Since 2019, OECM has proudly partnered with Dell Technologies to support Girls Who Game (GWG), a transformative extracurricular program that empowers female students in Grades 4 to 8 to explore and excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through gaming. Focusing on equitable access to STEM education and building future-ready skills, GWG aligns strongly with OECM’s ESGI priorities, particularly in supporting inclusive learning, social equity, and community impact.
As part of its ongoing commitment, OECM hosts a dedicated Microsoft Teams collaborative virtual space accessible to all the participating GWG student clubs across North America. This space allows all GWG clubs, including those from participating Ontario District School Boards (DSBs), to communicate and collaborate efficiently as they navigate the program.
“At OECM, we believe in investing in tomorrow’s leaders,” says Jim Hadjiyianni, OECM’s President and CEO. “Girls Who Game represents a powerful opportunity to support young girls in developing the skills, confidence, and ambition to thrive in STEM careers. Our involvement is a natural extension of our values and commitment to equity, innovation, and leadership.”
In May, the GWG Spring 2025 Cohort concluded with a dynamic celebration event drawing over 160 students from ten schools across four Ontario DSBs: Wikwemikong Board of Education, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, and Peel District School Board. The event was a vibrant display of learning and growth, as students shared their experiences through presentations, peer reflections, and spirited cheers.
This May also saw two GWG teams compete in the Minecraft Provincial Championship, hosted by the Ontario School Esports Association. Demonstrating teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity under pressure, one GWG team secured an impressive second-place finish—underscoring the program’s success in cultivating competitive acumen and global competencies through game-based learning.
The social impact of GWG is clear. Data shows that fewer than a quarter of computing jobs are held by women, with even lower representation among women of colour. Further, less than fifty percent of high school girls know a woman in a STEM career. Programs like GWG are essential in closing this gap by offering a girl-centric learning ecosystem, authentic STEM applications, and valuable mentorship.
“These principles echo OECM’s vision of fostering more inclusive and resilient communities through collaboration and shared value. We’re honoured and proud to support initiatives such as Girls Who Game that build a stronger and increasingly equitable education system,” adds Jim Hadjiyianni.
In addition to ongoing platform hosting support, OECM is excited to expand its role through participation in GWG mentorship initiatives this year. Senior leaders will provide one-on-one and group mentoring to GWG participants, offering insights into career pathways and leadership in STEM and procurement. OECM looks forward to also joining participants at upcoming GWG challenges and Celebration and Inspiration events, and continuing to champion shared innovation, progress, and learning.
OECM remains committed to fostering opportunities that inspire and uplift the next generation of innovators and leaders. In addition to GWG, the organization proudly supports the Data Dunkers Program and the dedicated Professional Learning Series for Ontario Educators in collaboration with Dell Technologies.
OECM customers interested in learning more about the Girls Who Game program or seeking details on how to get involved are invited to explore the Girls Who Game website and contact Dell Technologies’ Canadian Senior Education Strategist, Katina Papulkas, at Katina.Papulkas@dell.com for additional details. For more information about OECM’s End-User Computing Devices and Services agreement with Diamond Supplier Partner, Dell Technologies, or to learn more about OECM’s involvement in the Girls Who Game initiative and our commitment to supporting the program, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated Customer Support team at OECM Customer Support or 1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900).
OECM Leaders Mentor Future Innovators Through the Girls Who Game Program
OECM is proud to share that OECM’s President and CEO, Jim Hadjiyianni; Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Transformation, Sonia Gallo; Senior Manager, Marketing, Communications, and Events, Kim Humphreys, and Tracy Brown, Senior Manager, Office Services and EA to the President and CEO are participating as mentors in the Fall 2025 Girls Who Game (GWG) program. Their involvement reflects OECM’s commitment to fostering STEM learning, confidence, and leadership in young learners across Canada.
Since 2019, OECM has proudly partnered with Dell Technologies to support Girls Who Game (GWG), a transformative extracurricular program that empowers female students in Grades 4 to 8 to explore and excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through gaming.
Sonia shared her sentiments, “At OECM, we believe in opening doors for the next generation of innovators. Girls Who Game helps students connect STEM skills to real-world careers, and I am proud to be a mentor in a program that sparks curiosity and encourages girls to lead with confidence.”
“We proudly support endeavours like Girls Who Game because they help ensure a more equitable education system—one where every learner has a chance to shine. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute, less than 50% of high school girls know a woman in a STEM career,” adds Hadjiyianni.
“On top of this, only 11% of STEM jobs are held by female minorities.
That’s why programs like this matter. And it’s why leaders like me want to be here—to help change those numbers and support you.” To his mentees, Jim adds: You belong in STEM, and your ideas will help shape the future.” Each mentor brings a unique lens that highlights the many ways STEM connects to real-world careers.
“When partners like OECM lean into our mentorship program for Girls Who Game, they amplify student voice, representation, and real-world skills—proving that community drives innovation.”
— Katina Papulkas, Senior Education Strategist at Dell Technologies.
Through their mentorship, they will provide students with a broad understanding of how STEM influences various areas of work, from creative fields such as marketing, communications, and design thinking to data-driven disciplines like analytics, strategy, and organizational transformation. They aim to demonstrate how these skills converge in corporate leadership, where problem-solving, digital modernization, and long-term planning rely on the same foundational STEM principles.
By participating in Girls Who Game, OECM’s leaders are helping students see that STEM extends far beyond traditional technical pathways. OECM is proud to support a program that empowers young learners and encourages them to explore the possibilities ahead.
