womeninengg.ca Open in urlscan Pro
72.29.69.179  Public Scan

Form analysis
2 forms found in the DOM

GET https://womeninengg.ca

<form class="elementor-search-form" action="https://womeninengg.ca" method="get">
  <div class="elementor-search-form__container">
    <label class="elementor-screen-only" for="elementor-search-form-2c2fe8c">Search</label>
    <input id="elementor-search-form-2c2fe8c" placeholder="Search..." class="elementor-search-form__input" type="search" name="s" value="">
    <button class="elementor-search-form__submit" type="submit" aria-label="Search">
      <div class="e-font-icon-svg-container"><svg class="fa fa-search e-font-icon-svg e-fas-search" viewBox="0 0 512 512" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
          <path
            d="M505 442.7L405.3 343c-4.5-4.5-10.6-7-17-7H372c27.6-35.3 44-79.7 44-128C416 93.1 322.9 0 208 0S0 93.1 0 208s93.1 208 208 208c48.3 0 92.7-16.4 128-44v16.3c0 6.4 2.5 12.5 7 17l99.7 99.7c9.4 9.4 24.6 9.4 33.9 0l28.3-28.3c9.4-9.4 9.4-24.6.1-34zM208 336c-70.7 0-128-57.2-128-128 0-70.7 57.2-128 128-128 70.7 0 128 57.2 128 128 0 70.7-57.2 128-128 128z">
          </path>
        </svg></div> <span class="elementor-screen-only">Search</span>
    </button>
  </div>
</form>

POST #

<form class="sb-upload-form-editor" action="#" method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data">
  <input type="file" name="files[]" class="sb-upload-files" multiple="">
</form>

Text Content

Skip to content

Empowering Women and Gender-Diverse individuals  through Mid-Career Transitions

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram
Search

Search
Buy ticket
Subscribe
 * Home
 * Win $500
 * About Us
 * For Sponsors
 * Past Summits
   * 2023
   * 2022
   * 2021
   * 2020
   * 2019
   * 2018
 * What to know!

Menu
 * Home
 * Win $500
 * About Us
 * For Sponsors
 * Past Summits
   * 2023
   * 2022
   * 2021
   * 2020
   * 2019
   * 2018
 * What to know!

June 07, 2024

Edmonton
Toronto
Online
30 by 30Women in EngineeringDiversity Equity InclusionMental
HealthNetworkingEngineers CanadaKeynoteAllyshipCareer Advancement
30 by 30Women in EngineeringDiversity Equity InclusionMental
HealthNetworkingEngineers CanadaKeynoteAllyshipCareer Advancement


WES ESSAY CONTEST OPEN!

Win $500


WES 2024

The upcoming Summit will be live from:

 * * Toronto:40 Sheppard Ave W, North York, ON M2N 6K9

 

 * * Edmonton: NAIT Productivity & Innovation Centre (PIC) | 10210 Princess
     Elizabeth Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0Y2

 

 * * Online via Zoom here

Both in-person locations are accessible via public transit.
Paid parking also available.

Friday, June 7th, 2024 all day

Register for WES 2024

Registration



OUR SPONSORS IN 2024

The WES Organization wishes to reiterate our heartfelt Thank You to those
companies and individuals who are making WES 2024 possible, and who are
supporting our scholarship program.

$1000
Cash

$1000
Cash
$3500
Cash
$3500
In-kind (Services)
$525
Cash
$525
Cash
$2500
Cash
$3500
Cash and Swag
$3500
In-kind (Services)



$3500
In-kind (Venue)
$1000
In-kind (Printing and Services)
$3500
Cash
$1000
Cash
$1000
Cash
$2500
In-kind (Speaker and Resources)
$1000
Cash
$1000
Cash

$1000
Cash
$3500
Cash
$3500
In-kind (Services)
$525
Cash



Message from our chairs


WHY ATTEND?

Are you struggling with:

 * Finding a job
 * Coping with change
 * Fighting bias and harassment
 * Being acknowledged and promoted
 * Motivating your team
 * Balancing work and personal life
 * Connecting with like-minded individuals


If you answered Yes, WES 2024  is for you!

 * Sell yourself confidently and effectively
 * Showcase both your technical prowess and people skills to stand out from the
   crowd
 * Cultivate the strength and empathy needed to lead successful, happy teams
 * Make informed decisions to propel your career forward
 * Network with like-minded individuals


WHY SPONSOR AND ATTEND?

Are you struggling with:


 * Employees’ venting / chronic complaining?
 * The working parent problem?
 * Finding, hiring and retaining women?
 * Managing a diverse workforce?


If you answered Yes, WES 2024  is for you!


 * Meet 150+ leading women in engineering for a transformative event
 * Learn from expert speakers providing actionable solutions to industry
   challenges
 * Access to up-to-date research on successful inclusion initiatives
 * Gain insights from women proactively engaging with companies for mutual
   success
 * Elevate your organization’s impact and reputation as a promoter of EDI  in
   the engineering industry


AMMU NADUVATH, EIT


Chair WES 2024
See Bio


ANAM KAZIM, EIT

Co-Chair WES 2024
See Bio


AGENDA WES 2024

Our agenda is different per location! download full agendas  here

See Online See Edmonton See Toronto

Online program (MT)
07:45 am – 08:15 am: Registration & Networking
08:15 am – 08:30 am: Opening Remarks
08:30 am – 09:30 am: Keynote Presentation – Ari Copeland
09:30 am – 10:15 am: What are they saying behind your back? Take command of your
personal brand as a caregiver – Kinia Romanowska
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Networking break | Stretching by Pride In Engineering (PIE)
10:45 am – 11:30 am: Rethinking your Thoughts – CMHA
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Lunch break | Mental Wellbeing Activity by Tap It Better |
Networking
12:30 pm – 01:45 pm: Panel Discussion 30 by 30 and Impact on EDI | Status and
Actions
01:45 pm – 02:30 pm: Sponsors Virtual Lounge | Break
02:30 pm – 03:15 pm: Empathy in Action: Navigating Resilience and Diversity in
Engineering – Sherry Lachine
03:15 pm – 04:00 pm: Career Sustainment, Develop SOAR stories to take control of
your career – Clementine Crooks

 

Edmonton, in-person program (MT)
07:45 am – 08:15 am: Registration | Networking | Breakfast
08:15 am – 08:30 am: Opening Remarks
08:30 am – 09:30 am: Keynote Presentation – Ari Copeland
09:30 am – 10:15 am: Why being Smart Isn’t Enough? – Melanie Richmond
10:15 am – 10:45 am: Networking break
10:45 am – 11:30 am: Inclusive Workplaces: Revolutionizing Work-Life
Effectiveness – Erin Davis
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Lunch break | Stretching by Pride In Engineering (PIE)
12:30 pm – 01:45 pm: Panel Discussion 30 by 30 and Impact on EDI | Status and
Actions
01:45 pm – 02:30 pm: Sponsors Lounge with snacks
02:30 pm – 03:15 pm: Engineering Career Transitions: Real Stories, Real Advice –
Melanie Richmond
03:15 pm – 04:00 pm: How to Say NO to Advance in Your Career – Claudia
Gomez-Villeneuve

04:00 pm – 04:30 pm: Farewell | Closing Remarks

Toronto, in-person program (ET)
08:30 am – 9:00 am: Registration | Networking | Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:15 am: Opening Remarks by MC and Welcome by Jennifer Quaglietta
(CEO/Registrar PEO)
9:15 am – 10:15 am: Keynote Presentation – Stephanie Thompson
10:15 am – 11:00 am: Enhancing Career Satisfaction and Productivity Through
Safer Workplaces – Heather Turnbull
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Sponsors Lounge
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Lunch Break | Mental Wellbeing Activity by Tap It Better |
Networking
12:30 pm – 01:45 pm: Panel Discussion 30 by 30 and Impact on EDI | Status and
Actions
01:45 pm – 02:30 pm: Allyship: Maximizing your Leadership Capacity – Alvin
Pilobello
02:30 pm – 03:15 pm: Trans and Non-Binary perspectives on the gender narrative
in engineering – Michelle Liu and Allie Kennington
03:15 pm – 04:00 pm: Closing Remarks and Guided Networking – MC and Heather
Turnbull

Are you passionate about driving change in the engineering landscape?


CALLING VOLUNTEERS!

Why Volunteer with WES?

Shape the Future: Contribute to shaping an inclusive future for women and
underrepresented groups in engineering.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, experts, and
like-minded individuals.

Professional Growth: Gain hands-on experience, enhance your skills, and add a
valuable achievement to your portfolio.

Exclusive Access: Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to summit events, workshops,
and networking sessions.

Don’t Miss Your Chance:
Be at the heart of change and make this summit an unforgettable experience for
all. We can’t wait to welcome you to our vibrant team!

Register here

8:30 am
–
9:30 am
MT
Edmonton


ARI COPELAND


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Ari Copeland, BS/MS (Civil and Environmental)

Ari Copeland is an Operations Specialist with Black & Veatch Corporation and has
18 years of experience in the Water and Wastewater Industry. He has a BS/MS in
Civil/Environmental Engineering. Ari is a man of transgender and queer
experience (transgender queer man) and was perceived as female for approximately
a quarter of his career. Ari came out as trans to the world in 2011 and has
spent the last 12 years or so years becoming the person he is today. Ari co
created and founded Black & Veatch’s Pride Employee Resource Group and has done
presentations to various engineering firms, large companies such as Veritas and
Beiersdorf, about his experiences as a transperson in the workplace. Ari runs
the wandering water bear website – www.thewanderingwaterbear.com that provides
resources to assist anyone to be more inclusive.
Presentation
Embracing Change and Identity: One Journey of Career and Personal Transition

This keynote delves into the personal journey of Ari Copeland, a transgender
individual, as they navigate the complex terrain of gender identity and career
transitions. Ari is a transman and started working in the engineering field
being perceived as a woman. Ari transitioned at work as well as made a career
transition from a traditional engineering role to an operations-focused role.
Copeland’s experience offers insights into the challenges, triumphs, and
transformations encountered along the path to self-discovery and authenticity.
Through introspection and societal interactions, Copeland grapples with societal
norms, familial acceptance, and personal growth. Their narrative highlights the
importance of self-acceptance, resilience, and community support in the process
of embracing one’s true identity. Copeland’s story serves as a testament to the
diversity and richness of transgender experiences, offering hope and inspiration
to others embarking on similar journeys of self-realization or making a career
transition.
9:15 am
–
10:15 am
ET
Toronto


STEPHANIE THOMPSON, FOUNDER STEM BY STEPH


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Stephanie Thompson is a passionate engineer and community leader who actively
pursues new and innovative ways of promoting science, technology and learning in
the Niagara area.
With an extensive 22-year professional career at General Motors of Canada,
Stephanie leads diverse manufacturing engineering teams to launch world class
production lines for engine and transmissions, while managing capital investment
projects for future programs. With more than 15 years invested in volunteering
for FIRST Robotics, as well as participating for GM’s STEM funding team, she
draws energy from supporting grassroots programs in STEM, particularly for women
in her community.
In 2018, Stephanie launched her social enterprise, STEM by Steph.  These
innovative projects break down barriers by making STEM subjects accessible to
all women. Since its inception, Stephanie has run 15 STEM workshops for hundreds
of women both virtually and in-person.
In 2023 as a 4-time Award winner, Stephanie was inaugurated into the Women’s
Executive Network’s Hall of Fame as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful
Women.  She was the winner of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Business
Award for Science and Technology, and received from her alma matter, University
of Waterloo, the Alumni Achievement Medal for Community Service. In 2024,
Stephanie was the recipient of the Women Make Leadership Award for her role in
manufacturing at GM and was honoured in Washington, D.C. Stephanie holds a
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, a Certificate of
Professional Management from Brock University, and is a Professional Engineer in
Ontario.  In 2021, Stephanie joined Brock University’s Board of Trustees and is
a board member for Innovate Niagara.
She and her husband are raising their daughter to love STEM by exploring the
unique eco-systems of Niagara.
Presentation
Breaking Barriers: Navigating Success in Male-Dominated Industries

This 60-minute keynote is focused on supporting women engineers, addressing
challenges in male-dominated fields, and providing insights into leadership,
mentorship, career development, and technical skills.
Key Takeaways: Participants will recognize their power to thrive and lead in
traditionally male-dominated fields. Participants gain insights into effective
leadership strategies, the importance of mentorship, practical career
development advice, and the enhancement of technical skills. The keynote
encourages women to foster a sense of empowerment and confidence in their
professional journey.
9:30 am
–
10:15 am
MT
Online


KINIA ROMANOWSKA (MODERATOR)


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Kinia Romanowska, BA, MA, is a well-traveled award-winning journalist turned
entrepreneur, maternity leave strategist, and working parent whisperer. A wife
and mom of three passionate about making sure the next generation doesn’t
experience the “Motherhood Penalty,” she is the founder and CEO of Pros&Babes
and creator of the MoMBA (Mom MBA), the pioneering 360-leadership and personal
development program for the busy, ambitious mom in Canada. She is the host of
the “Engineer Your Success, Leadership, and Life Harmony #likeamother” podcast.”
When founding Pros&Babes in 2017, she was one of the first thought leaders in
Canada to bring national awareness to the gap in resources for managing
maternity leave transitions, and leveraging this period of life for career
growth. Individuals can now access corporate and grant funding for their MoMBA
tuition.
Kinia helps highly educated moms who have careers in male-dominated, demanding,
STEM, or competitive fields redefine their career-minded mom identity, design a
strategic personal brand and back-to-work/career plan after kids, create
work-life balance, and up level their working mom mindset so that they have more
time for themselves and their family – all while getting that next promotion.
Kinia and her team also support participants’ employers.
Presentation
Knowing and Demonstrating your VALUE in the Demanding Corporate World, While
Being a Caregiver for a Relative | Panel Discussion
9:30 am
–
10:15 am
MT
Edmonton


MELANIE RICHMOND, P.ENG.


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Meet Melanie Richmond, P.Eng, Senior Consultant at Einblau & Associates, living
by the mantra, “You don’t live once, you live every day.” With over a decade of
diverse experience in water engineering, team lead and project management,
Melanie has navigated the challenges of working with high profile projects and
high performing teams.
Melanie’s contribution stronghold lies in getting clients “unstuck.” Inspired,
creative, and solutions-focused, she connects meaningfully with leaders,
creating “go for it” confidence within their teams. Her dedication to
transforming professional visions into reality is at the core of the passion she
brings to Einblau. With a BASc in Civil-Environmental Engineering, Melanie
bridges the gap between corporate levels with over 10 years in construction,
consulting, and entrepreneurship. She is a results-driven strategic business
guide, navigating the path for clients to reach new heights in their career
journey.
In her role, Melanie brings a unique perspective to leadership development
consulting, rooted in her success as a water engineer and team leader. Committed
to empowering technical professionals, she guides individuals within the
technical landscape to develop the acumen needed for inspiring and fostering
successful teams. Join Melanie on a transformative journey where her engineering
background and holistic approach converge, creating a powerful force for success
in leadership development within today’s dynamic workforce landscape. Beyond her
professional background, Melanie is a restaurant-lover, outdoor adventurer, mom,
wife, and a mindfulness certified yoga instructor—collaborating with her
elevates overall well-being.
Melanie’s motivational style revolves around performance—setting and taking
action to reach goals. Progressive and innovative, she is always alert to
opportunities, striving for the best experiences, and fearlessly embracing
challenges. Join Melanie on this journey, where technical expertise meets
leadership excellence, and each day is an opportunity to make an impact.
Presentation
Why being smart isn’t enough?

While intelligence secured your engineering marks and degree, the same smarts
may not suffice for leadership success in your leadership journey. Technical
skills, once the ladder to success, don’t inherently equip you for inspiring,
guiding, and motivating teams. Enter Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and
Relationship Intelligence (RQ) — crucial for effective leadership. This
presentation addresses the pivotal shift from technical roles to leadership
responsibilities. It emphasizes managing emotions, understanding motivational
styles, influencing others, and fostering positive work environments. Discover
the distinction between “Rising Stars” and “Falling Stars,” the value of “Street
Smarts” versus “School Smarts,” and key traits of highly successful leaders.
We’ll explore the essential role of EQ and RQ in effective leadership, providing
practical guidance on developing these important “interpersonal” intelligence
competencies. If you aspire to evolve from a technical role to a manager and
leader, join us for insights into the nuances of career success in engineering.
It’s time to deepen your understanding beyond technical expertise and embark on
a rewarding leadership journey.
10:15 am
–
11:00 am
ET
Toronto


HEATHER TURNBULL


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Heather Turnbull is an award-winning learning and development professional with
20+ years’ experience in designing and delivering real world curriculum that
optimizes individual, team and organizational growth. Her work facilitating
career and membership engagement programming for professional bodies includes
engineering, especially assisting Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)
overcome barriers in accessing the Canadian labour market. Heather’s approach
and philosophy draw upon the discipline of the martial arts: she is a world
champion gold medalist and 6th degree Black Belt Martial Artist (Renshi). In
addition to designing and facilitating personal safety and Empowerment
Self-Defense (ESD) programs for community organizations, Heather advocates on
behalf of marginalized and at-risk persons, especially women and girls, impacted
by violence and trauma.
Presentation
Enhancing Career Satisfaction and Productivity Through Safer Workplaces

As more and more women pursue educational and career opportunities within
engineering and bioscience, coincidentally many report experiencing workplace
harassment ranging from psychological bullying to outright physical assault and
gender discrimination (APEGA White Paper, 2021, and others). Increasingly,
Canadian employers are competing for talent, and a key differentiator for job
seekers is the assurance of a healthy work environment. Moreover, how do
organizations effectively retain female engineers when they struggle to offer
cultures that are consistently welcoming, inclusive, and safe? Join Heather
Turnbull, Country Manager for PAVE Prevention, an emerging international
provider of human safety skills, for an interactive session designed to help
participants:
• Gain insights into healthy workplace culture
• Set boundaries and manage responses to conflict
• Build ‘on the job’ personal resilience skills
Conference attendees will have opportunity to participate in PAVE’s proprietary
Employee Experience Survey (“EES”), offering a comprehensive approach to
measuring workplace aggression, risk factors, and preventative measures.
10:45 am
–
11:30 am
MT
Online


CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA)


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
With 330 community locations, CMHA is a nationwide organization that promotes
mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.
Presentation
What’s more important, thinking or feeling? Both! Audience will learn to: 1)
develop an understanding of the mutual and reciprocal relationship between
thoughts, emotions, physical responses, and behaviours; 2) learn skills to
identify, track, and challenge unhelpful thoughts; 3) gain knowledge on how to
create individual routines that facilitate positive behavioural activation,
wellness, and personal recovery; 4) work to deal with our thoughts and emotions
in a healthier, more balanced way.
10:45 am
–
11:30 am
MT
Edmonton


ERIN DAVIS


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Erin Davis is an award-winning expert dedicated to advancing diversity, equity,
and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With a passion for fostering inclusive
cultures, she has played a pivotal role in driving impactful change across
organizations. Erin’s expertise lies in designing and implementing tailored
diversity and inclusion strategies. As the founder of Erin Davis Co., she helps
leaders create inclusive workplaces that unlock creativity and enhance
innovation. Erin’s ability to inspire, educate, and advocate for inclusive
practices has made her a respected thought leader. She actively contributes to
the diversity and inclusion community through speaking engagements and
involvement in committees like the 1,000 Women Advisory Committee, Pride at Work
Canada Thought Leadership Committee, and Women in APEGA Advisory Group. Based in
Edmonton, she resides in Treaty 6 Territory, Region 4 of the Metis Nation of
Alberta, teaching her children about the importance of inclusion in the world.
Presentation
Inclusive Workplaces: Revolutionizing Work-Life Effectiveness

Explore the future of workplace dynamics in this session as we dive into the
topic of work-life effectiveness. Discover how organizations are reshaping
traditional boundaries by redefining how, where, and when work is accomplished.
Learn about the strategies employed by forward-thinking organizations as they
transcend the view of flexibility as a mere accommodation, embracing it as a
cultural cornerstone. In addition, we will go beyond policies, providing
valuable insights and actionable steps for organizations at any stage of
considering or implementing these transformative changes.
1:45 pm
–
2:30 pm
ET
Toronto


ALVIN PILOBELLO


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Alvin Pilobello is a former water engineer turned Leadership Development
Facilitator & Coach with projects across Canada and the US. Alvin believes in
the power of developing crucial conversation skills to help people thrive in
cross-functional, collaborative teams, so that they unlock the innovative
capacity of their teams, and nurture the person behind each professional.
Alvin has worked closely with Manulife Financial’s DE&I ERGs in Canada (John
Hancock in the USA), facilitating a workshop series on using crucial
conversations for collaborative allyship. Similarly, Alvin has worked with the
Executive team of Microsoft Canada’s Global Partner Solutions, in order to
integrate allyship communication skills into their business operations.
Most recently, Alvin leads the design and delivery of a 6-month executive
education program at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment,
called the Water Innovation & Leadership Development (WILD) Program.
Presentation
Allyship: Maximizing Your Leadership Capacity

Allyship requires an active, responsive stance, when doing our best to support
those who are traditionally marginalized and experience harm, or receive limited
opportunities in the workplace, due to their social identities.
This workshop aims to strengthen and expand our leadership capacity. As allies,
our leadership capacity, i.e. our ability to be responsive and effective in an
allyship moment, is dependent on our ability to prioritize consistent and
effective allyship behaviours over our own discomfort.
Understanding what makes us stop listening, shut down and freeze in the moment,
or be defensive is the first step to integrating better habits that help us be
more effective allies, than cause more harm. Through practical self-management
tools and coaching skills, participants will learn how to regulate their own
discomfort in creative ways, and develop higher emotional resiliency to be a
responsive ally in the moment.
While this workshop speaks from the viewpoint of an ally, this session will be
relevant to anyone who has any interest in leading, guiding and growing others.
2:30 pm
–
3:15 pm
MT
Online


SHERRY LACHINE, B.ENG


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Sherry started Broadmind Inc because she wanted to bring the tools to improve
mental wellbeing to others in an engaging way. She has over 25 years of
experience working in Mental Health, engineering and business. She has educated
over 3000 people Canada-wide on mental health topics, stress, anxiety,
depression, suicide intervention, trauma and workplace psychological safety.
Sherry is passionate about connecting people with the material and each other,
and donates her time to the Kingston Community Health Centre as a volunteer.
Sherry also has an MSc in Applied Psychology, lives in Kingston, Ontario has 2
adult children, one adult husband and a small dog with a huge personality.
Presentation
Empathy in Action: Navigating Resilience and Diversity in Engineering

In the dynamic landscape of engineering, fostering resilience and empathy
becomes paramount, especially for women hailing from diverse backgrounds. This
presentation delves into the intersection of resilience, empathy, and the
experiences of women in engineering, highlighting the indispensable role of
compassion and a feelings perspective shift in building a robust, inclusive
community.
The session aims to explore the challenges faced by women in engineering and how
resilience serves as a powerful tool for overcoming these obstacles.
Furthermore, the presentation will navigate the transformative power of
compassion and the shift in perspective that it brings. It will underline the
significance of recognizing and embracing emotions in the engineering workplace,
fostering a supportive environment that values the individual and collective
well-being of its members.
The audience will be guided through practical strategies and tools to cultivate
resilience, not only for personal growth but also to extend a helping hand to
others. We will explore how empathy and compassion can be integrated into
professional settings to create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere. The
session will equip attendees with actionable insights on how to navigate
challenges, build resilience, and contribute to the success and well-being of
themselves and their colleagues.
Join us in this insightful presentation, as we embark on a journey of
understanding, empowerment, and collaboration, aiming to shape a more resilient
and empathetic future for women in engineering, irrespective of their diverse
backgrounds.
2:30 pm
–
3:15 pm
MT
Edmonton


MELANIE RICHMOND (MODERATOR)


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography

Presentation
Engineering Career Transitions: Real Stories, Real Advice | Panel Discussion

Embark on an exploration of career transitions in engineering, going beyond the
ordinary narratives. This isn’t just about returning to engineering or returning
from parental leave; we’re diving into transitions within the field
itself—switching roles, exploring new fields, and climbing the professional
ladder.
Join our panelists & facilitator, Melanie Richmond, as we share personal
experiences, uncovering successful strategies that eased transitions and
candidly discussing mistakes made along the way. This storytelling session is a
must-attend for engineers navigating shifts, currently in transition, or
contemplating change.
Expect practical insights and advice from those who have overcome challenges.
It’s more than a discussion; it’s a chance for us to connect, share, and learn
together. Join us for an engaging session that cuts through traditional career
narratives, offering valuable lessons for engineers at every stage of their
unique professional journeys.
2:30 pm
–
3:15 pm
ET
Toronto


MICHELLE LIU, P.ENG, WITH ALLIE KENNINGTON, EIT


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Allie Kennington (they/them) is an environmental engineer-in-training at
AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin) in Ottawa. They specialize in hydrogeology,
site assessment and remediation, and environmental regulation and compliance.
Allie earned their BASc in Geological Engineering from the University of
Waterloo and is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Science in Civil
Engineering at the same institution. Their research focuses on enhancing the
inclussion of diverse and marginalized users through the empathetic engineering
design process.

Michelle Liu (they/them) is an Ottawa-based, Queer, racialized, neurodivergent,
and non-binary engineer (P.Eng), soon-to-be lawyer, speaker, consultant, and
researcher. Michelle earned their Honours BASc and MASc in civil engineering
from the University of Waterloo and worked in design and construction management
for various consulting engineering firms. Michelle’s encounters with racist,
homophobic, ableist, and gender-based violence in engineering empowered them to
pursue their law degree (JD ’23) and engineering PhD simultaneously at the
University of Ottawa. The objectives of Michelle’s award-winning (Vanier &
Trudeau) PhD project include to position engineering as a discipline capable of
contributing to social justice. Michelle’s short-term goal is to become a
professor of both law and engineering and to run a law practice advocating for
equity-seeking people who experience discrimination in STEM workplaces. Across
their research, leadership, and community service, Michelle’s focus is on using
their lived experiences and subject matter expertise to contribute to social
justice. Michelle has delivered over 160 keynotes, talks, workshops, and panel
discussions at the intersection of EDI and STEM in the last decade. Michelle’s
service work in both the engineering and legal communities includes serving as a
Councillor (board member) of Professional Engineers Ontario, Co-Chair of the
EDIA Task Force of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and member of
the Equity Advisory Group of the Law Society of Ontario. Michelle also
co-created and co-funds the Liu-Kennington Award for the 2SLGBTQ+ Engineering
Community, the first university-level scholarship for 2SLGBTQ+ engineering
students in Canada. In 2022, Michelle became the first openly Queer and
non-binary person to be elected to the board of the Ontario regulator of
engineers in the organization’s 101-year history. Michelle is the recipient of
over 20 awards from various institutions for their leadership, advocacy, and
community service.
Presentation
Trans and Non-Binary Perspectives on the Gender Narrative in Engineering

Join Michelle Liu, P.Eng, JD, MASc (they/them) and Allie Kennington, BASc
(they/them) as they leverage Trans and Non-Binary perspectives to critically
examine normative concepts of gender, sexuality, and overlapping systems of
oppression, such as race, class, and ability in engineering. This approach will
draw attention to the frequent exclusion of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming
(TGNC) identities in conversations on gender in engineering. The rise in
anti-2SLGBTQ+ hate in Canada, including in professional education and practice,
underscores the urgent relevance of this discussion.
3:15 pm
–
4:00 pm
MT
Online


CLEMENTINE CROOKS, CPHR


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Clementine Crooks has her master’s degree in leadership and is CPHR certified.
For almost 20 years, Clementine has worked with hundreds of organizations across
Canada to improve efficiencies and maximize profitability by developing their
people processes. With a specialized expertise in providing career transition
support, Clementine and the highly qualified team at Resume Restoration have
supported over 2000 professionals enhance their chances of getting hired.
Presentation
Career Sustainment: Developing SOAR stories to take control of your career

Join Clementine Crooks, MA, BA, CPHR as we explore the essentials of career
sustainment and the crucial role of self-promotion in today’s competitive job
market. This presentation will uncover key opportunities to infuse your
professional journey with an accomplishments-based narrative, from refining your
resume to excelling in interviews and performance evaluations. Discover how to
implement a structured SOAR approach to effectively showcase your achievements
and skills, and ultimately utilize this strategy to advance your career. Don’t
miss this opportunity to take control of your career trajectory and position
yourself for lasting success.
Objectives:
– Explore the evolving professional landscape and the increasing importance of
self-promotion and differentiation in today’s competitive job market
– Identify key opportunities to integrate an accomplishments-based narrative
into various aspects of professional advancement, including resume crafting,
interview preparation, and performance evaluations
– Implement a structured SOAR approach to effectively incorporate these
narratives, leveraging specific experiences and accomplishments to articulate
your value proposition
– Provide additional strategies and actionable insights for career sustainment
3:15 pm
–
4:00 pm
MT
Edmonton


CLAUDIA GOMEZ-VILLENEUVE, P.ENG


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Claudia Gomez-Villeneuve is a professional engineer, university professor,
diversity champion, and new fellow of Engineers Canada. Before switching to
academia, she managed petroleum pipeline projects for over 15 years eventually
becoming supervisor. Today, Claudia works in various universities teaching
engineering, leadership, and project management in both English and Spanish.
In 2019 she shared the APEGA Summit Award, as a Champion for Women in
Engineering and Geoscience, with the CCWESTT 2018 Steering Committee. And in
2022 Claudia was named “Individual Leader of the 30 by 30 Initiative” by
Engineers Canada which was announced at their annual 30 by 30 Conference.
She is also the Founder, Principal, and two-time Chair of WES, Women in
Engineering Summit Ltd, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support
the 30 by 30 Initiative by Engineers Canada by sharing practical solutions to
keeping women happy in engineering and geoscience jobs for life. Claudia lives
in Edmonton, AB, with her husband and their three children.
Presentation
How to say NO to Advance in your Career

While attending SWE 2023, the Society of Women in Engineering 2023 conference in
Los Angeles last October, the world’s largest gathering of women in engineering
and technology, a topic surfaced as a common theme in at least three (3) of the
sessions I attended:
“How to say NO to Advance in your Career”
It makes sense. Women typically say “yes” to a lot of things, even if it keeps
them in non-technical jobs, over-worked, and under-paid. Since the 30-by-30
initiative by Engineers Canada is tracking that at least 30% of women earn their
P.Eng. or P.Geo. designation by 2030, it is important to learn how to say “no”
to non-technical jobs and/or to under-appreciated EDI – equity, diversity and
inclusion – roles without P.Eng/P.Geo protection. In other words, learn to say
“yes” to a P.Eng.
In this informative session, you will learn that: (1) the word “NO” is a phrase
that is grammatically correct, (2) there are many traps to avoid when earning
your P.Eng/P.Geo designation, and (3) saying “YES” is a valuable tool that must
be carefully managed in your career.
3:15 pm
–
4:00 pm
ET
Toronto


HEATHER TURNBULL (MODERATOR)


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography

Presentation
Guided Networking
–
All Day
Online, Edmonton


PRIDE IN ENGINEERING (PIE)


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
Our mission is to inspire, support, and connect 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals in
engineering. We are hosting our inaugural PIE Conference in Fall 2024. At this
conference, we seek to foster empowerment within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community while
concurrently providing valuable insights for industry allies.
Presentation
Our objective is to have a Wellness Centre for attendees that combines
easy-on-the-tummy snacks, safety and privacy, health and wellness, soft music,
comfortable seating and printed material about PIE and its offerings.
11:30 am
–
12:30 pm
Local time
Toronto, Online


YOLANDA SAEZ-CASTELLO MSC


Contact
Linkedin Envelope Link
Biography
• Yolanda is renowned for helping women smash through their limitations to
achieve what they have set their heart on and live the life they deserve. • She
is an ex-Fortune 500 banker and London Business School Masters of Science who
pivoted into looking after professional women’s mental wellbeing in 2014. •
Yolanda has pioneered a unique combination of Mindset Coaching and Advanced
Tapping techniques, which she has introduced successfully in schools and
corporate boardrooms alike, while helping thousands of private clients as well.
• Her referral partners include the foremost psychiatric clinics in Europe. •
Yolanda is committed to women empowerment; she has worked for years with Women
in Finance and Women in STEM and is a board director and treasurer of Board
Apprentice.
Presentation
A chance to experience a proven approach to relieve stress, anxiety, self-doubt,
overwhelm and much more. Learn the tapping tool in this brief session and it
will be yours forever.

Don’t miss out our events in preparation to The Women in Engineering Summit 2024
below:

[MEC id="1175"]
WES 2024 Line of Speakers coming soon!


WES 2024 PROGRAM


SEE OUR AMAZING LINE OF SPEAKERS!




30 BY 30 AND IMPACT ON EDIB EXPERT PANEL DISCUSSION

Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) experiences vary by
individuals, groups, and companies, and are often influenced by culture,
personal experiences, and collective efforts to listen, understand, and create
safe spaces.

To help break barriers to equity and inclusion, Engineers Canada adopted the 30
by 30 initiative to raise the percentage of newly licensed engineers who
identify as women to 30 per cent by the year 2030.

Achieving 30% is seen as a tipping point for sustainable change, making the
engineering profession more inclusive and welcoming.

We have different panelists for Toronto and Edmonton & Online sessions!

Click on the names of each of our panelist to take a look at their bios.


OUR PANELISTS IN TORONTO


KIM JONES

ACADEMIA


JEANETTE SOUTHWOOD

REGULATOR


JANELLE SOMERVILLE

INDUSTRY


MICHELLE LIU

NON-PROFIT / ADVOCACY


ALVIN PILOBELLO

MALE ALLY


ANAM KAZIM

MODERATOR


OUR PANELISTS IN EDMONTON & ONLINE


ALEXANDRA TROVATO

ACADEMIA


SHELIZA KASSAM

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL


ROXANNE RICHARDSON

INDUSTRY


ADAM PECUSH

MALE ALLY


ESTEFANIA GONZALEZ

INDUSTRY & WOMEN IN ENGINEERING ADVOCACY


MARTHA VEGA-SMITH

MODERATOR

Empowering Women and Gender-Diverse individuals through Mid-Career Transitions

June 07, 2024
Buy ticket
Edmonton

Toronto

Online

© WES 2024
Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram

#WES2024

Subscribe
Wesley
hello! I'm Wesley, your AI assistant.
How may I help you today?


Conversations
New conversation
View all


All

 * All
 * Smileys & Emotions
 * People & Body
 * Animals & Nature
 * Food & Drink
 * Travel & Places
 * Activities
 * Objects
 * Symbols