Experience an exceptional evening as we present our highly anticipated annual mentorship event! Bringing together accomplished and distinguished mentors from diverse backgrounds, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity for participants to forge meaningful connections and exchange invaluable insights.

As with past mentorship events, Mentees will choose their preferred topics of discussion during registration and will be seated with Mentors in small groups at round tables based on the chosen topics.

Where: The Stack – 1133 Melville Street, Vancouver

When: 5:45PM to 8:30PM Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Cost: $15 (includes dinner and drinks!)

Sponsored by Fluor and RJC

MENTOR BIOS

ALLANA SPOONER, P.Eng., PMP

Project Manager | Binnie

Allana is a Project Manager with 5+ years of experience managing projects ranging from tenant improvement to civil infrastructure upgrades and new building construction for a variety of large public clients. Her road to finding a home in project management was a rough one, with stops in design, field engineering, and unemployment, but she has found resiliency through her own struggles and now strives to be a supporter and mentor to other young professionals facing similar situations. She firmly believes that everyone has a right to feel comfortable being their authentic self at work and is intentional about providing a safe space for colleagues.

SIOBHAN ROBINSON, MASc, P.Eng.

Sector Leader – Water Supply & Treatment | KWL

Siobhan Robinson leads the Water Supply and Treatment sector at Kerr Wood Leidal. A Chemical Engineer by training, Siobhan is passionate about improving health through the development of community water and wastewater infrastructure. Siobhan has volunteered with both the BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA) and the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) for more than 10 years, including serving as a Director on both the ACEC-BC and ACEC-Canada Boards. She currently co-leads the BCWWA Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee and is an active member of the BCWWA Truth and Reconciliation Committee.  She also volunteers with Science World’s Scientists and Innovators in the Schools program. Through her volunteer work, Siobhan aims to facilitate the engagement and retention of young professionals in the water sector and improve the business environment for consulting engineers across the country.

CARMEN CHUN, MEng, P.Eng., LEED® AP 

Associate | RJC

Carmen is a very intelligent, energetic and creative problem solver. She has a kind yet tough disposition that instills confidence in clients and is a beacon to coworkers. A natural leader and mentor, Carmen is efficient with her time and maintains a high quality of work. A cheerful demeanor complements her focus and drive. She specializes in the structural design of glazing systems and specialty structural elements. She is sought for advice and expertise in glazing and façade design by contractors, architects, property managers, manufacturers and colleagues. Carmen also has significant experience in structural restoration, and provides specialty engineering for guards and glazing, working with concrete, structural steel and aluminum. Carmen completed her Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Civil Engineering, with a minor in Commerce) and Masters of Engineering degrees at the University of British Columbia. She has been a board member of the Glazing Contractors Association of British Columbia and co-authored the Glazing Specifications Manual published in 2010. She was also a Member of the Technical Committee for the Fenestration Association of British Columbia (FENBC).

CHUNPREET SAHOTA, MEng, P.Eng, PMP

Associate, Lead Structural Engineer – Buildings | WSP

Chunpreet is a Structural Engineer at WSP in the Buildings group and is currently the acting Director for the BC Structural team. She has 15 years of experience in the engineering industry and has had the pleasure of working on a variety of projects including schools, cultural sites, transit and transportation, and government projects. Chunpreet is an active advocate at WSP and in the engineering community to curate spaces where all feel safe and welcome to bring their whole selves to everyday.

CLAUDIA BAERWOLFF, MBA

Director – Mining & Metals | Fluor Canada Ltd.

Claudia is a seasoned business professional with over two decades of experience in the engineering and construction industry across the Americas, Europe, and Australia. As Director of Strategy at Fluor, she focuses on identifying market trends and strategic opportunities for the Mining & Metals business line. Having spent several years at construction sites, she has been navigating the complexities of working in a field traditionally dominated by men and developed a good sense of humor in dealing with gender bias. Claudia holds an Executive MBA from Simon Fraser University and is an advocate for inclusion in the workplace considering it part of the organizational soft tissue that can make a difference. When she’s not thinking about the next strategic move for Fluor, Claudia enjoys a good laugh about the time she was denied underground at site because women underground were believed to bring bad luck. Spoiler alert: She made it underground.

DHILVINDER KAUR, EIT, MS

Senior Project Manager – Capital Planning and Projects | BC Pavilion Corporation

Dhilvinder is a Senior Project Manager at BC Pavilion Corporation (BC PavCo), the entity behind Vancouver’s iconic buildings, BC Place Stadium and the Vancouver Convention Centre. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from UC San Diego and a Master of Civil Engineering – Structures from the University of Delaware. With 9+ years of structural engineering and project management experience, she has worked on projects in a variety of sectors, including oil and gas, pulp and paper, marine terminals, and bridge and building infrastructure. She is passionate about strategically integrating accessibility across sites and serves on the Accessibility Committee at PavCo. Currently, she is working on the BC Place Stadium infrastructure upgrades for FIFA 2026. Outside of work, Dhilvinder is a mom to a toddler (aged 2), enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and spending time at the beach.

KAREN HINCKS, P.Geo

Group Manager | WSP
Karen Hincks has a Bachelor of Science in Applied and Environmental Geology and Geology from the University of Calgary. Karen then worked as a contaminant hydrogeologist for Alberta Environment for a year before she went to the University of Alberta to get her Master of Science in Applied and Environmental Sciences, where she studied in the Civil Engineering and Geology departments. Karen then worked as a hydrogeologist at Stantec before joining Amec in 2005 and has been with the company through several mergers and acquisitions to now be a part of the WSP team. Karen has worked on a wide variety of geotechnical engineering field and construction projects. She specializes in geohazard assessment and mitigation and specializes in permafrost geohazards.  Karen will complete 19 years at WSP in May 2024. 

KELSEY VAN STEELE, P.Eng. , PMP, LEED® AP

Associate | RJC

Kelsey is an exemplary restoration engineer with strong attention to detail and dedication to her work. She cares deeply about her peers and clients and works diligently to achieve deadlines and keep promises. People know that Kelsey always has their best interest at heart. With a background in structural restoration, she specializes in fall protection and building maintenance access system design and consulting. Through blending aspects of structural, building envelope, and fall protection consulting, Kelsey provides a unique complement to our façade engineering practice, resulting in access system designs that readily balance with other building systems. Her work provides clients with a wide range of services, including access and fall protection system design, existing access system assessments and retrofits, fall protection needs assessments, as well as building maintenance and facade access system consulting for new construction.

KELSIE PRIEST, P.Eng.

Senior Project Manager | WSP

Kelsie Priest is a Professional Engineer with over 10 years of progressive experience in the building and construction industry.  She recently made a career change after spending a decade as a structural engineer specializing in concrete high-rises, where she contributed to many iconic projects in Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Kelsie followed her passion for project management and is now a Senior Project Manager in the Property and Buildings group at WSP, delivering major capital projects.  She is a Co-Founder of Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE) and the 2023 recipient of the EGBC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award and SEABC Young Meritorious Achievement Award.

LARA LAMBIOTTE, EIT, LLB

Sales Coordinator – Mining & Metals | Fluor Canada Ltd.

Lara has over ten years of experience in engineering design, field construction, and project management in the mining industry. Lara has worked globally across various project phases, from pre-feasibility to close-out, in both client and consultant roles. Currently, she is in Sales at Fluor Vancouver, where she engages and collaborates with multiple stakeholders in various business development activities. As the Chairperson of Fluor Vancouver’s GROW initiative, Lara is dedicated to mentoring and supporting women in consulting engineering, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment within the industry. Lara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws at the University of British Columbia. Outside of her professional life, Lara is a wife, daughter, and mother to a 7-year-old busy boy and two lazy cats.

JAIME MONTANI, P.Eng.

Account Manager | Spartan Controls

Jaime is a Professional Engineer who graduated from McMaster in 2001 with an Engineering degree in Materials. Over the last 18 years, while working with Spartan Controls, she has held numerous roles supporting local industrial customers with their brownfield and greenfield automation and digitalization priorities.

JENNA SIMZER, P.Eng.

Principal Geotechnical Engineer and Vice President – Mine Waste | WSP

Jenna Simzer is a Geotechnical Engineer and the Vice President of Mine Waste at WSP Canada Inc. with teams across BC, Prairies and North and Ontario. She has been involved with the investigation, characterization and construction of soil and rock tunnels and an underground transit station upgrade design. Jenna has managed the design and construction of repairs and upgrades for water dams and abandoned tailings storage facilities. In 2022, she moved into the group leader role for the Ports, Coastal and Surface Water team before transitioning to her current role in July 2023. Jenna is active with the Canadian Dam Association, and has published papers with the International Commission on Large Dams and guest lectures at UBC. Based in Vancouver, she enjoys trying to keep up with the ever-changing interests of her son and camping with her family all over BC.

LEONA SMITH, P.Eng.

Head of Discipline and Leading Project Manager | COWI

Leona is a Leading Project Manager and Head of Discipline at COWI North America. After graduating from the University of Toronto with a materials engineering degree, she found her true passion in project management and has worked in that area since she joined COWI in 2011. In addition to project work, she manages COWI’s project and contract management group in Canada, supporting project management of infrastructure projects all across North America. As a former WCE Director, Leona’s excited to continue to support WCE at the Fall Mentorship mixer, to see some familiar faces, and to make some new connections!

MARYAM SABOORI, P.Eng. (BC, AB)

Electrical Engineer – Mining & Metals | Fluor Canada Ltd.

As a Principal Engineer and Manager with 23 years of experience, I’ve led projects across industries such as mining, refinery, petrochemical, and Oil & Gas in Canada, South & Central America, and Asia. My expertise includes project engineering, business development, and construction support. Outside of work, I’m a dedicated mom of two hockey-loving boys, balancing my professional career with a busy family life. I’m passionate about leadership, strategic thinking, and supporting the next generation of professionals to achieve their goals.

NICKY JENNINGS, P.GEO, PMP

Senior Project Manager | WSP

Nicky is a Senior Principal Project Manager and Environmental Scientist at WSP with over 20 years of experience in contaminated site investigation and remediation.  Nicky has recently returned to a Project Management role following a four-year period leading a large Environmental Management team at WSP.

PIA ABERCROMBY, PEng., ENV SP

Leading Sustainability Specialist | COWI

Pia began her career as a consulting engineer, dedicating a decade to delivering design and project management services for civil and structural projects. She has since transitioned to focus on sustainability, blending her engineering expertise with her passion for sustainability. Driven by a desire to enhance environmental, social, and economic outcomes, Pia is committed to transforming practices within the construction industry. When she is not making strides in her professional life, you can find her outdoors, enjoying skiing, hiking, or running.

ROXANA MOUSAVI, M.Eng, MBA

Principal – Transportation & Infrastructure, Business Operations Leader | Stantec

Roxana is the Business Operations Leader overseeing Stantec’s Transportation sector in British Columbia of 200+ staff, primarily responsible for operational excellence and financial performance of transportation and infrastructure sub-sectors, including major projects, ports and marine terminals, project management services, rail and transit, highways, bridges, civil, construction services, survey, community development, traffic engineering and transportation planning. Further in this role, she is passionate and responsible for the growth of the business center’s market position and the team in BC while also engaging in the delivery of major infrastructure projects which exceed client expectations. Most recently, Roxana acted as the Design Manager on the Highway 1 Falls Creek project which was delivered under the Alliance contract model.

SHAHRZAD PEDRAM, P.Eng., LEED® AP

Associate – Senior Building Envelope Specialist | Entuitive

Shahrzad is a building science engineer at Entuitive with over a decade of experience in the engineering consulting industry. Through her career, she has worked on a multitude of projects, including existing building retrofits, iconic towers, and high-performance / low-carbon buildings in all sectors. She is also a past instructor of BCIT’s Masters of Building Science program, where she taught building enclosure fundamentals to the next generation of practitioners with an emphasis on consideration of operational and embodied carbon emissions and the built environment in a changing climate.  Shahrzad is passionate about the advancement of women in engineering and other STEM-related fields. Outside of work, Shahrzad has volunteered with WCE as a past Outreach Committee volunteer and Board Director and continues to be involved with a number of mentorship programs. 

SUZANNE POWELL, Ph.D, PEng.

Principal Engineer | Thurber Engineering

Suzanne Powell, Ph.D, PEng, is a Principal at Thurber Engineering. She joined Thurber as a geotechnical engineer in their Victoria operations after completing her studies at Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario, and hasn’t looked back. Suzanne currently manages the Victoria Branch and has broken down barriers in a typically male-dominated industry, being the first female Branch Manager and Principal at Thurber. Suzanne is also very active in the industry outside her organization. She is Vice-Chair of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies BC and incoming president of the Victoria Civil Heritage Trust. She also sits on the Canadian Foundation for Geotechnique Board. Outside of work and her professional commitments, Suzanne enjoys camping and exploring Vancouver Island with her husband and two children.

TAMSIN SILVESTER, ChPP (UK)

VP Rail & Transit | WSP

Tamsin is the Vice President of WSP’s Rail & Transit team in Western Canada, with over 25 years of experience in technical, professional and engineering management roles.  She is an accomplished and multi-disciplined leader and has been responsible for leading design, technical, financial, and program management for projects with a wide variety of values, forms of contract, nature and scope of work. Starting her career in the UK, Tamsin transferred to WSP Canada in 2016, where she has worked as the Design Manager for the Edmonton Metro NW LRT, the WSP Pursuit Lead for the Broadway Subway Project proposal, Project Manager for Additional Works and Systems Integration for the OnTrack Alliance Union Station Expansion Project in Toronto and she is currently Pursuit Lead for Calgary Green Line LRT, a Progressive Collaborative procurement model.  In these roles, she led collaborative multi-disciplinary teams, liaising and coordinating between many different parties, including internal departments, external consultants, clients, Joint Venture contractors, local municipalities and other stakeholders.

VANESSA WONG, MASc, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., LEED® AP
Associate | RJC
Vanessa is an accomplished engineer, recognized for her ability to provide superior client service while delivering projects that are well coordinated and on time. She is very approachable, knowledgeable and a strong communicator. Professional in her dealings, she is confident in an understated way. A natural leader and mentor, Vanessa supports the growth of the next generation of talented engineers at RJC.
Vanessa has delivered the structural design for a wide range of building types: residential high-rises for private sector developers, institutional developers on mixed-use projects, transit stations, schools, and most recently design-build healthcare projects. Her projects include Lions Gate Hospital Acute Care Facility, Richmond Centre Redevelopment, VERSUS, 720 Robson, Aldynne on the Park and West Beach Parkade.
Vanessa completed her Bachelor of Applied Science and Masters of Applied Science degrees at the University of British Columbia. She is a part of the Canada Green Building Council as a LEED Accredited Professional and a Member of the Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia.