Julia and Makayla Mileta
Software Engineering Students and Women for STEM Award Recipient, Class of 2026
For twins Julia and Makayla Mileta, a shared curiosity for technology and creativity laid the foundation for their paths into software engineering.
“We always liked computers,” Makayla explains. Their interest took shape early through hands‑on experiences with 3D modelling tools like Tinkercad in late elementary school. Around that same time, both sisters began attending outreach events through Women in Engineering, where they met Ontario Tech students and learned directly from enthusiastic guest speakers.
“Meeting people at Ontario Tech and having fun learning about engineering really got us more interested in the field,” Makayla says. Those early interactions made engineering feel accessible and exciting, not intimidating.
In high school, their interests continued to grow, as both Julia and Makayla selected electives in engineering and technological design. They worked with 3D printers and explored architectural and industrial design. Their passion for design culminated in a standout achievement: earning first place in the national Sears DX Junior Level Industrial Design Competition (2016-2017).
Now pursuing Software Engineering, Julia and Makayla credit the Women for STEM program with enriching their university experience in meaningful ways. “The program really helped us meet friends in different disciplines that we wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Julia shares. Through Women for STEM events, they connected with peers across STEM fields and built a sense of community and belonging.
The program’s professional development opportunities further supported their growth. “We’ve attended career events and networking opportunities that made it easier to participate knowing other women in STEM would be there,” Julia adds. “It created a really supportive environment to learn and grow.”
Financial support through Women for STEM also made a tangible difference. The scholarships allowed both sisters to focus on their coursework and fully engage in their studies without added stress, helping them make the most of their time at Ontario Tech.
Through co‑op placements and internships, Julia and Makayla were able to explore their long‑term interests within applied engineering and the energy sector. Their experiences including placements with organizations such as Next Structural Integrity (Julia and Makayla), Ontario Power Generation (Makayla), and Hydro One (Julia) helped them understand different workplace environments and clarify where they could see themselves in the future.
Mentorship played an important role as well. “Being able to meet mentors through Women for STEM and learn from their experiences really helped us understand the industry and expand our network,” Julia says. Conversations around school projects, resumes, and career development gave both sisters valuable insight and confidence as they prepared for life after graduation.
As they look ahead, they are focused on reaching the finish line and beginning their careers. They are excited by the innovation underway in engineering and applied science fields and hope to contribute to meaningful developments while working toward their professional engineering designations.
Reflecting on their journey, both sisters emphasize the value of early exploration for young girls interested in STEM. “Take high school electives in technological design, engineering, or computer science to see what interests you,” Julia advises. She also points to outreach programs as formative experiences. “We started attending programs like Women in Engineering Outreach events in elementary school, and they really expanded our understanding of what engineering could be.”
Adding to that, Makayla notes how hands‑on activities helped make STEM approachable. “Through outreach, we did things like sewing circuits, which made engineering feel tangible,” she says. “It showed that engineering isn’t daunting, you can still be creative, design things, and follow interests like art. It’s just grounded in math, science, and technology.”
With a shared sense of purpose, strong mentorship, and the support of the Women for STEM program, Julia and Makayla Mileta are ready to take the next step; confident, capable, and excited to build the future.