VANESSA RAQUEL RAPONI

Vanessa Raquel Raponi, P.Eng., PMP graduated with a degree in Materials Engineering & Management (B.Eng.Mgt.) from McMaster University in 2018. Now, she is a Manager of Manufacturing Engineering at Spin Master — a Canadian founded, international toy company that created such brands as Paw Patrol and Hatchimals (meaning, she designs and creates toys for a living!). In her role, she oversees manufacturing in Mexico and Europe, and leads the Product Sustainability Committee. Vanessa is the Founder of EngiQueers Canada (EQ), a national non-profit that advocates for intersectional queer inclusion in the engineering profession. EQ has brought Vanessa from coast-to-coast to present in panels, sessions, and talks as an expert in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. In addition to her live presentations, she has also brought that energy online, by launching a vlog on life, stories & advice from the perspective of a queer woman of colour. Vanessa has received a variety of accolades within the engineering community, most notably the Engineers Canada Gold Medal Student Award. Vanessa is living proof that against all odds that anyone — even a queer woman of colour, and a survivor overcoming mental illness — can thrive in STEM.