The 2024 Opterus Rebel with a Cause scholarship program has closed, and we're thrilled to congratulate our two recipients: Zoe Delisle and Stephanie Quon!

The Opterus Rebel with a Cause scholarships were launched by Janet Hawkins, founder of Opterus Inc., in commemoration of her mother, Dr. Helen McKilligin, and her sister, Valerie Ann Hawkins. Every year, two awards of $10,000 each are open to Canadian women — one award for a student pursuing an education in a STEM subject, and the other for a student pursuing the arts.

For 2024, we received thousands of great applications, so choosing recipients is always a challenge. Below, we'll salute a few honourable mentions, but first, let's meet our two recipients, Zoe and Stephanie!

Valerie Ann Arts award winner Zoe Delisle

Zoe's from Alberta, and she's pursuing a bachelor's of Fine Arts at the Alberta University of the Arts, specializing in fibre arts! Here's what Zoe had to say when she learned she was the recipient of the Opterus Valerie Ann Arts award:

“I wanted to say thank you so much for this award, it truly means the world to me to have even been considered," Zoe said. "I'm still in shock I was actually chosen! Really, I can't say thank you enough."

As a young artist going into their third year studying Fine Arts, Zoe Delisle is focusing their fibre-based practice on forms of bio-textiles and environmentally conscious fibre arts. Recently, they have incorporated natural plant dyes into their work in the form of both immersion dyes and thickened dyes for screen printing on fabric. Much of their practice revolves around experimentation through different mediums and is now evolving to focus on plant-based mediums within fibre arts to find creative ways to reduce the waste produced in the fibre and textile industry.

With the help of the Opterus Valerie Ann Arts Award, Zoe plans to shift their focus from plant-based dyes to plant-based fibres and the construction of bio textiles. This includes working with materials such as algae, and food waste like peels, roots, and stems, to create usable fabrics and materials from products that are often considered to be waste. Their current aim is to create a blend between sustainably usable fibre and their own artistic practice in order to incorporate their previous skills in printing, weaving, and textiles with new experimental materials. Zoe's practice is experimental and passion driven, and focuses on ways that they can meaningfully expand their work and knowledge of their craft.

"This award has given me an amazing opportunity to put everything I have behind experimentation," Zoe said. "I have an endless amount of questions and the unique chance to get to see them through to the end. I am truly so grateful to be the recipient of this award, and I promise I'll put it to good use."

Check out some of Zoe's past artwork above. Congrats, Zoe! We can't wait to see what you'll come up with in the future.

Helen Rose STEM award winner Stephanie Quon

Stephanie's from Vancouver, where she's studying at the University of British Columbia, pursuing a degree in medicine, to one day become a practicing physician. Here's what Stephanie had to say when she learned she was the recipient of the Opterus Helen Rose STEM award:

"Thank you so much for your email and for calling me this morning — again, thank you so, so much for this incredible honour and opportunity," Stephanie said. "It truly means the world to me and I am so grateful for your support!"

"I am a first-year medical student at UBC. I also recently completed my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from UBC in May 2024. I am passionate about accessibility, inclusion, and mental health, and I have been involved in community initiatives related to these causes.

I have had the privilege of starting and leading an organization called The Sprouts Initiative, where we have engaged over 300 people in leadership and volunteer positions and implemented 87 community-based accessibility projects funded a total of $1.42 M. I have also been involved in organizing engineering workshops for high school students, improving sustainability education in engineering, and creating a sensory room at UBC."

"Receiving this award is an incredible honour. This award not only provides financial support that allows me to focus on school and community work rather than financial stress, it is also recognition that I am on the right path and it motivates me to work harder toward my goals," Stephanie said. "Ultimately, it is much more than an award to me; it is empowering me to pursue my dreams."

Congrats, Stephanie! With your passion and experience, you're sure to make an excellent doctor.

Honourable mentions

The Opterus Rebel with a Cause scholarships attract thousands of applications ever year. Choosing just two recipients is a difficult process. This year, we're highlighting several honourable mentions — these women submitted excellent applications, and though they weren't chosen this year, we're certain they're destined to do great things in their lives and careers.

Danae Kong

Danae's pursuing Music at Prairie College; you can listen to her music on YouTube! Here's what Danae had to say:

"Thank you so much for this email, it is encouraging to hear that my application stood out to the judging committee. This honourable mention means a lot to me, as it brings a new component to my resumé, and also inspires me to continue telling my story in scholarship applications. Thank you again for your heartening words and support."

Naomi Isaac

Naomi's at the University of Alberta, pursuing a biology degree with a minor in philosophy. Naomi said:

"Thank you for taking the time to let me know. While I may not have received the financial award, I sincerely appreciate the committee's consideration of my application. I believe that awards like the Opterus Rebel with a Cause are impactful beyond individual recognition, as they provide young women with a platform to develop and demonstrate their unique personhood beyond academic achievements.

Thank you for your contribution to creating a world where I can look forward to working alongside phenomenal individuals who are encouraged and uplifted to grow both within and beyond their fields of study."

Sophie Yang

Sophie's pursuing a degree in design engineering at the University of Waterloo. Here's what Sophie had to say upon learning she was selected for an honourable mention:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me personally — it really means the world to me. I'm incredibly honoured to have been among the top candidates for such a competitive scholarship program and receiving an honourable mention is something I'm proud of!"

"I wish you and the entire Opterus Rebel with a Cause Awards team continued success in supporting and empowering women. With that said, I would be incredibly grateful if you would let me know if there are any other future scholarship opportunities on behalf of your organization, as funding my education is really a priority for me!"

Paris Cai

Paris is a student at Western University, pursuing business management and organizational studies. Here's Paris on learning she was selected as an honourable mention:

"Although this is disappointing news, I am very grateful to have been considered for the scholarship and selected as a finalist. Thank you for your kind and encouraging comments!"

"A recurring theme in most of my applications is being fortunate enough to reach the latter application stages, but I have yet to be successful in my efforts beyond those stages, so I would especially appreciate any feedback you can give me on my application. Thank you again for giving me the chance to participate in this process."

Jagriti Luitel

Jagriti's pursuing a degree in media arts and culture at the University of New Brunswick, where she also takes courses in mechanical engineering and computer science! Here's what Jagriti had to say:

"Thank you so much for the email and the recognition of my efforts. I appreciate you writing me a personal note about my application. I am sure the two winners are truly incredible and well-deserving."

Once again, a huge congratulations to our recipients, Zoe and Stephanie, as well as our honourable mentions! And a big thank you to everyone who applied for these scholarships: it's inspiring to learn about what the next generation of Canadian women are working towards.

About Opterus Inc.

To learn more about the Rebel with a Cause Awards, please visit the Opterus website.

Opterus Inc. is a leading global provider of a cost-effective, easy-to-implement store information and execution management solution that increases productivity and improves retail enterprise communications. Opterus' OPSCENTER software is an on-demand, web-based retail portal designed to communicate corporate policy and day-to-day objectives between corporate office and store locations. Deployed in over 45 countries in 30 different languages, the solution is specifically designed for retail operations, and provides store personnel with clear, concise and timely direction, along with the proper tools to best do their jobs to support corporate initiatives. Opterus is based in Toronto, Ontario. For additional information, visit opterus.com.