Université d’Ottawa University of Ottawa November 19-21 2010

 President of Engineering Student Society  CEO of Engineers Canada  CEO of National Capital Commission  University of Ottawa’s Board of Governers

 “If you want to grow, you need to leave your comfort zone”  Multitasking is a great skill  Engineers need to lead change    Listen to people who do not think like you Diversity is important (male/female) Get involved in the community

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First woman to become partner at Morrison Hershfield Women make great leaders because:    They are persuasive Learn from adversity Are inclusive, and team-building More than half of women quit their engineering jobs due to 5 main factors Hostile, macho workplace Isolation Mysterious career paths (hard to find a role model to follow) Extreme work pressures A culture that rewards risk-taking and last-minute saves over preventing problems  women can’t typically stay at the office as late (they have to pick up the kids, make dinner etc)

 Words of advice      Do the best you can and work hard Don’t get involved in the politics of the office Don’t have a passive aggressive behaviour Interview back – find a company that respects women Do not take anything personally

 Be willing to change  Able to convince others to see your way   Solid with your arguments Viewed as credible  Speak to people who are doing what you want  Foresee issues and plan  Future issues need engineers  Human experiences change your perspective

 Peace vs. War engineering  Redefining engineering:     Peace Social Eco Sustainable  Multidisciplinary  Business, public policy

 Need to make yourself different through advancing your skill sets:       Business Communication Leadership Adaptable Interdisciplinary Multicultural

 More engineers in politics/visible (public) roles  More women staying in engineering  More girls enrolling in engineering 

HOW/Where to start?

 Promote problem solving skills in addition to technical skills of a B.Eng to young girls & their parents