ROOTS +STEM
Manitoba’s grassroots event for Black Youth’s growth within STEM!
ROOTS + STEM is Manitoba's grassroot event geared towards encouraging Black Youth's interest and growth with Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) fields! It is a 1-day, free experience for Black youth in Grades 9–12. This event is all about connection, inspiration, and opportunity, bringing students together with mentors, speakers, and community partners to explore pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math!
Our vision is ROOTS + STEM becomes an event that continues to grow in reach and impact, supporting Black youth to see themselves in STEM spaces and to build networks that last beyond one day.
Event Details
Who: Black* youth in Grades 9–12 Updated to include Grade 9s!
Cost: FREE - Registration Required - Spaces are limited.
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 10:00am–1:30pm
Location: Smartpark – University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
**Youth from African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Manitoba are welcome!
WISE Kid-Netic Energy is excited to be partnering with the Manitoba Construction Council to bring an incredibly unique hand-on experience!
ROOTS+STEM PRESENTS:
Jennifer Ladipo
National Programs Manager, Actua
Jennifer Ladipo is an Industrial Engineer and graduate of Dalhousie University. She began writing while in university by taking the engineering concepts she was learning in class and translating them into children’s stories. This work led her to found TheSTEMGirl, an initiative created to support young women in engaging with STEM by integrating literacy with engineering design and mathematics.
An author of five published books, as well as several articles and educational kits used in public school settings, Jennifer uses storytelling as a practical tool to help students make sense of complex STEM ideas. Her work focuses on strengthening problem solving, systems thinking, and confidence in technical subjects through literacy-based approaches.
Jennifer is the National Program Manager at Actua, where she leads the Black Youth in STEM program and oversees national program delivery across the network. The Black Youth in STEM program reaches over 10,000 youth annually through workshops, delegations, and community-based initiatives run by various network members. Alongside this work, she oversees the National Girls Program, focusing on building programs that create measurable, scalable impact for equity-deserving youth, grounded in her engineering background.
ROOT+STEM IS PARTNERING WITH MANITOBA CONSTRUCTION SECTOR COUNCIL
JAMES MURPHY – Community & Youth Liaison
(MBCSC)
James presents to students, adults, teachers, counsellors, administrators and parents on careers in construction using digital game based learning tools. He presents at schools, career fairs, employment centres, military in transition programs and community organizations for youth at risk, immigrants and Indigenous peoples. James manages construction micro courses delivered in Winnipeg and surrounding areas.
RAMIR DIAZ – Co-ordinator of Education & Training (MBCSC)
Ramir is a journeyperson electrician, a high school instructor and a coordinator of education and training. He hosts career awareness events with youth, immigrants, women and Indigenous people. Ramir collaborates with industry to develop and deliver construction micro courses that ladder adults to high school, Apprenticeship and post-secondary programs.
What to Expect
A warm welcome and celebration of Black excellence in Manitoba
Inspiring speakers and real talk about STEM pathways + career journeys
Opportunities to connect with mentors, role models, and community
Interactive learning and exploration focused on education, careers, and community in STEM
A supportive space to meet other Black youth who are curious about STEM