On this International Women’s Day, we would like to highlight the incredible women and their allies who are shaping the future of consulting engineering at CIMA+. Every day, their talent, creativity and dedication help to push the boundaries of innovation and build a better world.
We asked them to share their background, their sources of inspiration and their advice for future generations. Their testimonials remind us of the importance of diversity and mutual support in our field.
DISCOVER EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT CIMA+
How do the women in your team or sector inspire you?
“The women on my team inspire me through their exceptional leadership, innovative problem-solving skills, and unwavering determination. They have unique perspectives and approaches that bring depth and diversity to our work, leading to more well-rounded and effective outcomes. These women demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, consistently pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes. Their ability to collaborate with grace and empower others while pursuing excellence sets a high standard for all team members and makes a truly positive impact. The women of CIMA+ serve as trailblazers, paving the way for future generations by showing that gender is not a barrier to success. Their strong work ethic and passion for their craft motivate me to strive for greatness and create a more inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.” - Kathleen Farrow, Process and Operations Specialist - Water Infrastructure
“I am inspired by the genuine perspectives that women bring to our teams and discussions. The hard work they exhibit is admirable. It is contagious and elevates the level of quality in our engineering designs.“ — Jeff Hynes, Senior Director - Energy and Resources
“Personally, I feel privileged to have female role models on the team who hold positions that I aspire to. Their success and presence are a source of inspiration and motivation for me, pushing me to be the best I can be to achieve my own professional goals. I am particularly impressed by their ability to juggle their careers and their personal lives, especially as mothers. This encourages me to believe that it is possible to succeed at all levels. The women on my team are role models of determination, balance and success, and I am proud to work with them in this exceptional team.” — Élizabeth Lessard-Giguère, Project Manager - Infrastructure
What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in engineering?
“Don’t hesitate to pursue a career in engineering, even though it has long been a male-dominated field. Engineering offers many opportunities, and the presence of women brings different and enlightening perspectives. Even if stereotypes persist, the place of women is important and necessary in the field of engineering. Look for a workplace where inclusion and parity are emphasized, such as at CIMA+.” — Élizabeth Lessard-Giguère, Project Manager - Infrastructure
“Do it! Start by taking interest in STEM focused classes and let your curiosity guide you! Seek mentors and role models. Connect with female engineering professionals in the field for guidance, mentorship, and inspiration. Role models can help you to navigate challenges and stay motivated. Remember that setbacks are part of the learning process. Stay resilient, persevere through obstacles, and maintain a growth mindset to continuously improve.” - Kathleen Farrow, Process and Operations Specialist - Water Infrastructure
Which project or achievement in your career as an engineer makes you most proud?
“My years of experience have allowed me to discover and develop into the person and the manager that I wanted to become, and I think that this is the achievement of which I am most proud: developing my management skills and succeeding in doing so while following and respecting my core values. Succeeding in becoming a manager who can be both demanding and thorough, while also being attentive and caring.”— Marie-Ève Fecteau, Senior Project Manager - Energy and Resources
“I am most proud when clients come to us with difficult problems because of our reputation, and we can help. Doing emergency forensics work makes you feel like a superhero, flying in to solve the problem! Some recent back-to-back projects with tanks and buildings that the clients did not know how to fix were the most fun!”—Rebecca Pringlemeir, Director - Structural Engineering, Water
What internal initiatives have you supported that contribute to gender equality at CIMA+?
“In the Water Engineering group in Quebec, we value women’s leadership and promote equal opportunities among team members. For us, equity is not a key performance indicator, but rather a fundamental value for the professional development of our people and the success of our organization.” — Felipe Caldeira, Executive Director – Infrastructure, Water Engineering
“I have taken care to encourage the men on my team to set an example and make time to tend to their families. By setting a team culture of caregiving and balance, we no longer talk about it as a woman’s issue but as a staff issue. As each team member needs accommodation at different times in their life, there is balance in the team, so we can cover issues as they arise, from both women and men.” — Rebecca Pringlemeir, Director - Structural Engineering, Water
Putting words into action, day by day
Every day, we invest in the continuous improvement of our activities, recognizing that the evolution towards becoming a fairer, more diverse and more inclusive organization is a never-ending process. To find out more about our commitment in this regard, visit our Equity, diversity and inclusion page.