Our Stories
June 23 marks the 11th annual International Women in Engineering Day. It’s a day to recognize and celebrate the trailblazers, pioneers, and extraordinary women who helped pave the way for the future generations of women in engineering, as well as the current generation of women who continue to carry the torch. This year’s theme is Enhanced by Engineering.
We spoke to some of our women in engineering about their journeys into the profession and how they inspire young girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Sam Bennett, Junior Engineer, Facilities and Maintenance
Type of Engineer: Civil Engineer
Q: Why did you choose engineering?
A: One of my university professors recommended I transfer from B.Sc. because I excelled at physics and math (not so much other sciences)! Prior to that, I had no clue what engineering was.
Q: Why is International Women in Engineering Day important to you?
A: I was lucky enough to have amazing female mentors during my education. It’s great to highlight these women and inspire others with their stories.
Q: How do you inspire young girls to choose a career in STEM?
A: Just by showing up! Other women and I in STEM show up every day to do good work just like anyone else in the field.
Ebbetien Bullard, Engineer, Production
Type of Engineer: Production Engineer
Q: Why did you choose engineering?
A: In 9th grade, I discovered my passion for design and understood that engineering would allow me to merge my creative interests with technology. This avenue to innovate and watch my ideas come to life excited me and led to pursuing a degree in Naval Architectural Engineering.
Q: Why is International Women in Engineering Day important to you?
A: The phrase “See Her, Be Her” reminds us that representation matters and by highlighting underrepresented individuals, we can help instill confidence in the next generation of girls aspiring towards STEM careers in a heavily male dominated industry.
Q: How do you inspire young girls to choose a career in STEM?
A: Since my graduation from high school in The Bahamas, I’ve served as a point of contact for students there who are looking to pursue tertiary education, particularly in STEM. This includes offering guidance on which schools to attend, study visas, scholarship opportunities, etc.
Audrey-Anne St.Denis, Junior Engineer, WOME Safety and Certification
Type of Engineer: Chemical Engineering background with a current focus on Explosive Ordnance Engineering
Q: Why did you choose engineering?
A: I attended a Women in Engineering Event while in high school and was inspired to pursue engineering after seeing how many options I had in the field and all that I could do with engineering. Before finding engineering as an option, I had an interest in chemistry but didn’t know how to turn that into a career path.
Q: Why is International Women in Engineering Day important to you?
A: Women in Engineering Day is important for me because it makes me feel seen and like I am part of something. I don’t get to interact a lot with other women engineers or get that visibility of being a woman in engineering in my workplace, so it is nice to be visible on such a large scale and show that I am here in this field. I find awareness of the engineering field as an option for women is lacking so getting visibility and increasing awareness for me is important.
Q: How do you inspire young girls to choose a career in STEM?
A: During my undergrad at Dalhousie University, I was the chair of our GoEng Girl event for three years. By chairing this event and gaining perspective from the other side of the coin, I was able to inspire girls to be engineers just like I was inspired in high school. I am also currently a Techsploration Mentor.