International Women in Engineering Day 2024

International Women in Engineering Day 2024

Every year on June 23rd, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, a global recognition of the remarkable contributions of women in the engineering profession.

While progress has been made among Canadian engineering regulators to increase the representation of women within the profession through the Engineers Canada’s 30 by 30 initiative, Engineers Nova Scotia remains steadfast in its commitment to elicit industrywide inclusivity through continuous reflection, growth and action.

On this INWED, we want to highlight a significant resource available to you: Engineers Nova Scotia’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility Handbook. Unveiled last December in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, this Handbook is not just a document but a catalyst for change. The Handbook highlights how we can come together, sparking valuable conversations on EDIA issues within the engineering community and encouraging a shared lens for viewing policies and processes.

In an ongoing conscious effort to cultivate an engineering profession reflective of the society it serves, Engineers Nova Scotia’s Women in Engineering Committee is committed to providing programming, resources, and mentorship to support women professional engineers, engineers-in-training, and engineering students.

Several weeks before #INWED24, Engineers Nova Scotia called on the engineering community to nominate trailblazing women. We are thrilled to share the 15 profile candidates who, through their diverse perspectives, are fostering a safer and more sustainable province for all of us.

Today and every day, we look to the incredible women engineers who continue to drive innovation and address social challenges.

Alison Brennan

2nd year Engineering Student at Dalhousie University

Co-Chair of the 2025 Canadian Engineering Competition

Before beginning her studies in electrical engineering at Dalhousie University, Alison Brennan didn’t realize just how impactful engineering can be. Now, two years later and in the process of switching to industrial engineering, Brennan has an entirely new perspective on the world around her.

“I went into engineering because I like science and math, and now that I’ve been exposed to two different disciplines, I understand how engineering affects our daily lives,” says Brennan. “It’s given me the sense that I can make a change and be part of something bigger.”

As a team player, Brennan enjoys the collaborative nature of engineering and has set forth in her education with immense drive and fortitude. Brennan’s current focus is organizing the upcoming Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC), to be hosted at Dalhousie in March 2025.

The Canadian Federation of Engineering Students runs the CEC at a different school yearly. It brings together hundreds of innovative undergraduate students from across Canada to battle head-to-head in design, consulting and debate competitions.

This year’s CEC theme, “The Ethical Engineer,” encompasses the importance of including diverse perspectives in engineering.

“There’s a big conversation in the industry that we need to include as many viewpoints as possible so when engineers solve problems, we’re benefiting the wide population,” says Brennan. “In testing, we must consider a wide range of subjects—all gender representations and body types.”

Brennan firmly believes that engineers who only use one model are not fulfilling their duty of addressing societal issues.

“We need to include more women in the conversation,” says Brennan.

Emma Deveau

2nd year Engineering Student at Dalhousie University

Co-President of Dalhousie’s Women in Engineering Society

Director of Bilingualism at the 2025 Canadian Engineering Competition

Emma Deveau, second-year environmental engineering student, found her place within Nova Scotia’s engineering community through The Dalhousie Women in Engineering Society.

As Co-President of the Society, Deveau had the opportunity to travel to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, this past January for the Canadian Engineering Leadership Conference, where she connected with innovators from across the country.

“Engineers are the designers and creators of the world—pretty much everything we use, and touch has been engineered in some way,” says Deveau. “I always love hearing about the new inventions that have been impacting people’s lives for the better.”

Deveau was interested in environmental sciences from an early age. When she discovered environmental engineering as a career path in high school, she’s been hooked ever since.

“I knew I wanted to be a part of putting research into design,” says Deveau. “I want to be able to see the real impact of my work.”

Although Deveau is set on contributing to a healthy environment and making this mission the ‘heart’ of her career, she is similarly intrigued by multidisciplinary projects, including gender diversity in engineering.

“I want to be involved in women in engineering programming within the professional industry. Any initiatives to get more young women in engineering are important to me.”

Nikoo Siah Poor, IEE

Safety and Emergency Planning Coordinator at Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

When Nikoo Siah Poor was completing her bachelor’s degree in Iran, somebody cautioned her against pursuing a career in health and safety since, as a woman, she wouldn’t be able to keep up with the physical demands.

Undeterred by the advice, Siah Poor embarked on a career in environmental health and safety engineering, determined to prove the naysayer wrong. Her journey also led her to pursue a master’s in environmental pollution management at the Islamic Azad University, a testament to her unwavering commitment.

“I’m used to seeing women work in different positions than men,” says Siah Poor. “I firmly believe that everyone should have equal opportunity in the workplace."

After working as a Health Safety Environment Supervisor for Delvar Afzar Industrial Gas in Iran, Siah Poor moved to Turkey, where she taught children English. This experience built her communication and problem-solving skills, setting her up for a successful move to Canada.

Siah Poor has amassed a great deal of experience after immigrating to Canada a little under a year ago. She credits the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for helping to ease the transition and grow her knowledge of engineering in the province.

“When I came to Canada, I had no idea what my path would look like, and ISANS helped me figure that out,” says Siah Poor. “As an immigrant, it’s hard to find yourself in a new country, and I’m grateful for the workshops and mentorship.”

Purbasha Das, IEE

Master’s Industrial Engineering Student at Dalhousie University

Ambitious prospective engineer-in-training (EIT) Purbasha Das was among the only four women out of a 65-student class during her bachelor's degree in Bangladesh.

Das describes how difficult it was to find her voice, but she overcame the discomfort and graduated with exceptional grades.

"I grew up in a culture that believed women were incapable of doing math, making important decisions or being in the engineering field because they had to take care of the family," says Das. "I took on the challenge anyway."

Moving from Bangladesh to Halifax nearly five years ago on an open work permit, Das has amassed experience in the biotech field and is now a Canadian permanent resident. As she completes her master's degree at Dalhousie University, her next feat is to become a registered EIT.

In the long term, Das plans to stay in Halifax to work for Nova Scotia Power or J.D. Irving.

"In Canada, I've felt welcome as a woman in the engineering industry and have found a work-life balance," says Das. "I feel confident that the skills and education I'm building will be important when I can enter the field as a professional engineer."

Das chose industrial engineering for its versatility, vast supply chain, data analytics, medical project improvement, and management opportunities.

A testament to her drive, Das stands by the fact that women can solve complex problems.

"It's 2024; gender barriers should not exist."

Hana Elnaggar

Engineers Nova Scotia’s Student Affairs Committee Volunteer

3rd year Engineering Student at Dalhousie University

Conference Chair of GoEngGirl 2022

Student Member of Engineers Nova Scotia and third-year chemical engineering student Hana Elnaggar advocates for introducing young girls to STEM.

Elnaggar served as past Chair of the Dalhousie Women in Engineering Society’s GoEngGirl Conference, an event aimed at encouraging school-aged girls to pursue engineering as a career.

“It’s astonishing to see young girls open their minds when they hear from women in the profession and see what’s possible,” says Elnaggar. “There is no denial that engineering is male-dominated, and the stereotype of women being unsuitable to a ‘rough’ or ‘challenging’ environment has created a barrier.”

Elnaggar dedicates her time to several different volunteer initiatives, as Vice President External of the Dalhousie Muslim Students’ Association, Group Commissioner at Scouts Canada and Logistics Working Group Member of the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students, amongst others.

She is also completing her second co-op term with Pratt & Whitney Canada as an Environmental, Health and Safety Intern in Enfield.

With a goal of working in processing and manufacturing, chemical engineering has always intrigued Elnaggar. The discipline has opened her eyes to a more intricate and detailed method of providing solutions.

“Many people group chemical engineering with oil and gas, but it’s so much more than that,” says Elnaggar. “Every process and product has a chemical engineering aspect to it...I can’t imagine a world without it.”

Rumbi Muvingi, P.Eng.

Regional Engineer for Aircraft Certification at Transport Canada

Aerospace engineer Rumbi Muvingi, P.Eng., is energized by her job's direct and positive effect on Canadians' lives—it's what pushes her to work through the complex calculations.

As Regional Engineer for Aircraft Certification with Transport Canada, Muvingi is responsible for ensuring the safety of airplane repairs and modifications across the Maritimes.

"Unlike in a car where you can take out a radio and put in a different one, in an airplane, we have to do rigorous testing to ensure electronics do not interrupt aircraft controls and communications," says Muvingi.

If an aircraft is damaged, Muvingi ensures the repair is strong enough to hold pressurization loads while complying with Canadian regulations. After an in-depth analysis of the drawings, she signs off on whether the proposed repair meets safety standards.

The engineer has worked on an array of complex projects, including designing aircraft into medevacs—taking out seats to add stretchers and medical equipment—as well as into search and rescue transportation to locate stranded boats.

"Airplanes are not just a way for people to visit their family or another part of the world; they often act as ambulances, grocery stores and supplies delivery services for remote communities."

Although the stakes are often high, Muvingi wants to contribute to better, more robust solutions.

"There is a lot of hidden engineering work that people don't think about that enhances everybody's life," says Muvingi. "I'm happy to be a part of that."

Ayomide Charles, P.Eng.

Project Manager at Dalhousie University

Curiosity led Ayomide Charles, P.Eng., down the civil and environmental engineering path. Charles has always wondered how our surroundings impact infrastructure.

"I have continuously asked the question: why? I want to know why things are the way they are and, more importantly, what I can do to improve them," says the engineer.

Charles received her bachelor's of science from the University of Lagos in Nigeria and her master's at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.

As Project Manager at Dalhousie, Charles focuses on facilities management, ensuring students have access to comfortable studying spaces and that buildings across campus are in appropriate working condition.

If the building code requirement changes or the use of space evolves and needs renovation, Charles manages contractors and consultants within the required budget, schedule, and quality.

"Maintenance is necessary to allow a building to serve its full purpose for as long as possible," says Charles. "Spaces can always be better—more efficient, functional and comfortable for end users."

Charles excels in transforming spaces to meet current and future needs. Her strength lies in her adaptability to the ever-changing environment. One of her significant achievements has been integrating technology into classrooms and other teaching spaces, a crucial focus in the post-COVID-19 era.

"Working in an academic institution isn't something I actively pursued, but I've come to love," says Charles. "Sometimes the paths in life we don't think about end up being the best."

Nataly Stefany Flórez Rodríguez, IEE

Project Coordinator at Halifax Harbour Bridges

Nataly Stefany Flórez Rodríguez, IEE, actions engineering method through meaningful interactions with colleagues and clients.

Educated in environmental and sanitary engineering in Colombia, Nataly Stefany Flórez Rodríguez is new to Nova Scotia and is currently putting together documentation to obtain her P.Eng. license.

With a background in consulting, working mainly in waste management and water quality, Nataly Stefany Flórez Rodríguez is passionate about providing companies with environmental development plans which encourage sustainable business practices.

The internationally educated engineer is also familiar with coordination and acting as a point of contact between companies to ensure site visits run smoothly.

"I think of my experiences as complementary," she says. "I know how to follow legal requirements and understand risk management, but I also support people and their proposed actions."

As Project Coordinator at Halifax Harbour Bridges, Nataly Stefany Flórez Rodríguez is largely responsible for entering data into the Bridge Information Model and Management System, which assists in executing projects to the highest standard— on schedule, within budget, and considering future needs.

Ultimately, Nataly Stefany Flórez Rodríguez's vocation is to contribute to the environment's wellbeing.

"I am proud to participate in community and company developments, in the office and outside of it," she says. "I'm the person who tells people how to separate their waste properly. I want to plant a seed in every person so that they can be part of the solution."

Faeze Vaezi, IEE

Electrical Designer at M&R Engineering

Faeze Vaezi prides herself on her rule-following, organized nature. In her personal life, she applies engineering principles—tackling hurdles with clarity, consultation and careful resolution.

Vaezi, originally from Afghanistan and educated with an electronic engineering bachelor's and master's in Iran, has been working diligently to obtain her P.Eng. designation since moving to Canada two years ago.

"When I face a decision in my life—like moving to Canada or starting a new job—instead of giving up, I treat it like a problem to solve," says Vaezi.

"Engineering has changed my outlook on life."

A lover of math and physics, Vaezi has known she wanted to be an engineer since high school. When choosing a discipline, she "reverseengineered" the options, checking fields off until she concluded that electrical engineering would be her path forward.

In her current job as an Electrical Designer at M&R Engineering in Halifax, Vaezi designs lighting and power systems for residential and commercial applications. She works closely with P.Eng.'s to fulfill regulations and standards.

"The codes are very different in Canada than my home country, and I've valued working with engineers to assist and inform me," says Vaezi.

Vaezi enjoys team projects and altruistically wants to contribute to a better Nova Scotia.

"In engineering, we cannot just put our opinion on something and move on—we must follow the rules. I have a lot of discipline in doing so."

Sarah Hall

Student Member of Engineers Nova Scotia

Recent Civil Engineering Graduate at Dalhousie University

Past-President of Dalhousie Undergraduate Engineering Society

Sarah Hall, a recent civil engineering graduate from Prince Edward Island, comes from a long line of engineers. Her grandfather, father, four uncles, brother and cousin are all engineers.

"The engineering principles my father and grandfather have passed on to me have shaped me into the person I am today," says Hall.

Hall is the first woman in her family to pursue engineering, and she is grateful for each of her family's support as she looks forward to the exciting next steps ahead.

Hall will start her master's in coastal engineering at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, this September.

"Growing up in PEI, I have always been hyperaware of the ocean and its impact on our coastlines," says Hall. "With all the hurricanes we've been devastated within the last few years, there's a huge need for more coastal engineers in the Maritimes."

Last summer, Hall worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Dalhousie's Coastal Hydrology Lab, exposing her to physical coastal hydrogeology and groundwater disciplines.

Based on the lessons learned from this experience, Hall is interested in studying offshore wave modelling, specifically how sediment moves with storm events, during her upcoming terms at Queen's.

Hall credits the woman engineer technicians she met during her time as a Field Technician at ABLE Engineering Services with helping her feel a sense of belonging at work.

"I'm so lucky to have women engineers as role models," says Hall. "They have taught me so much about skills like surveying and helped me feel comfortable in an office space."

Parnian Hajimomenian, P.Eng.

Distribution Capital Engineer, West Region at Nova Scotia Power

In 2024, Parnian Hajimomenian, P.Eng., can proudly say that she loves her job.

Hajimomenian applies her electrical engineering expertise in her current role as Distribution Captial Engineer, West Region at Nova Scotia Power, where she takes pride in providing a reliable energy source to customers.

But this deep satisfaction hasn’t always been present. When Hajimomenian first moved to Nova Scotia from Iran in 2018, she faced difficulties getting an employer to accept her international education and work experience.

“The work culture at that point was not very diverse,” says Hajimomenian. “Knowing where to search for jobs was complicated, and I battled with low confidence.”

And this wasn’t a new feeling. In the first few years of working as an electrical engineer in Iran, Hajimomenian witnessed her male counterparts, who had almost identical education backgrounds and professional experiences, being paid five times more than she was.

Striving for a new beginning, Hajimomenian was overjoyed when her permanent residence application was accepted. She worked diligently— pushing herself to attend community workshops and networking events—to land an internship at Nova Scotia Power, which eventually got extended to a full-time placement in 2021.

The electrical engineer now looks toward the future with a newfound optimism.

“The odds were against me, and I faced setbacks, but I’ve always wanted to feel equal as a woman in STEM and get the proper support and connections,” she says.

Laura White, P.Eng.

Engineers Nova Scotia HRM Councillor

Research Specialist at SEATAC

For Laura White, P.Eng., one of the best things about being an engineer is having a sense of community. Throughout her volunteer work as Chair and Vice-Chair of Engineers Nova Scotia’s Sustainability Committee and now as HRM Councilor, White has grown a network of local professionals.

As a Research Specialist for Nova Scotia Community College’s SEATAC, White supports small to medium-sized ocean technology businesses through applied research and innovation services.

Throughout the engineering community in Nova Scotia and beyond, White sees an engineer’s primary duty as protecting the public.

“Keeping the public safe is our job, and it’s important to keep this at the center of everything that we are asked to do.”

White is also running for Councillor, District 7 (Halifax South Downtown) in the fall Halifax Regional Municipality Election. Her platform is about creating vibrant and accessible public spaces, safe and dependable mobility options, and improving environmental and financial sustainability and gender equity.

“Part of my professional interest is going into a non-traditional engineering path,” says White. “I think having more engineers in municipal politics is important because it adds a perspective that’s not often there.”

In the engineering sphere, White speaks openly about the state of gender equity. She believes that role models and mentors play a significant role in encouraging women to enter and continue in the profession.

“Having predominantly men in engineering is not reflective of society,” says White. “But if you’ve never seen an example of a woman engineer, it’s hard to imagine yourself being one.”

“Engineering needs to be a path available to anyone with the interest.”

Mary Miles, FEC, P.Eng.

Past President of Engineers Nova Scotia

Sustainability Project Manager at Pratt & Whitney Canada

"We always say that engineers solve problems, and we have a big problem right now," says Mary Miles, Past President of Engineers Nova Scotia. "As engineers, we have a large part to play in fighting the climate change issues we're seeing globally."

In her new position as of last fall, Miles brings her environmental engineering specialization to the community as a Sustainability Project Manager at Pratt & Whitney Canada. Miles has been with Pratt & Whitney for nearly 13 years, previously as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager.

A professional engineer with a deep-rooted appreciation for nature and a strong sense of protectionism towards it, Miles takes her responsibilities seriously.

"I always knew my passions were with protection, so when I had the opportunity to begin this new role, I was over the moon," says Miles. "I'm more on the proactive than the reactive side."

In prior years, Miles ensured sites were compliant with environmental regulatory guidelines and did not leave a harmful footprint. Rather than prevention, Miles now seeks sustainability opportunities to help reduce the company's overall footprint.

Miles firmly believes that sustainable design should not be a second thought—it should be inherently present throughout all project stages. Integrating sustainability principles into an existing design can be challenging, and Miles gladly witnesses the industry moving towards onset application.

"I'm excited to get my hands dirty and be able to make some change."

Imen Raboudi, IEE

Civil Project Engineer at Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Public Works

With 15 years of international experience, Imen Raboudi, IEE, has been involved in various civil engineering projects within urban planning, municipal infrastructure, marine works, and bridge and road planning.

As Civil Project Engineer for the Government’s Department of Public Works, Raboudi has played a pivotal role in the ongoing Dykeland System Upgrades project, aimed at upgrading dyke systems throughout the province to address the impacts of climate change.

Raboudi’s journey to Canada began in September 2022, after she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the esteemed National School of Engineers of Tunis in Tunisia and gained project management experience in many countries, including Japan and Belgium.

Valuing an engineer’s duty to safeguard the public, Raboudi is now diligently working on obtaining her P.Eng. designation in Nova Scotia.

“I want to add something useful and beautiful to the province,” says Raboudi. “This is another step on my engineering journey, inspired by my father—a civil engineer.”

Raboudi channels her father’s drive to fuel her dedication to engineering. She is motivated by her responsibility and, in turn, impact.

“I’m

enhancing the world around me, and that’s exactly why I love civil engineering,” says Raboudi. “I’ve helped many people solve their pressing issues.”

Raboudi contributes to the design, construction, and maintenance of critical infrastructure, drawing on her strength as a woman and a mother.

“Balancing my career with family responsibilities has taught me valuable skills in time management, organization, and adaptability. My experience in a traditionally male-dominated field has shaped my approach to problem-solving and leadership.”

Maryam Izadi, P.Eng.

Telecom Engineer at Nova Scotia Power

Innovative electrical engineer Maryam Izadi, P.Eng., has been a beacon of strength throughout each step of her professional pathway.

After gaining 15 years of experience in Iran, Izadi embarked on her Canadian engineering journey in 2018, when she landed a 3-month work placement at Nova Scotia Power.

Before returning to the electricity supplier about five years later—a full circle moment—Izadi applied her electrical proficiency at Actemium and EastPoint Engineering, where she coincidently worked on upgrading NS Power sites for Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) addition.

“I love to learn and grow every day,” says Izadi. “I’ve kept my head up during times of difficulty, especially when I’ve gotten denied from jobs because that’s part of every professional’s life.”

One of the most significant innovations of her career to date was doing site upgrades during her pregnancy and adjustment to motherhood. Although ecstatic about having a newborn, Izadi was concerned it would put her behind.

“I was worried I was going to miss something, so I found a better way to create electrical drawings,” says Izadi. “I took two months off and then jumped right back into remote work and minimized my total hours by more than half.”

To overcome the manual, time-consuming and repetitive labour, the engineer ingeniously designed an Excel file to enter and extract information, duplicating the drawing’s elements with utmost accuracy.

“I knew I couldn’t stop working, but that’s just who I am—I always try to make things run more efficiently,” Izadi says.

With a specialization in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) projects, Izadi’s accumulated knowledge has allowed her to thrive in the power industry.