Dr. Elizabeth Croft won the YWCA women of distinction award in th Education, Training & Development sector.

Award Citation: “For more than 18 years, Elizabeth has been at the forefront of the campaign to increase the number of women engineering graduates. A dedicated engineer and professor of mechanical engineering at UBC, she is a passionate advocate for increased participation and retention of women in the engineering profession. Elizabeth has championed innovative programs such as the UBC Women in Engineering program, UBC Global Engineering Leadership Course series and the highly successful Engineering Tri-mentoring program at UBC, providing female engineering students with role models and industry mentors. She founded Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology (WWEST) and has also worked on national initiatives to help ensure that closing the gender gap becomes a national priority at universities across Canada.”

Here is an excerpt from Miss604’s blog

“Sponsored by Port Metro Vancouver
RECIPIENT: Elizabeth Croft
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UBC
QUOTE: “I am incredibly grateful for this award and very surprised.” – “Thank you to all of the nominees tonight. You inspire all of the young women in universities, in high schools.” – “Engineering needs women. We need these leaders, these visionaries, these women that can serve the world and make it a better place. We need these women in engineering and in science.” ”

he Women of Distinction Awards began in 1984 to honour, encourage and recognize women whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the health and future of the community. Since then, YWCA Vancouver has honoured over 247 deserving women and workplaces.

For more information: http://www.ywcavan.org