A Celebration of Talent
We are proud to support and empower women studying in technology-related programs in the community where we live and work.
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025/2026 Recollective Women in Technology Scholarship.
This year marked a milestone as we hosted our first in-person celebration for finalists at the Recollective office. The event was a resounding success, filled with inspiring conversations and the chance to connect with the bright minds shaping the future of tech.
Among this competitive group of finalists, we selected two exceptional students to receive this year’s Recollective Women in Technology Scholarship: Amy Bradbrook from the University of Ottawa and Shanya Rana from Carleton University. Both women demonstrated not only academic excellence but were also incredibly well-rounded. They showed a deep commitment to the tech sector that extended far beyond the classroom through volunteering and impressive extracurricular involvement.
Meet Our Winners
Amy Bradbrook
Current Program: Honours BSc in Computer Science at the University of Ottawa.
Amy’s journey into technology is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking. With a background in Biochemistry, Amy made the pivot to Computer Science with a unique goal in mind: to bridge the gap between life sciences and software.
Her technical curiosity is already evident in the diverse range of personal projects she has built to expand her skills. Amy is eager to integrate her scientific roots with her coding expertise to pioneer advancements in medical technology.
Winning the scholarship validates her bold decision to change career paths and provides the support needed to focus on her studies.
"Winning this scholarship is an amazing opportunity and an absolute honour. The validation helps reinforce that I am on a good path towards a promising career in the growing tech industry, with financial freedom to pursue my goals. Coming from a biochemistry background, I'm eager to integrate my experiences alongside my new coding knowledge and combine these fields to work on medical technology." – Amy Bradbrook
Words of Wisdom: We asked Amy what message she would share with other women considering a career in this field. She emphasized the importance of self-belief:
"Have confidence in yourself and trust your decisions. You are making more progress towards your goals than you realize!"
Shanya Rana
Current Program: Bachelor of Computer Science Honours at Carleton University.
Shanya is a driven software engineer who is passionate about making complex software accessible. With impressive experience working at leading tech firms and building unique personal projects—such as a machine learning model for Formula 1 race predictions —Shanya is already making her mark.
However, her focus goes beyond just code. Shanya is deeply committed to "Responsible AI." She envisions a future where automation and user-focused engineering are used to reduce barriers and promote inclusivity. She wants to ensure that as AI surges, it is applied in ways that support people rather than overwhelm them.
For Shanya, this scholarship acts as both financial support and a confidence booster as she heads into her final semester.
"This scholarship genuinely means a lot to me. It’s a reminder that the work I’ve been doing in tech is impactful, especially as a woman carving out space in a field that hasn’t always been easy to navigate... I’m especially excited about exploring how AI can be applied responsibly, in ways that support people rather than overwhelm them." – Shanya Rana
Words of Wisdom: When asked what advice she would give to aspiring women in tech, Shanya highlighted the importance of action over perfection:
"Do not wait to feel 'ready' and just be curious enough to start! Start your projects, reach out to people, ask questions, and put yourself out there even if it's daunting. Most opportunities come from momentum, not perfection."
Looking Ahead
We congratulate Amy and Shanya on their well-deserved scholarships. We are excited to support their educational journeys and watch them contribute to a more diverse and inclusive tech landscape.
Whether it is advancing medical technology or ensuring AI is built responsibly, we know these women will make a lasting impact.
To learn more about Recollective and our culture, visit our About Us page.
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