Tabreek Somani Honoured as UBC’s Science Co-op Student of the Year 2023

University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada

Tabreek Somani is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Dual Degree Honours Computer Science, Software Engineering + Master of Management Program. Throughout her degree, she has completed co-ops and internships in various roles within the field. Notably, she worked within the UBC Computer Science Design Lab as a Research Assistant with Professor Dongwook Yoon, exploring design solutions to enhance online gig worker experiences.

Subsequently, she embarked on her initial industry role as a Junior Software Engineer at Planview. During her co-op at Planview, Tabreek successfully initiated a transition to microservices architecture. This strategic shift not only improved performance and scalability but also established a new company standard.

She then transitioned to a Technology Risk Consultant at KPMG, leveraging her combined background to bridge the gap between business and technical communication while advising clients on cybersecurity practices. Her final co-op term was as a Software Engineer at OnDeck Fisheries AI, an award-winning startup part of the entrepreneurship@UBC Accelerator. This opportunity exposed her to the startup industry, an experience she is now further exploring in the New Venture Design Cohort.

As a woman of colour in technology, Tabreek is dedicated to fostering inclusivity. She led 50+ programming classes for underserved youth, focusing on neurodiversity, at the C.O.D.E Initiative. In her roles with UBC’s code committee and Women of Rewriting the Code, she mentored and guided 75 young girls, using her co-op experiences to break down barriers and empower communities.

Currently, Tabreek serves as a Tech Lead at UBC LaunchPad, where she is actively transforming the edtech industry by building solutions for neurodiverse and underserved youth. Simultaneously, she explores the path of Product Management as Vice President at UBC Product Management Club, with the aim of making the field accessible to students of all disciplines.

Source: University of British Columbia