Shili Lin, on behalf of the CIMEP working group, reports:

Following the successful inaugural IMS–CANSSI mentoring and networking event at JSM 2024, we hosted the second gathering at JSM 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. These two events reflect IMS and CANSSI’s strong commitment to serving the community, supporting professional growth, and nurturing statisticians at all career stages. They were made possible through the dedicated efforts of the CANSSI–IMS Mentoring and Engagement Program (CIMEP) working group.

Thirty-seven members from the IMS and CANSSI communities attended the lively lunch event at Boqueria restaurant, where they shared tapas, conversations, and career advice. Attendees included statisticians from government and academia, representing junior, mid-level, and senior career stages.

To encourage new connections, participants were randomly assigned to six tables rather than sitting with friends. Each table began with an icebreaker question: “How did you get into statistics?” or, for fun, “What’s your favorite statistics joke?” Between rounds of tapas, discussions ranged from professional topics—such as the role of statisticians in the AI era, favorite tools and packages, navigating hybrid and remote work, collaborating across disciplines, and the importance of mentorship—to lighter conversations, including inbox habits, career paths, “data disasters,” data storytelling, work–life balance, and reflections on lessons learned earlier in their careers.

A post-event survey revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback, with particular appreciation for the informal lunch format and the strong IMS–CANSSI partnership. Suggestions for future events included hosting a tea party, morning coffee session, or even a “speed-dating” format for mentorship.

Overall, feedback confirmed that by pooling resources and collaborating, IMS and CANSSI are making a stronger impact—both within their societies and across the broader statistical community.

CANSSI–IMS Mentoring and Engagement Program (CIMEP) working group members:

Andrea Benedetti (McGill University), Jessica Gronsbell (University of Toronto), Shili Lin (Ohio State University), Nicole Pashley (Rutgers University), and Ali Shojaie (University of Washington).