Empowering Women and Gender-Diverse individuals through Mid-Career Transitions
June 07, 2024
Three successful summits took place on June 7, 2024 at 3 different locations:
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.
Are you struggling with:
If you answered Yes, WES 2024 is for you!
Chair WES 2024 See Bio
Co-Chair WES 2024 See Bio
Our agenda is different per location! download full agendas here
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?
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!
Don’t miss out our events in preparation to The Women in Engineering Summit 2024 below:
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.
ACADEMIA
REGULATOR
INDUSTRY
NON-PROFIT / ADVOCACY
MALE ALLY
MODERATOR
ACADEMIA
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
INDUSTRY
MALE ALLY
INDUSTRY & WOMEN IN ENGINEERING ADVOCACY
MODERATOR
Anam Kazim is a former Alberta legislator and current board member of the Alberta Association of Former Members of the Legislative Assembly. She chairs the Standing Committee on Member Contributions and Benefits and is a Facilitator and Coach at the Institute for Change Leaders, empowering individuals for systemic change. Anam holds degrees in Chemical and Biochemical/Environmental Engineering and is an Engineer-In-Training with APEGA, showcasing her technical expertise and commitment to professional development. Recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, she exemplifies dedication to public service and leadership.
Anam shares her journey as an immigrant woman in the bestselling anthology “Landed: Transformative Stories of Canadian Immigrant Women,” where she highlights her experiences, challenges, and achievements in Canada. Her advocacy for inclusivity, diversity, and intercultural understanding is evident through her work and storytelling, aiming to inspire and empower immigrant women to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. With extensive experience in diplomacy, business development, Six Sigma, Lean Management, and Conflict Resolution, Anam brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to any organization. Her multifaceted background and passion for making a difference make her an invaluable asset in promoting positive change and fostering a more inclusive society.
Kim Jones
Dr. Kim Jones is the Chair of the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering (ONWiE), which drives and coordinates province-wide efforts to recruit a diverse population into the study of engineering.
She is an associate professor of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, where she has done research into the body’s response to implanted biomaterials and now investigates issues of inclusion in engineering.
She has served as the Engineering Leadership Fellow (focusing on inclusion), the Chair of the Women in Engineering Committe, Associate Chair (Undergraduate) of Chemical Engineering, the Hamilton-Halton Engineer of the Year, a YWCA Woman of Distinction and is an Engineers Canada 30×30 Champion.
She has been a feminist since birth and enthusiastically drives outreach, equity and inclusion efforts.
Jeanette M. Southwood
Jeanette is the VP of Corporate Affaris and Strategic Partnerships at Engineers Canada, overseeing the licensure of over 300,000 engineers. Previously, she led the Canadian Urban Development & Infrastructure Sector and Global Sustainable Cities teams at an international consulting firm, becoming the first Black woman globally appointed as Principal. She is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, recognized for exemplary contributions.
Her accolateds include Honorary Doctorate, Ontario Professional Engineers Awards’ Enginering Excellence and Citizenship Medals, and as the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. She has been inducted into Professional Engineers Ontario’s Order of Honour and the University of Toronto Engineering Hall of Distinction and named twice to WXN Canada’s Top 100.
Appointed Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy, Jeanette was featured in the Royal Canadian Mint’s campaign for the coin honoring Canada’s first practicing woman engineer. She serves on the Electrical Safety Authority Board and TD Insurance’s Climate Change Advisory Board. Jeanette co-authored works on infrastructury vulnerability to climate change and was named one of Canada’s Clean50 for sustainable development.
Janelle Somerville
Jane is a Program Manager with a control system and software engineering background. She has worked on improving automation for a variety of manufacturaing operations from automotive production to airport improvement. In her role she combines her interests in problem solving and connecting people.
She is passionate about women succeding in engineering, science, and leadership roles, wich motivates her to try and reshape the field through work with a variety of age groups. As a student, she never felt there was a space for her within engineering, driving her to try and show what the title of engineer can be held by a variety of people.
She is the President of the Society of Women Engineers Toronto, the Co-Lead of Alliances at NextUp Toronto, and volunteers as a mentor for university students at multiple institutions in Canada. Through her work she aims to support women in her field and thelp them to feel succesful in their careers.
Michelle Liu
Michelle Liu (they/them) is an Ottawa-based, Queer, reacialized, neurodivergent, and non-binary engineer (P.Eng) and soon-to-be lawyer. They hold Honours BASc and MASc degrees in civil engineering from the University of Waterloo. Discrimination in engineering inspired Michelle to pursue a JD and PhD at the University of Ottawa, focusing on the intersection of technology and engineering nomrs like masculinity and meritocracy. Their research is supported by prestigious scholarships and aims to position enginering as a social justice discipline.
Michelle aspires to become a professor of law and engineering and run a law practice advocating for equity in STEM. Their service include roles with Professional Engineers Ontario, the Ontario Network for Women in Engineering and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers. They co-created and fund the Liu-Kennington Award, the first Canadian university-level scholarship for 2SLGBTQ+ engineering students.
Michelle has received over 20 awards for leadership and community service and delivered more than 160 presentations on EDI and STEM. Their work spans from theoretical frameworks to practical policy solutions, leveraging their lived experiences to advance social justice.
Alvin Pilobello
Alvin Pilobello is a former water engineer turned Leadership Development Facilitator & Coach with projects across Canada and the U.S. Alvin believes in the power of developing crucial conversations skills to help people thrive in cross-functional, collaborative teams, so that they unlock the innovative capacity of their teams, and nurture the preson behind each professional.
Alvin has worked closely with Manulife Financial’s DEI & ERGs in Canada (John Hancock in the USA), facilitating a workshop series on using crucial conversations for colaborative 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.
Alexandra Trovato
Alexandra (Alex) Trovato is a dedicated structural engineer with over 15 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the Associate Dean (Interim) of the School of Skilled Trades at NAIT.
Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in structural engineering, construction, and biomechanics, and she is passionate about mentoring others. Known for her hands-on approach and strong industry connections, Alex focuses on practical strategies that benefit both students and academic programs.
She’s a lifelong learner who enjoys contributing to the field through innovation and collaboration. Alex holds a Ph.D. and M.Eng. in Structural Engineering from the University of Alberta and is a registered professional engineer with APEGA.
Alexandra Trovato, P.Eng.
Structural Engineering Instructor with NAIT
Sheliza Kassam
Sheliza Kassam is an Operations Engineer at Pembina’s Oil Sands Business Unit. She is passionate about the Oil & Gas value chain, and has extensive experience in downstream, upstream and midstream sectors.
As an engineer, Sheliza is dedicated to driving innovation and positive change within the energy industry and the community.
At age 15, she founded the charitable organization Children’s Birthday Miracles (CBM), which supports children diagnozed with cancer and less fortunate families in Canada and abroad. With generous support from companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s Canada, and Google, CBM has raised over $350,000.
Sheliza also committed to the 30 by 30 target set by Engineers Canada, actively serving on the boards of Calgary Women in Energy and the University of Calgary’s Engineering Endowment Fund.
Her achievement have earned her recognition as one of Canada’s top 20 Under 20, a L’Óreal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree, and most recently, a recipient of the Young Women in Energy Award.
Roxanne Richardson
Roxanne Richardson, a Senior Principal at Stantec Consulting Ltd., serves as the Management and Technology Services Lead for the Water Group in Western Canada, based in Edmonton, AB.
With 22 years of dedicated service in the water industry, Roxanne’s journey spans from her beginnings as an electrical engineer to her current roles as a Project Manager, Account Manager, and Technology Leader. Her expertise encompasses a spectrum of disciplines, from control system integration to electrical, control systems, and instrumentation design.
Harnessing her extensive corporate, project, and engineering background, Roxanne adeptly guides multidisciplinary teams through the entire project lifecycle, from inception to completion. She leverages her profound understanding of the water sector to collaborate with stakeholders effectively, ensuring the successful delivery of projects.
Roxanne’s unique blend of construction and consulting experience empowers her to approach projects holistically, uniting teams, resources, and innovative solutions. Beyond her professional endeavors, Roxanne finds joy in supporting her son’s hockey and golf pursuits, cherishing moments with loved ones, and passionately cheering for the Edmonton Oilers.
Roxanne Richardson, P.Eng.
Management and Technology Lead
Water, Western Canada at Stantec
Adam Pecush
Adam Pecush leads a team of eleven engineers, ensuring effective Pipeline Integrity Management and efficient resource development. Adam is dedicated to team development, emphazising motivation and job fulfillment for career sucess in engineering.
At Enbridge, Adam participates particpates in various career development, engagement, and mentorship groups. He led the Integrity People Pan team’s creation of an intratent page to support Integrity team members in volunteering at events encouraging school-age girls to pursue STEM careers.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Adam graduated with a B.Sc. in Materials Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2006. His diverse technical roles have included working on a steam locomotive and teaching a robot to weld. As a leader, he has managed teams in both field and corporate settings.
Outside work, Adam volunteers as an experience examiner with APEGA and coaches sports, including ice hockey and baseball. He and his partner, an active local law enforcement member, have two children involved in various activities like diving, horseback riding, hockey, and baseball. Adam enjoys playing hockey, racing mountain bikes, and downhill skiing in his spare time.
Estefania Gonzalez
As a Telecomunications Engineer specialized in Automation and Robotics, Estefania Gonzalez understands the importance of Engineering roles in our industry, and the vital role that women play in the market and the new landscape of technologies.
With over 15years of experience in the Energy Management and Automation Industry, Estefania’s mission is to support her team of Engineers to provide the most suitable solutions to their customers throughout Canada, optimizing their energy consumption, reducing their carbon footprint, and improving their operational performance.
Her true passions are coaching people, change management, and strategic business transformations, skills that have been instrumental in her professional growth. On top of this, Estefania is also a member of the WiSE board of directors (Wome In Schneider Electric), a seasoned mentor, and a leader in Diverstiy & Inclusion, sponsoring several “Women in Energy” panels and networking sessions across Canada.
In her personal life, she has two kids that provide her with the motivation to continue advocating for more diversity, inclusion, and postive role models for future generations. Estefania is passionate about encouraging and supporting women in Engineering positions, and having a 5 year-old daughter only highlights the importance of women supporting women.
Martha Vega-Smith
Martha Vega-Smith holds a B.Sc. degree in Civil Engineering from Venezuela where she started her professional career before moving to Canada in 2001. She successfully transitioned into senior technical and leadership roles in Pipeline Integrity, Management Systems and Enterprise Risk, for two leading energy companies in North America, Enbridge first, and then Suncor.
Since arriving to Canada she has reviewed hundreds of resumes as a recruiting manager and has helped as many individuals customize and optimize their resumes and prepare for interviews as they navigate their own career path. She earned her P.Eng. with APEGA a few years after arriving in Canada and has many lessons learned about the process for internationally-educated professionals, from her own experience and from the experience of her colleagues and mentees.
She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Business and Digital Marketing Management in her 4th career path, where she hopes to use her leadership experience in a new field.
Martha Vega-Smith, P.Eng.
WES Founder – Director
Kim Jones
Dr. Kim Jones is the Chair of the Ontario Network of Women in Engineering (ONWiE), which drives and coordinates province-wide efforts to recruit a diverse population into the study of engineering.
She is an associate professor of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University, where she has done research into the body’s response to implanted biomaterials and now investigates issues of inclusion in engineering.
She has served as the Engineering Leadership Fellow (focusing on inclusion), the Chair of the Women in Engineering Committe, Associate Chair (Undergraduate) of Chemical Engineering, the Hamilton-Halton Engineer of the Year, a YWCA Woman of Distinction and is an Engineers Canada 30×30 Champion.
She has been a feminist since birth and enthusiastically drives outreach, equity and inclusion efforts.