We hosted an engaging evening with some of the Lower Mainland’s key infrastructure owners. Featuring representatives from the City of Vancouver, City of New Westminster, BC Hydro, and TransLink, the event offered valuable insights into past projects, client priorities, and a look ahead at the future of infrastructure in the Lower Mainland.
Each organization delivered a short presentation covering topics such as:
- Ongoing or upcoming projects
- Key initiatives and areas of focus
- Perspectives on the future of infrastructure
Following the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to network with representatives from each organization.
The goal of the event was to empower women in consulting engineering with current industry insights and to support the development of strong professional networks. The event was ideal for consultants at all career stages interested in learning how large infrastructure owners plan projects and work with consulting teams.
When: Wednesday, February 11th
- 5:30 PM – Registration
- 6:00–7:00 PM – Presentations
- 7:00–9:00 PM – Networking
Where: The Loft at Earls Yaletown – 1095 Mainland St (2nd Floor), Vancouver
Transportation: Walking distance from Yaletown–Roundhouse Station (Canada Line). Accessible by bus. Paid parking is available nearby.
Cost: $15 (includes appetizers and drink tickets)
Event Sponsored by AE and Binnie.
Presenters
City of Vancouver, Project Manager – Design and Construction for Municipal Assets
Fatima Ansari is a professional engineer and a project management professional. She holds an undergraduate degree from the joint UBC/UNBC Environmental Engineering program. She has 9 years of experience working with various local governments, including the City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. She currently works at the City of Vancouver, delivering capital projects ranging from $10M to $50M.
City of New Westminster, Transportation Engineer
Lacey is passionate about helping Canadians choose safe and sustainable transportation for their day-to-day trips. Working in active transportation since 2009, Lacey has developed transportation plans, designed protected bicycle lanes, and supported traffic safety initiatives. She supports the City of New Westminster’s passenger ferry service, the Q to Q Ferry, and the build-out of the Active Transportation Network.
City of New Westminster, Deputy Director of Climate Action
Leya is a professional engineer and leader in climate action. With over 20 years in clean tech, industrial energy management, energy utility consulting and local government, she has worked to advance clean energy solutions that center equity and impact. As Deputy Director of Climate Action at the City of New Westminster, Leya develops and integrates local government climate policy with utility operations and designs demand-side management and electrification initiatives. Guided by a deep commitment to climate justice, she believes people are at the heart of every decision and works to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
BC Hydro, Director of Engineering Services
Shari is the Director of Engineering Services at BC Hydro and leads a team of over 300 employees and contractors who provide Estimating, Quality, Geomatics, Survey, CADD, and Stations Maintenance services across the province. Shari’s entire professional career, spanning over 25 years, has been in non-traditional industrial environments, including mining, consulting, aviation, construction, and utility operations, often as the ‘only’ and ‘first’ female in the roles she’s held.
She is a passionate, enthusiastic leader who brings extraordinary clarity, speed, courage, and compassion to create strategic insight, decisive execution, and deep loyalty, accelerating the people and work around her. She leads with integrity, courage, and a values-based approach, and creates a safe, supportive environment where teams feel valued. Shari holds a Master’s degree in both Engineering and Business Administration and is a registered Professional Engineer.
Beyond work, Shari is an avid dressage rider and competitor, alpine skier, and road and gravel biker.
TransLink, Vice President of Engineering
Shezana is a proven transportation leader with over 15 years of industry experience who leads the Engineering Division at TransLink with over 150 staff and oversees a $3 billion annual capital portfolio. Shezana was responsible for the implementation of TransLink’s multimodal mandate on cycling, walking, roads, bridges and goods movement initiatives and oversees the delivery teams of over 150 projects. Her areas of focus in transportation include transit facility design, infrastructure planning, and design and program management. Shezana’s inclusive and positive approach has helped establish strong relationships with TransLink’s stakeholders and partners, supporting her commitment to delivering transportation excellence in this region.
Women in Consulting Engineering Vancouver 