City of Brampton and Brampton Innovation District Champion Diversity in Technology
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos proudly represented the City of Brampton at ElleHacks 2025, Canada’s largest hackathon for women and gender-diverse students, held at York University over the weekend. The event, which brought together hundreds of participants, aimed to foster innovation and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
As a York University alumna, Councillor Santos highlighted the significance of empowering women in STEM, stating, “It was incredibly inspiring to witness the passion and creativity of so many women in STEM. Returning to my alma mater for such a meaningful event was truly special. I am proud to see our community, particularly the Brampton Innovation District, actively supporting initiatives that drive diversity and innovation in technology.”
The Brampton Innovation District, a key initiative under Invest Brampton, was a community sponsor for ElleHacks 2025, reinforcing the City’s commitment to fostering opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM. Brampton’s investment in technology and innovation is aimed at bridging the gender gap in tech and providing resources to encourage more women and gender-diverse individuals to pursue careers in these fields.
ElleHacks, an annual event hosted at York University, provides a platform for aspiring female and gender-diverse tech professionals to engage in mentorship, skill-building workshops, and real-world innovation challenges. The hackathon enables participants to collaborate with industry experts, develop cutting-edge projects, and gain exposure to opportunities in the rapidly evolving STEM sector.
Through initiatives like ElleHacks, the City of Brampton continues to position itself as a leader in supporting inclusive economic growth and technological advancement. Brampton’s commitment to diversity in STEM is reflected in its ongoing partnerships with academic institutions, tech startups, and community organizations.
The City encourages local students, professionals, and businesses to engage with the Brampton Innovation District and Invest Brampton to explore more opportunities in technology, research, and entrepreneurship.
