How culture and community are shaping careers across the engineering industry
In recognition of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), Allnorth brought together engineers to discuss mentorship, allyship, and the role of women in engineering careers today.
The session, featured in the video below, brings together:
- Cindy Luffer, P.Eng., | Project Engineer
- Chazel Solamo, P.Eng., RPF | Civil Engineer
- Yiran Liu, E.I.T., M.Sc. | Civil Engineer in Training
Each shares their experience navigating the engineering profession and the people and communities that have shaped their careers.
Across each perspective, one idea is consistent. Engineering is not only built on technical skills; but also shaped by the people, teams, and communities that support each other, share knowledge, and create space for growth.
Watch the full conversation below to hear directly from engineers at various stages of their careers.
Women in Engineering, Progress and Opportunity
While the number of women entering engineering has grown, representation across the profession is still relatively low.
In Canada, women make up about 25 percent of undergraduate engineering students nationally, up from roughly 18 percent a decade ago, showing steady growth in the pipeline.
However, that representation does not fully carry through to the workforce. Women account for only about 15 percent of practicing engineers in Canada.
These numbers show progress in entry but highlight a gap in long term retention.
As Cindy Luffer reflected, "When I first entered, there were very few women in engineering, and there were very limited opportunities to connect with other women."
Today, that landscape has evolved, with stronger communities, increased visibility, and more open dialogue across the industry.
Mentorship In Engineering Shapes Careers
Engineering is a technical discipline, but the path through it is rarely linear. Mentorship plays a key role in helping individuals build confidence and navigate their careers.
For Yiran Liu, that support was foundational, "Mentorship has made a huge difference for me in my career."
Mentorship happens through everyday collaboration. It is built through relationships, shared experiences, and access to people who are willing to support others as they develop.
As Chazel Solamo explained, "It is important to have a mentor at every stage, someone who can advocate for you when you are not in the room and challenge how you think."
Communities like Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE) play a significant role in strengthening that access. They create space for connection, mentorship, and shared learning across different career stages.
Why Allyship Matters in Engineering Teams
Mentorship supports individual growth. Allyship shapes how teams run.
Engineering teams are collaborative and often involve multiple disciplines. Creating an inclusive environment depends on everyone's participation.
Chazel Solamo emphasized, “Creating a more inclusive workplace is not just the responsibility of women. It is something we all must contribute to."
That support is not theoretical. It shows up in day-to-day interactions.
"I have been fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, and leaders who supported me. Their support played a significant role in my growth and development," she added.
From an early career perspective, that environment is equally important. Building confidence often comes from being encouraged to speak up, ask questions, and engage in discussions that shape technical work and professional growth.
When this is in place, it strengthens team dynamics and builds a sense of community where people can stay and grow in the profession.
Support and Belonging in Engineering
Workplace culture also shapes whether individuals feel confident contributing over the long term.
Cindy Luffer shared, “It is not just about numbers. It is about visibility, belonging, and different kinds of voices."
That sense of belonging reflects a broader shift. As visibility increases and more perspectives are represented, stronger communities are formed within teams and across the industry.
Advice for Building a Career in Engineering
The session concluded with reflections that highlight what matters for those entering or developing their careers.
Cindy Luffer explained that engineering opens doors and opportunities, “You can have a family, take time off, and come back into the engineering world. There are opportunities."
Chazel Solamo emphasized that confidence grows with time, "You do not need to know everything on day one. You just need to be willing to learn because confidence comes from experience.”
Yiran Liu shared her experience of trusting herself, "It is okay to not have everything figured out. Engineering is broad and diverse, and you can take your time, explore different paths, and trust yourself."
A Culture and Community that Continues to Evolve
International Women in Engineering Day highlights progress across the industry, but it also reinforces what continues to matter.
Mentorship creates pathways.
Allyship strengthens teams.
Support sustains careers.
Community connects it all.
These elements shape how people experience the engineering industry and how the profession continues to evolve.
Allnorth supports environments where people can grow, contribute, and build meaningful careers in engineering.
To learn more, visit our About Us page.
