À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

Erin Bourke-Dunphy is regarded as a visionary who is deeply committed to increasing the number of women entering engineering. To create more diversity within the profession, Bourke-Dunphy (BASc '98) has mentored many young women and was behind the establishment of a scholarship for women choosing academic careers in math and engineering.

As a manager at Microsoft Corp. in Redmond, Washington, Bourke-Dunphy has maintained her connection to the Faculty of Engineering through her work with the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Women in Engineering committee. She is also a University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ donor and a lead volunteer for Campaign À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Microsoft Campaign.

"As a woman in the high-tech industry, one can't help but look around and see a decline in women entering the field. The decreasing ability to build diverse teams has a direct impact on the quality of results I can deliver as a manager," she says.

Bourke-Dunphy's fondest memories are the times with friends spent working together to complete labs and assignments, organizing EngSoc events, or relaxing on a Friday afternoon over a beer in P.O.E.T.S. "You never lacked having someone by your side to help you succeed and have fun along the way."

Bourke-Dunphy was happy to discover a strong community of the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ alumni at Microsoft Corp. and continues to enrich the U.S. group with her enthusiasm and ideas. "I have observed the respect the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ name generates," she says. "We've created a name for ourselves and being part of continuing to build this strong community is important to me."

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