The Women in APEGA Advisory Group
APEGA created the Women in APEGA Working Group in 2011. This group was then replaced with the Women in APEGA Advisory Group in 2017 to make recommendations to APEGA on increasing the representation of women in the engineering and geoscience professions to 30 per cent by 2030 (known as the 30-by-30 initiative).
Additionally, the Women in APEGA Advisory Group will make recommendations on supporting the engagement and retention of women in engineering and geoscience to ensure the inclusivity and sustainability of the professions.
Advisory Group Members
The Women in APEGA Advisory Group comprises representatives from across the province who work in academia and industry. This dedicated group meets regularly to assess APEGA's diversity initiatives and discuss other organizations' successful strategies.
Recent Initiatives
The valuable recommendations from these subject matter experts have contributed to APEGA by:
- creating and publicizing a formal diversity statement to inspire permit holders and members to champion diversity and inclusion in their workplace:
Encourage a business culture of belonging, inclusion, and diversity for equity within the engineering and geoscience professions.
- developing the 30-by-30 strategic plan and advising on annual operational plans
- advising on strategies and tactics necessary for the successful completion of APEGA’s three-year grant project, funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE)
- developing Managing Transitions: Before, During and After Leave, which is now a national document jointly published and managed by Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada
- integrating diversity best practices in Outreach volunteer recruitment and selection processes (e.g., strive for a 1:1 male-female representation of APEGA members at events)
- advertising and supporting the efforts of external organizations that share our passion and vision for diversity
In addition to the above, APEGA actively participates on Engineers Canada's 30-by-30 Committee, collaborating on strategies and sharing recommendations from an Albertan perspective.
Get Involved
The following suggestions are ways that you can get involved and support APEGA's goal of creating an inclusively sustainable workforce:
- Organize a panel or roundtable discussion on the Managing Transitions guide.
- Read Reaching 30 by 30: Promising Practices for Increasing Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering, a resource guide from Engineers Canada.
- Discuss and share our initiatives on social media—remember to follow APEGA on LinkedIn and Twitter.
- Volunteer for your local APEGA branch or APEGA Outreach.
Resources
APEGA is proud to collaborate with numerous STEM organizations and regulators across the country to encourage inclusion. Check out our list of various diversity and inclusion resources, many developed by Canadian or Albertan organizations.