Dr. Bonnie Schmidt, C.M. is the founder and president of Let’s Talk Science, an award-winning, national charitable organization that she started in 1991 while completing a Ph.D. in Physiology. Let’s Talk Science helps children and youth fulfill their potential and prepare for their future careers and citizenship role
by supporting their learning through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) engagement. During its 20+ year history, Let’s Talk Science has mobilized more than 26,000 volunteers and
impacted 5 million youth and educators. Supporting education transformation and developing creative, critical thinkers, the organization is on track to achieve its bold goal of impacting 5 million more youth over the next 5 years.

Bonnie continues to volunteer with a variety of organizations and initiatives. Currently she serves on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and is Chair of the National Leadership Taskforce on Education & Skills for the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). She is also on the Governor General’s selection panel for the Meritorious Service Award, Mitacs Policy Fellowship Advisory Council, MaRS Studio-Y National Advisory Panel and the editorial board of the Energy Exchange magazine.

For her efforts in education and youth development, Bonnie was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2015 and has received several awards, including an Honorary Doctorate from Ryerson University; the Purvis Memorial Award from the Chemical Institute of Canada; the C21 Shifting Minds Award for Leadership and Innovation; the Life Sciences Ontario Community Service Award; and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Bonnie enjoys riding horses and lives in London, Ontario with her daughter.