When Sohayla Praysner enrolled in The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering’s electrical engineering program, she was one of just four women in her class. Stepping into a male-dominated field could have been intimidating, but Sohayla embraced the challenge head-on. “It wasn’t such a big problem,” says Sohayla. “We were just part of the team, part of the group.” Yet, she admits, “At the time, I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
After graduating and entering the workforce, Sohayla again found herself in male-dominated environments, but this was no longer unfamiliar territory. Confident in her abilities, Sohayla credits much of her self-assurance to her time at U of T. “The expertise, knowledge, and credentials I gained there gave me credibility in the workplace,” she says.
For those considering a career in electrical and computer engineering, Sohayla emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics. “Understanding technology from the ground up gives you a huge advantage in the future and in the workplace,” she explains.
Drawing from her experience in ECE, Sohayla entered the workforce confident that she could make meaningful contributions to her team and company. Over time, her degree in electrical engineering — and the real-world experience she gained — has fostered her self-reliance and trust in her intelligence.
Sohayla has also witnessed a positive shift in gender equality within the ECE field, noting the increasing number of women entering the profession. “I’m happy to see more and more women entering electrical and computer engineering,” she says. “The future of these fields will be diverse, and that diversity will only make the programs better. Everyone brings a different perspective, and that’s what’s needed for the future.”
Sohayla also highlights the unique perspective that women bring to the table. “Women [tend to be] good at seeing both the big picture and the details at the same time,” she explains. “We [tend to be] able to balance deep logic with broad thinking, which brings something new and positive to the field.”