Meet Julia Pia
Julia Pia - CEO & Founder, MENT Projects.
Julia graduated with a Honours Bachelor of Science with a specialization in Chemistry from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2020 & Master of Science with a specializaiton in Organic Chemistry from the University of Toronto in 2022.
A fun fact about Julia and her current role: “Recently, my initiatives with MENT Projects have allowed me to bring in my passions for video editing and production. MENT offers digital mentorship resources, such as video series and podcasts, that features students and professionals in various fields. My role in these projects requires a broad skillset, including communications and content creation, which demonstrates more diverse ways of how a degree in chemistry can be applied.”
In her free time, Julia indulges her love for travel and video editing, combining her passions to create captivating travel videos. From Turkey to Fiji, she captures the essence of her adventures and shares them with the world. Through her work with MENT Projects, she channels her diverse skillset into digital mentorship resources, bridging the gap between students and professionals in various fields.
When did your love of STEM begin?
I was always a student that loved learning and was keen to develop my skills. My favourite subject in school was math because I loved how systematic it was. I decided to pursue chemistry during my higher education because I found that it was a perfect balance of critical thinking and application; however, my journey to chemistry was not so linear. Even though I enjoyed problem solving, I often found myself straying away from the sciences. Before chemistry, I was enrolled in a liberal arts program. During this time, the absence of math and science made me realize how much I loved STEM. I decided to enroll in chemistry, and since then, I never looked back!
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
STEM is an extremely innovative and limitless space. Pursuing an education in STEM builds our skillset and knowledge in ways that are applicable to a wide range of career avenues. For example, a chemistry degree can lead to career opportunities in research labs, communications, forensic science, construction, technology, and so much more! There are also many opportunities for international collaborations and experiences, such as research abroad and attending global conferences. I love working in STEM because it allows me to exercise my creativity and reach beyond the horizons.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
My advice for women interested in STEM is to reach outside your comfort zone and always believe in yourself. I am a big advocate for stepping outside your comfort zone. There may be times where we feel like we can’t do something, or we might not consider a certain career an option for us. In those times, it is important to reflect on why this feeling exists. It may be the fear of failure or there may be an underrepresentation of women that creates a stigma that it is not possible. When these scenarios arise, I challenge myself to overcome my fears. The result is often positive, where I learn that I am capable and can achieve success. It is when you are outside your comfort zone that you grow the most. It is also important to always believe in yourself. There will be times that will be challenging, and you may feel like a failure. In those moments, it is important to remember that we are capable of much more than we realize. Even failure can be a positive part of our journey, as it is a learning experience that helps us grow.
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include travelling and video editing. I found an interest in video editing when I was in elementary school. More recently, I combined this passion with my love for travelling by making video edits of my travels. Some of my favourite trips include Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Costa Rica, Fiji, and California!
Additionally, I am passionate about mentorship. I have been tutoring for over 10 years and have developed a strong interest in assisting students through their academic and career journey. Upon completing my master’s, I founded MENT Projects, a mentorship business that aims to make mentorship more accessible through innovative and collaborative projects.