Women in tech: Alumni leading change

From top left, clockwise: Wintta Ghebreiyesus, Liz Couto, Takara Small and Parnian Majd

Wintta Ghebreiyesus

Aerospace Engineering (PhD) ’25
Founder and CEO, Moon Trades Technologies

What first drew you to aerospace engineering?

The 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy was a defining moment for me. Watching the shuttle disintegrate during re-entry deeply impacted me, but rather than deterring my dreams, it sparked a desire to improve spacecraft design to prevent such tragedies. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue aerospace engineering, particularly in areas that could advance safety and exploration.

As the founder of Moon Trades Technologies, what inspired you to focus on lunar mining and sustainable energy?

I’m passionate about the potential of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) — using local resources on the Moon to sustain human presence. The idea of harnessing lunar ice, regolith and sunlight is both fascinating and critical for long-term space exploration. At Moon Trades, we’ve developed autonomous robotic systems for resource exploration. This year, we won the SmartTO Innovation Challenge, validating our AI-driven platform for efficient resource identification and mapping. I’m proud that as a Black woman leading a deep-tech startup, I can also inspire others who are underrepresented in this field.

As robotics continues to evolve, what future possibilities are you most excited about?

I’m incredibly excited about the future of autonomous systems in space, particularly the development of self-sustaining robotic outposts on the Moon. These robots will be responsible for mining resources and building essential infrastructure. In parallel, I see the same innovations transforming Earth’s mining industry by enabling more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly operations, reducing human risk while increasing precision.

What advice would you give to those — especially women — who are interested in building careers in deep tech or space innovation?

Trust yourself and embrace what makes you unique. If you find yourself as the only woman or person of colour in a room, own it. Your perspective is invaluable. Seek diverse experiences, challenge yourself and surround yourself with mentors who will champion your growth. Stay mission-driven and resilient, and remember that you belong in every space you step into.

Liz Couto

Business Management ’10
Senior Product Marketing Manager, Unity Technologies

What led you to product marketing, and how has working in tech shaped your approach?

My first exposure to product marketing came at Twitter Canada (now “X”), but it was at Shopify where I truly stepped into the role. Initially working on branded content and ad campaigns, I was drawn to the product development phase and wanted to be involved in shaping a product’s launch and go-to-market strategy. In tech, where everything changes quickly, I take an agile, informed approach. As we build towards launch readiness, I make sure we’re validating messaging with customer insights, acting on feedback, and making sure that we’re addressing key needs and questions from the outset. 

Product marketing involves a mix of strategy, storytelling and execution — how do you balance those elements when launching a product?

I view strategy as the backbone of go-to-market plans — it’s the plot that outlines what you’re launching, who it’s for and the value it brings. Messaging is the story that brings that plot to life, while execution is how you bring it to life through marketing channels. The time I invest in each varies depending on the product. For a new feature aimed at an existing audience, I focus more on execution. For a new, complex product, I dedicate more time to strategy and messaging to ensure a strong foundation.

Tech and product marketing are always evolving. What changes have had the biggest impact on your work, and where do you see the field heading?

Two things — new technologies like AI, and users becoming more informed and suspicious of tech company practices. I’m a fan of AI tools, but their effectiveness depends on how they’re used. AI can accelerate ideation and collaboration, but poor, unfocused use, like we’ve seen in recent brand campaigns, can backfire. I see these tools being embraced by more teams and with a more human-centric approach.

As for users becoming more critical, companies will need to embrace transparency. More customers are digging deep into how products are built, so I expect brands to create clear FAQs, blogs and microsites to share product details and build trust.

What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their career in product marketing?

Seek transferable skills and adjacent opportunities, and don’t shy away from getting hands-on with the technology. While product marketing roles are often high-stakes and few at the entry level, content marketing, brand management, growth marketing and coordinator roles offer valuable transferable skills. These positions allow you to work on product campaigns and develop skills in storytelling and positioning. Regardless of your career stage, try to engage directly with the products you’re marketing. You don’t need to code, but understanding your product deeply makes your narratives more authentic and engaging.

Parnian Majd

Electrical and Computer Engineering ’21 
Founder and CEO, Fibra 

What inspired you to create Fibra, and how does it stand out from other fertility tracking solutions on the market?

Fibra was born out of the frustration I saw and personally experienced with how limited, invasive and often inaccurate existing reproductive health tracking tools are. Unlike apps that rely on manual input, Fibra offers a smarter, automated solution. This patent-pending smart underwear uses proprietary textile-based sensors to track biomarkers like skin temperature and vaginal pH, providing real-time, clinically meaningful insights. It’s designed for anyone looking to understand and track their menstrual cycle with precision — whether trying to conceive, managing irregular cycles or simply seeking more control over their body. Fibra offers a personalized, non-invasive and hassle-free approach to reproductive health.

How did your education at TMU and participation in Zone Learning support your entrepreneurial journey?

TMU provided a strong foundation in biomedical engineering, along with critical thinking, problem-solving and interdisciplinary skills essential to building Fibra. The Science Discovery Zone played a key role early on, offering space to explore ideas, connect with mentors and gain first-hand experience in the startup world. From there, the team became part of other zones like the Innovation Boost Zone, Fashion Zone and Biomedical Zone, with investment support from DMZ Ventures. TMU’s network of incubators and accelerators offered access to labs, prototyping tools and collaborative workspaces — resources that were especially valuable for developing hardware like Fibra. Through grants, startup competitions and mentorship, TMU created a rare environment where student founders could move from research to real-world impact.

What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their career in tech and innovation?

As the Founder of Fibra, my advice for growing your career in tech and innovation is to stay curious and embrace continuous learning, as the field evolves rapidly. Focus on problem-solving and always approach challenges with a creative mindset. Building a strong network and collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds is essential for growth, as innovation thrives through diverse perspectives. Don’t forget to develop soft skills like communication and leadership, which are just as important as technical expertise. Lastly, seek mentorship and stay resilient — there will be setbacks, but perseverance is key to success in this exciting and dynamic field

Fibra has generated a lot of excitement, with many people signing up for the waitlist. When can people expect to have access to the product?

We are going to market with the product at the end of this year. However, we have just opened our exclusive pilot studies and have limited spots for only 25 women to join us, wear Fibra, provide feedback and receive a perk package worth up to $1,000!  (google form) Sign up to learn more here (external link, opens in new window) , and a member of the Fibra team will be in touch.

Takara Small

Journalism ’10
CBC National Technology Columnist; Founder and Board President, VentureKids

What led you to a journalism career focused on technology and business, and what impact do you hope your work has on the industry and the communities you serve?

I’ve always been a bit of a nerd. I’m the type of person who loves learning, building, exploring and writing about new technologies. It’s this type of curiosity that led me to a job that lets me be at the intersection of technology and business while leaning on my passion for storytelling.

The beauty of my work — and what I hope people take away from it — is that we’re all interconnected, and technology plays a key role in that relationship, whether people realize it or not. Many people tell me they don’t really follow tech news and my refrain is that if you own a smartphone, if you use a laptop, then you’re already invested in this topic. The way algorithms and the tech we use can influence our money habits, conversations, behaviour and even our memory can’t be overlooked.

As founder of VentureKids, you’re working to provide opportunities for underserved youth. What inspired you to start this initiative, and what impact have you seen so far?

I saw several ways that technology had become a defining part of people’s online and offline success from an early age. Access to afterschool coding and AI classes or in-home Wi-Fi may seem like a given to most people, but for hundreds of children it’s a luxury. I get to interview the brightest, smartest people in the world who have resources that allowed them to grow, learn and change their communities. I think everyone should have these advantages and it spurred me on to do something about it. 

What emerging trends do you think will have the biggest impact on the industry in the next few years?

A few years ago, I signed up for a farming program that allowed me to learn the basics of building and running my own farm, and I even grew my own vegetables. I think this need to invest in hobbies or work that doesn’t require a screen will only increase. I think more people are seeking out ways to connect with friends, family and a community away from a screen. 

What advice would you give to young people who are looking to break into tech, business or media — or all the above?

Understand the fundamentals because they influence everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s tech, business or even media, because that will allow you to add your twist to what isn’t working.