Dr. Julita Vassileva Recipient of YWCA Women of Distinction Award

Vassileva was presented this prestigious Saskatoon award at the YWCA Women of Distinction banquet on Thursday, May 28, 2015.

Julita is an internationally recognized researcher in user modeling. Her passion lies in promoting the advancement of women and minorities in the field of computer science. She was the NSERC Cameco Chair for Women in Science and Engineering for the prairies from 2005-2011, and developed an innovative outreach program, Science Ambassadors, promoting enriched learning in remote Aboriginal communities. Julita is a string mentor who secures essential grant funding, and many of her students have gone on to achievements such as the NSERC Vanier Scholarship, careers with technology giants, and papers published in numerous research journals. She is deeply committed to diversity and respect.

Julita was honored among 59 other nominees in a variety of categories, including Marli Bells and Brittany Melnyk – U of S Computer Science alumni and staff who lead the Saskatoon chapter of Ladies Learning Code. Ladies Learning Code helps women and youth to become confident builders of technology – not just consumers. They teach women technical skills in a hands-on, social and collaborative way.