunteered on External Relations Committee (previously Fundraising Committee) from 2017-2023, Presently, External Relations Committee Lead, Have also volunteered as an industry mentor and activity lead for various SRPs and Choices Conferences!
What are you looking forward to/excited about as a board member of WISEST this year: I’m excited to work with a diverse group to people to help strategize about how we can better support, strengthen, and finance WISEST to keep breaking down barriers for women and other underrepresented groups in STEM.
One fun fact about you: I’ve taken up golf over the past five years and now really enjoy playing!
Name: Lisa Willis
Position: Academic Co-Chair
Current Work Title: Assistant Professor at UAlberta
How long have you been with WISEST and in what capacity? 4 years as an Advisory Board member
What are you looking forward to/excited about as a board member of WISEST: Working with the Board, Committees, and Staff to ensure the sustainability of WISEST for another 40 years.
One fun fact about you: I like to sing, read, and cook
Name: Blessie Matthew
Current work title: Director, Career Center and Experiential Learning
What motivated you to join the WISEST board: I sit on the WISEST Board as a representative from the Office of the Dean of Students (DoS). I am proud to say that WISEST falls under my portfolio and I work very closely with the Team Lead of WISEST providing operational and administrative support.
What are you looking forward to/excited about as a board member of WISEST this year: The staff team at WISEST has grown over the last couple of years and I am excited to see the amazing things they will accomplish.
One fun fact about you: I have worked at the U of A for 27 years and I love my job.
WiSER
Name: Laura Enekegho
Current Work Title: WiSER Co-chair
How long have you been with WISEST and in what capacity? I’ve been working with WiSER since 2021, starting as an event lead. I got elected to the position of Co-Chair in April 2025.
What are you looking forward to/excited about being a member this year?: I am looking forward to improving and expanding the impact of WiSER's work. I am very excited for our industry mixer this year! It's super exhilarating to help plan it every Fall.
One fun fact about you: A fun fact about me is that I enjoy baking for friends and loved ones! I even have a sourdough starter named Orion (after the constellation) :)
Name: Trixie Rae Adra
Current Work Title: Science Communicator and WiSER Co-Chair
How long have you been with WISEST and in what capacity? I have been with WiSER, a network of WISEST, as Mentorship Co-Lead and now Co-Chair since 2023. I have also volunteered in past SET and Choices conferences!
What are you looking forward to/excited about being a member this year?: I am excited to continue strengthening the relationships between the networks so that we can better support and advocate for the populations we serve.
One fun fact about you: I love café hopping even though I am not much of a coffee person! I always enjoy a good cup of matcha or hojicha.
UA-Wise
Name: Tino Gozhora
Current Work Title: UA-WiSE Black Tie Affair Co-chair
How long have you been with WISEST and in what capacity? I’ve been working with UA-WiSE since 2023 where I was a volunteer in the high school outreach program then became the director of internal network relations the following year and am super excited to be the BTA co-chair this year. I have also been fortunate enough to be an RA for WISEST for 3 summers!
What are you looking forward to/excited about being a member this year?: I am looking forward to working with my amazing team at UA-WiSE throughout the year. In addition to providing a good balance of both industry and academia networking opportunities at the black tie affair.
One fun fact about you: A fun fact about me is I love travelling and being a tourist in cities I live in too.
Name: Chiedza Mtetwa
Current Work Title: Mentorship Co-Chair
How long have you been with WISEST and in what capacity?: I joined UA-WiSE in 2022 as a BTA volunteer and mentorship program participant. In May 2023, I was elected Director of Mentorship, a role I held for two years. In May 2025, I was elected Mentorship Co-Chair.
What are you looking forward to/ excited about being a member this year?: I am excited to plan events for the Mentorship Program and support pairing mentees with our phenomenal mentors. I also look forward to working closely with the UA-WiSE executive team to encourage and inspire underrepresented groups in STEM.
One fun fact about you: I have six dogs back home!