Leading with Purpose: ENWIN Scholarship Supports Inclusion in STEM (2024)

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Kai Qin, a student and passionate advocate from Windsor, Ontario, is one of four recipients of the 2024 ENWIN Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) Scholarship. Presented by ENWIN Utilities Ltd., the $1,000 scholarship supports students in Windsor-Essex entering STEM programs who reflect a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.

Now attending McMaster University, Qin began in the Science Gateway program and later transferred into Engineering to pursue hands-on problem-solving and innovation. They are now working toward a degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Nuclear Engineering — an area they see as key to solving global sustainability challenges.

“Switching to engineering felt like coming home,” Qin said. “I’m excited to apply my knowledge in ways that make a real impact.”

As a non-binary, queer person of colour, Qin has long been a visible advocate for safer, more inclusive spaces in both education and STEM. While attending Vincent Massey Secondary School, they played an active role in the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, organizing events and creating awareness around equity and identity. Their efforts helped foster a more supportive environment for marginalized students.

Qin also found community through the FIRST Robotics program, where they became a mentor and role model to younger students. As one of the few openly queer members of the team, they offered guidance and challenged stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field.

“I realized that just being myself could make a difference,” they said. “Younger teammates would ask me questions about identity. Being someone they could trust was really meaningful.”

In their final year, Qin stepped into a leadership role on their robotics strategy team —managing data, facilitating communication and ensuring team members felt included. “It was daunting at first, but I learned that reliability and openness are key to building trust,” they said.

The ENWIN EDIA Scholarship prioritizes applicants who identify as part of equity-deserving groups—including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and visible or racial minorities — or those who demonstrate leadership in promoting inclusion in their communities. Qin’s experience in advocacy and mentorship made them a standout recipient.

“The ENWIN scholarship was a huge relief,” Qin said. “It meant I could focus more on my studies and mental health without worrying as much about finances. I really appreciate ENWIN’s support for marginalized students.”

Qin hopes to use their engineering career to help build a more equitable and sustainable future — whether through innovative energy solutions or supporting the next generation of students in STEM.

You can learn more about the scholarship and how to apply here.