Faces of WEST
Priya Chana
WEST Client (SEAT)
“I truly believe that surrounding yourself with strong, hard-working women is the key to achieving your dreams. Through hard and honest work, you can accomplish anything.”
- Tell us about yourself.
I am going into my second year of Honours Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor with the hopes of pursuing a career as a doctor or dentist. On campus, I am involved in several clubs including Doctors Without Borders and Youreka. Off campus, I enjoy volunteering through various organizations such as at Windsor Regional Hospital and WEST. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. - What does WEST mean to you?
WEST is an organization that means a lot to me. I participated in the SEAT Program from 2021 to 2022 where I was able to gain lots of knowledge and valuable skills from my peers and mentors. It taught me a lot about my local community, including the daily challenges that many individuals face on a daily basis. WEST helped open my eyes to the many hardships that exist within the Windsor-Essex community and what steps should be taken to help combat such issues. - What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
I was motivated to get involved with WEST as I was passionate about making a difference in my community while also wanting to increase my knowledge of STEAM related careers. As a group, we were able to propose a solution to the transportation problems present in the Windsor-Essex area. Through this, I was able to refine my research and collaboration skills which helped me tremendously during my first year of university. The SEAT Program also provided participants with further volunteer opportunities including making cards for senior citizens. Participating in the SEAT Program played a major role in helping me obtain scholarships and other positions. - In your experience, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
WEST helps enlighten women on the numerous career pathways and opportunities that are available to them. From the SEAT Program which educated young women on careers in STEAM related fields to the Women in Skilled Trades Program, WEST covers a multitude of opportunities. More importantly, WEST provides women with the knowledge and expertise they need to excel at the career of their choice. - Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
There are several women in my life who inspire me, one of those being my mom. She is one of the most hard-working people I know and has instilled the concept of diligence in me from a very young age. She always reminds me that through hard and honest work, you can accomplish anything. She has always been my greatest motivator and cheerleader and inspires me to always do my best. She is one of the best people I know and I truly believe that surrounding yourself with strong, hard-working women is key to achieving your dreams.
