ETHICAL LEARNING
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
Decolonizing Engineering
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
This presentation will discuss the historic and contemporary role engineering has played in Indigenous communities and how we as engineers can move forward in a spirit of reconciliation. We will talk about what exactly is meant by decolonization and why we need to address this issue. In order to better understand this role we will look at some contemporary engineering issues in Indigenous communities and review some traditional Indigenous design. We will also talk about UNDRIP and how that might affect engineering projects in the future.
Speakers
Randy Herrmann, P.Eng. (Manitoba)
Randy is the Director of the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP) at the University of Manitoba. ENGAP is a support program designed to assist First Nation, Metis and Inuit students seeking an engineering degree. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geological Engineering. For ten years he worked as a geotechnical engineer and a project manager before taking on his current role. He is a Fellow of Engineers Canada, and a member of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. He is also a member of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
Practices for Inclusive Workplaces
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
The professions of engineering and geoscience are integral to nearly every field of human endeavor. As the regulator of these professions, Engineers and Geoscientists BC has committed to a vision of modern regulation for a resilient world. Integral to achieving this vision is a commitment to social responsibility, recognizing we have the responsibility to make a positive impact on the world by advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Central to this, is the development of initiatives and resources that equip registrants with understanding and tools needed to build inclusive workplaces. Participants will learn about various initiatives and resources that Engineers and Geoscientists BC has developed to support individuals and firms in building inclusive environments, including a guide on inclusive practices, continuing education resources, and more. Participants will also learn about other relevant resources, guidelines, and data reports from Engineers Canada and other partner organizations. During this session participants will also have opportunity to develop their own EDI action plan based on the resources and ideas shared within the workshop, identifying practices and resources that will equip them with the understanding and tools they need to make a positive impact in their workplace.
Speakers
Marcie Cochrane, P.Eng.
Marcie Cochrane, P.Eng., MBA (She/Her), EDI Specialist, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, is an engineering sector leader recognized for her expertise and experience in project management and delivery, diversity and inclusion research, strategic planning, and leadership. Her MBA research, which examined retention of women in engineering in British Columbia, combined with her experience working in engineering for over 15 years, provides a strong foundation and unique lens for her EDI work within engineering. Marcie obtained her Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Victoria, and Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University.
Mark Rigolo, P.Eng.
Mark Rigolo is the Director, Programs and Professional Development at Engineers and Geoscientists BC, the provincial regulator for the professions of engineering and geoscience. Mark is a professional engineer with over thirty years of experience in various roles in industry, academia and in the regulatory environment. Mark has held several roles at Engineers and Geoscientists BC in both the regulatory division and the operational division. Part of Mark’s team is responsible for the EDI program at Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Mark has help guide the EDI program from an initial focus on the gender gap in the engineering profession to a broader effort addressing broader EDI issues as well as supporting the efforts on Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and what reconciliation means for engineering and geoscience professionals working in British Columbia.