Fairness for Women in Engineering and Geoscience
Fairness for Women in Engineering and Geoscience
The gender pay gap in engineering is an issue that affects not just salaries but long-term commitment and satisfaction within the profession. Despite equal qualifications and experience, women still earn less than their male colleagues. This isn’t just unfair—it impacts whether talented women feel motivated to stay in their roles and grow within the industry.
At this summit, you’ll gain valuable tools to address this gap head-on. We’ll explore a Harvard Business Review study that reveals underlying causes and offers actionable strategies for negotiating fair pay. You’ll also learn about the Canada Pay Equity Act, equipping you with knowledge of your rights and how to leverage them. Real-life stories from two professionals who fought for fair pay will provide practical insights into standing up for your worth. And for those exploring new avenues, we’ll discuss the option of building your own business as a route to financial independence.
With the knowledge you’ll gain here, you’ll be empowered to advocate for fair compensation and thrive in a career that recognizes your true worth.
We are proud to be WES 2025 Co-Chairs focusing on Fairness for women and underrepresented groups in Engineering and Geoscience.
Our volunteers and us are looking forward to meeting you!
Cailenys Leslie and Kristina Wilson, WES 2025 Chairs
Harriet Tinka is a Chartered Professional Accountant, award-winning entrepreneur, and advocate for equity. As the founder of Empowered Me Inc., she has dedicated her career to mentoring women, championing pay equity, and inspiring others to recognize their worth. With expertise in finance, project management, and leadership, Harriet has worked on major infrastructure projects. A YWCA Woman of Distinction and Global Woman of Vision, she brings firsthand experience in overcoming barriers and negotiating for fairness. In her keynote, Harriet will share practical strategies to close the gender pay gap, advocate for fair compensation, and take control of your financial future.
Lessons on Fixing the Female Pay Gap from Harvard Business Review
Speaker: Harriet Tinka
Canada Pay Equity Act: laws and regulations supporting your request for a Fair Pay Increase
Speaker: Amanda Popowicz-Soni
How we Got a Fair Pay Increase 2 Case Studies: Government and Private Industry
Speakers: Claudia Gomez-Villeneuve and Andrea Marciales
Make Your Own Pay: Opening Your Own Engineering/Geoscience Startup
Speaker: Callie Lissinna
Moderator: Cailenys Leslie
2 scheduled networking sessions, plus additional ad-hoc opportunities
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.
