The fourth nominee of the 2020-21 Women of Inspiration Series has been announced.
Girls Inc. of Northern Alberta and Bouchier will honour Chithra Udayashaukar, along with four other women at the Women of Inspiration Celebration in March.
Udayashaukar has lived in Fort McMurray for 16 years and has a wide variety of education including a Masters’ in Mathematics, as well Education.
She also has diplomas in computer programming and painting.
Udayashaukar is also a motivational speaker, has co-authored a mathematics book that is sold at the Keyano College Bookstore, and has over 20 years of experience teaching various levels of math, physics, and chemistry.
“Girls should not think that any field is not for them. They have to fight for it. I want more girls to go into STEM, that is why I volunteer with the science fairs in town and I make an effort to encourage and helps girls with their projects. Why do girls think they can’t do it? They can! Women are stronger and unstoppable,” said Udayashaukar.
She was an instructor at Keyano College up until 2015, where one of her students fondly calls her “sunshine” and says she is a constant reminder to never give up.
Nine years ago, she started Sai School of Arts, where children, teenagers and adults can learn various art techniques including oil painting and glass painting.
Exhibitions have been held by Sai School of Arts with proceeds being donated to local charities like the SPCA and Northern Lights Health Foundation.
Udayashaukar also offers free classes for children to help them better understand the mythological values, East Indian Culture, slogans, and verses from ancient Hindu Scriptures, called Bal Vikas.
On top of all this, she is also an active community member.
She has organized Shishir Parva (winter festival) for the Santa Mandir Cultural Society of Fort McMurray (SMCS), which is an annual event that showcases and promotes Indian culture.
She also sits on the SMCS Executive Committee and is deeply involved in the Fort McMurray Hindu Cultural Society.
The fifth and final nominee for the Women of Inspiration Series will be awarded in January 2021.
