(MCWESTT 2017 Partners)

Join us on May 5th, 2017 at the Fort Garry Hotel for MCWESTT 2017: a local, one-day conference dedicated to connecting women in engineering, science, trades, and technology, and empowering them to Create, Foster, and Lead.

Our Master of Ceremonies for the day will be Winnipeg based comedian Dana Smith, who runs the successful Women's Open Mic show at Jekyll & Hyde's and is a member of the sketch group H.U.N.K.S. (5 STARS – Winnipeg Free Press).

MCWESTT 2017 is proud to feature the following keynote speakers:

• Susan Auch, three-time Olympic medalist from Winnipeg, MB
• Shari Graydon, award-winning author, advocate, and speaker
• Sarah Neville, communication expert and acclaimed speaker

For the first time ever, MCWESTT 2017 is offering a full day pre-conference workshop on Thursday, May 4th, 2017! The WinSETT Effective Communication workshop will be facilitated by Edna Dach with guest speakers Trish Jordan and Dawn Nedohin-Macek. Thanks to the generous partnership of the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering - Prairies, this workshop is available at a significantly discounted rate of only $75, exclusively for our conference participants. Be sure to register early as the workshop is limited to only 30 participants.

Want to stay up-to-date on all MCWESTT 2017 announcements, including speaker bios, pre-conference workshop details, and all conference promotions? Connect with us! on facebook, twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn

(2013 conference photos, courtesy of www.shaniphoto.ca)

MCWESTT 2017 is a full day conference featuring:

• Keynote speakers
• Armchair Chat with some of Winnipeg's leaders
• Your choice of two out of 10 breakout sessions*
• Ample networking opportunities
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks (see the menu)

*We've been listening to your feedback! We've extended the length of the breakout sessions and increased the networking time throughout the day!

In addition, we are offering an all-day pre-conference workshop on Effective Communication on Thursday, May 4th, 2017. Registration will commence at 8:00 AM, and the workshop will run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Hot and cold beverages, snacks, and lunch will be provided.

Everyone is welcome at MCWESTT 2017! If you work in engineering, science, trades, or technology, or you know/work with/live with someone who does, then this conference is for you. The conference is open to participants of all ages, genders, and professions, including:

• Public and private sector
• Human resources
• Academia, including students (check out our student discount)
• Entrepreneurs

Join us at MCWESTT 2017 if you want to:

• Engage in high quality personal and professional development
• Create & Foster connections with your peers and leaders in your field
• Lead your career and your life

Parking Map and Directions to the Fort Garry Hotel Grand Ballroom

About MCWESTT

The Manitoba Community for Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (MCWESTT) is a group of women from Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology who saw a need in the community for professional development, support, and celebration. MCWESTT is not an independent professional organization, but a group of women that specifically come together to plan these informative and inspirational conferences.

Encourage. Enhance. Empower.

Our first conference, held in 2013, focused on the momentum that women have gained in technical professions and the unique contributions that women make. The program provided numerous opportunities for development, with topics ranging from leadership to negotiation skills.

Engage. Empower. Recognize.

In 2015, we held our second conference, this time centered on the dimensions of women in technical professions. Unique and dynamic breakout sessions and panel discussions included Managing Leaves and Transitions and When She Brings Home the Job Status.

Create. Foster. Lead.

This year, we are excited to prepare for the third MCWESTT conference! Through professional development, effective communication, and a wealth of inspirational speakers, this conference will be dedicated to connecting women in engineering, science, trades, and technology.

A Letter from the Organizers

Welcome to the third biennial conference of the Manitoba Community for Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology! It is our hope that this conference will be a special opportunity for you to be inspired by keynote speakers, participate in professional development workshops, and network with professionals from a variety of industries across Manitoba.

We are working hard to present a conference with talented speakers and exceptional content dedicated to empowering and connecting Manitoban women in these technical professions. We hope you join us in our mission to Create, Foster, and Lead connections between women in engineering, science, trades, and technology!

Sincerely,

The Conference Committee

Chair
Andrea Watts, P.Eng.

Project Manager
Shawna Kjartanson, M.Sc., EP, P.Bio.

Sponsorship
Jaye McEwen, P.Eng.
Elle Nadeau, P.Eng., SCMP
Tammy Harper, M.Ed., B.A., LEED AP
Avery Simundsson, E.I.T.
Aura Diaz, M.Sc Candidate, GIT-B.Sc.Geo.Sc.Hon, Bs.Geo.Eng.
Brea Williams, P.Eng., Ph.D., LEED AP BD+C

Program
Heather Smart, M.Sc., P.Eng.
Irene Davies, E.I.T.
Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng., MBA, PMP
Samira Ahmadi, Ph.D. Candidate
Cornelia Andreea Badila, M.Sc.

Marketing, Promotions & Social Media
Dafne Orbach
Beata Gorczyca, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Brea Williams, P.Eng., Ph.D., LEED AP BD+C
Ali Campbell, M.Sc., E.I.T.
Erin Cooke, P.Eng., PMP
Steven Young, E.I.T.
Danielle Leslie, Civil Designer

Facilities & Logistics
Lena Yusim, B.Sc.
Nancy Santoya, P.Eng.

Pre-Conference Workshop
Annemieke Farenhorst, Ph.D., P.Ag.

Registration & Website
Samantha Symons, E.I.T.
Danielle Leslie, Civil Designer

May 5, 2017 at The Fort Garry Hotel

Speaker Bios:

---

Dana Smith
Local Comedian

MCWESTT 2017 Master of Ceremonies

Dana Smith is a Winnipeg comedian who regularly performs stand-up and sketch comedy across North America. She runs the very successful Women's Open Mic Comedy show at Wee Johnny's Irish Pub on the first Friday of every month. This show has been regularly featured in CBC's 'Top 5 things to do in Winnipeg'. This show has also sparked a vibrant community of women stand-up comedians.

Dana has been featured in the Just For Laughs (Vancouver) Comedy Festival, ODDBLOCK Comedy Festival, and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival. She will be opening for comedian Mark Forward this June and recently opened for Iliza Shlezinger in the Regent Casino Event Center.

In the past year, Dana and her sketch group H.U.N.K.S. have performed in Montreal, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Edmonton and sold out shows in Vancouver and Toronto. Last year their Winnipeg Fringe show garnered a 5 STAR review from the Winnipeg Free Press and a 4 STAR review from the CBC.

---

Susan Auch
CEO of Speed Skating Canada
5-time Canadian Olympian

Keynote: Succeeding as a Woman in Sport

Susan Auch, CEO of Speed Skating Canada, is also a 5-time Canadian Olympic speed skater. She won a bronze medal with the 3000m relay team in 1998. In 1994 Susan fulfilled a dream by winning a silver medal in the women's 500m long track event and was recognized as Canada Female Athlete of the year for 1995. In 1998, after recovering from major knee surgery, Susan made Canadian history by winning her second consecutive Olympic silver medal in women's speed skating. In 2010 Susan was recognized for her accomplishments in sport by being inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and in 2015 was inducted to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. [more]

---

Sarah Neville
Open Line Communications

Keynote: "Power Up: Leadership Presence for Women"

If you are a woman who would like to be seen and heard at work, a woman who is ready to crack the glass ceiling, a woman who is striving to be both authoritative and authentic, then this session is for you.

Stepping into leadership as a woman means becoming truly visible in the workplace. Women have been told to "be more assertive," "lean in," and "live your personal brand," but what does this all mean? How can you step into the spotlight, and be seen - and heard - as a female leader?

In this keynote talk, Sarah Neville will examine gender differences in communication and leadership style - and how these differences often result in unconscious bias towards women in the workplace. We'll challenge the notion of a "confidence gap" for women, and uncover more useful ways to manage self-doubt and build resilience. In highlighting the elements of leadership 'presence', we'll explore how women can uniquely leverage their natural strengths to wield serious clout.

Session: Power Up Workshop Session

In this session, Sarah Neville will go deeper into the concepts introduced in the keynote, and offer a chance to put the ideas introduced into action through practice. We'll look at the importance of clear messaging and powerful non-verbal delivery in expressing leadership presence.

We'll spark ideas for you to convey dignity and composure every time you communicate - in-person, on the phone or giving a presentation.

[more]

---

Shari Graydon
Informed Opinions

Afternoon Keynote - OMG! What if I really AM the best person?

What if we lived in a world where diverse women were supported in sharing their unique insights and formidable talents at every opportunity? We're not there yet, but the best way to overcome unconscious bias is to challenge it with visible demonstrations of competence - and, if possible, a bit of humour. This story-rich keynote shares research-supported context for what's at stake, and offers concrete tools for how women can amplify their voices, while increasing the role models for others. [more]

---

Dana Smith
Local Comedian

Armchair Discussion - Featuring Guests from Industry, Academia, Non-Profit, and Political sectors

In the spirit of this year's conference theme, Create, Foster, Lead, the armchair discussion will feature four distinguished guests who have successfully navigated careers in non-traditional roles.

Conference MC, Dana Smith will interview Beth Bell, Margo Shaw, Rochelle Squires, and Karin Wittenberg about their experiences as representatives of industry, non-profit, politics, and academia. They will share their perspectives on challenges, successes, changes they’ve seen and goals for change we are seeking in STEM careers. [more]

Beth Bell
Vice President, Partner & Canadian Public Sector Lead
IBM Global Business Services

Margo Shaw, B.Sc., M.Sc.

Rochelle Squires
MLA for Riel
Minister of the Department of Sport, Culture & Heritage
Minister for Francophone Affairs & Status of Women

Karin Wittenberg
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture & Food Sciences
University of Manitoba

---

Robert Ferguson, P.Eng.
Team Builder
The Focused Manager

Leading in a Technical Environment

What does it take to be a Technical Team Leader? How much technical knowledge is required? And how do you motivate technical staff? Leading technical teams comes with some unique challenges. Leaders strive to find the right balance between operational needs, team needs and issues of subject matter expertise. In this session, Robert will explore the role of the Technical Team Leader and engage discussion on some of the larger challenges and paradoxes that leaders of technical teams face. [more]

---

Irene Davies, EIT
Environmental Intern
AECOM

Creating Meaningful Relationships: The Importance of Mentorship for Young Women

Receiving mentorship is extremely valuable for any student or young professional looking to develop or advance in their career. There are many different types of mentor relationships that we develop throughout our careers. You may be assigned a mentor or mentee in your workplace or perhaps you have sought one out. Maybe you are looking for your first job and are in need of some guidance on where to begin. Regardless of your situation, having a mentor is helpful at any stage in your career. This workshop will focus on ways to find and approach a mentor (or mentee!) and how to make the most of your relationship. [more]

---

Dana Connolly
Indigenous Community Projects and Initiatives Coordinator
City of Winnipeg

An Introduction to the 7 Sacred Laws/Teachings

This interactive presentation will provide an introduction to the traditional concepts of the 7 Sacred Laws/Teachings that form the foundation of Indigenous ways of being. The 7 sacred teachings are represented by animals, each animal offers a special virtue that teaches us our connection to the land, ourselves and our communities. Participants will explore the relationship between the teachings and Indigenous culture, traditions, and identity. [more]

---

Brianna Caza, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Asper School of Business,
University of Manitoba


M. Teresa Cardador, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Labor and Employment Relations
University of Illinois

Staying In, Moving Up, and Feeling Fulfilled: Resilience Strategies for Women in Science and Engineering

Everybody faces stressors in their work. But, women in engineering, science, trades, and technology fields face stressors not only due to the challenging work itself, but also due to the explicit and implicit identity challenges they face in the work environment. As a result, women in these occupations often face alarming rates of burnout.

Our goal in this interactive session is to present research on common stressors women face in science fields, and discuss strategies that can be employed to increase resilience. Resilient women professionals face the same stressors and adversities as do their non-resilient colleagues, but they are able to regain their equilibrium faster, maintain a higher standard of quality work, and sustain a higher level of well-being. This session will focus on identity-based strategies that will help women build psychological and social resources they need to demonstrate resilience at work. [more]

---

Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng., MBA, PMP
Panel Moderator
Engineer-in-Residence
Faculty of Engineering
University of Manitoba

Panel Discussion - IEEQ: Facilitating Professional Registration for Newcomers

Immigrating to a new country can be difficult. In addition to cultural differences, many people with strong technical backgrounds in their home country struggle to have their education and credentials recognized in Canada. The Internationally Educated Engineering Qualification (IEEQ) Program is a pathway for engineers educated outside of Canada to meet partial licensing requirements for professional engineering practice in Manitoba.

In this panel discussion, you'll learn about the program and meet three engineers who have either been through, or are currently enrolled in, the IEEQ program. They'll give insight into the challenges they faced and the connections they made in the program that have made them leaders in their profession. [more]

Ethel Fernandez, P.Eng.
Quality Systems Engineer

Sukhdeep Burmi, P.Eng.
Transmission Line Engineer
Manitoba Hydro

Kathleen Clarke, B.Ed.
Communications Instructor
Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Program (IEEQ)

Nuno Mendonca
IEEQ Student

---

Indra Kalinovich, PhD, C.Chem, EIT
Associate
Dillon Consulting

Unconscious Bias in the Workplace

There's been a lot of discussion on unconscious bias in the workplace and how, when left unchecked, it can negatively impact an organization's performance. So, what exactly is unconscious bias? How do our good intentions lead to these seemingly bad outcomes? These biases are unconscious, and being aware that they exist (in yourself, in your workplace) is the first step. In this session, we'll discuss methods for identifying biases and what that means for the workplace, followed by an interactive discussion on effective workplace policies and practices that have been proven to interrupt bias in the workplace. [more]

---

Monika Feist
CEO
Success Skills Centre

Success Skills International Resource Centre

Monika Feist is CEO of Success Skills Centre - a not-for-profit organization recognized as a centre of excellence for helping internationally trained professionals and skilled workers to enter the mainstream of the Canadian workplace, in their specific occupational sector and receive their accreditation. She is the recipient of both "The Citation for Citizenship" and several Long Service awards by the federal Minister of Immigration and Citizenship. [more]

---

Christine Paquette
President
Bridge Dynamics

Fostering Connections through Presence

Are you connecting with the right people and the right way? Are you being recognized for your great work and accomplishments? Are you being overlooked for promotions? Are you making great connections at events and successful with networking?

Through an integrated and dynamic approach, learn how specific elements of presence are key to building rapport. By combining your outer presence (e.g. actions, body language) and your inner presence (e.g. intention, strengths, inner well-being), you will discover your template to develop your Ideal Presence. [more]

---

Ellowyn Nadeau, P.Eng., SCMP
Panel Moderator
Instructor
Red River College

Panel Discussion - Attraction and Retention: Current Initiatives in Manitoba

Ever wonder what programs are out there that helps attract girls to non-traditional careers? Ever wonder what supports are in place to help retain women in non-traditional careers? We bring together four members of the "ESTT" sector that will speak to both.

All panelists play several roles in their chosen sectors and we will hear from each about the programs/initiatives they are currently operating. We discuss opportunities and challenges they have faced in making their programs operational. As well, we explore what initiatives they believe are needed in the industry now and in the near future.

After hearing from all panelists, we want to know what you think! Have you heard of/seen an initiative elsewhere that you wish was available in Manitoba? Do you have thoughts/ideas for industry/College/University that should be communicated and explored? What do you want to see available for YOUR daughter? This is your opportunity. [more]

Teri Urban, CSC G.S.C, CRM
Parkwest Projects Ltd.

Shylyte Bloodworth, RSE
Instructor
Red River College

Derek Kochenash, M.Ed., RSE
Chair of Electrical, Mathematics and Sciences
Red River College

Kathryn Atamanchuk, P.Eng., MBA, PMP
Engineer-in-Residence
Faculty of Engineering
University of Manitoba

For the first time ever, MCWESTT 2017 is offering a full day pre-conference workshop!

The WinSETT Effective Communication workshop will be facilitated by Edna Dach with guest speakers Trish Jordan and Dawn Nedohin-Macek, P.Eng., FEC. Thanks to the generous partnership of the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering - Prairies, this workshop is available at a significantly discounted rate of only $75, exclusively for our conference participants.

The pre-conference workshop is sold out!

This workshop will enable participants to discover and tailor their own communication style and strengths to more effectively convey their ideas and solutions, exchange information and gain recognition.

Communicating effectively in the workplace is an essential competency in exchanging information with clarity, understanding and strengthening relationships, promoting your ideas and solutions, and advancing your career success.

This workshop is specifically designed for women in the early to midpoint of their science or engineering careers. It focuses on improving workplace communication skills through experience-based learning.

Designed for up to 30 participants and led by professional facilitators, you will:

• Become aware of different styles of communication
• Assess your own communication style, strengths and challenges
• Learn from the research on gender factors affecting communication
• Formulate and practice strategic self-promotion
• Build skills through guided role-play exercises and practice in a supportive environment
• Benefit from the strategies and tips from female leaders in the sector and from other participants

• Why This Workshop?
• Communication Challenges for Women Leaders in SETT
• Understanding the Elements of Communication
• Communication Styles
• Lunch and Guest Presentation
• Practicing Self-Promotion
• Working on your Communication Challenges
• Conclusion & Evaluation

---

Trish Jordan
Public & Industry Affairs Director
Monsanto Canada

Workshop - Lunchtime Keynote

Our lunchtime keynote, Trish Jordan is passionate about agriculture, farmers and enhancing agricultural awareness with the non-farming public. In her current role as Public and Industrial Affairs Director with Monsanto she sits on Monsanto's Canadian Leadership Team and is responsible for media relations, issues management and providing strategic communications support to core business activities. [more]

---

Dawn Nedohin-Macek, P.Eng., FEC
Project Portfolio Engineer
Manitoba Hydro

Workshop - Afternoon Guest Speaker

Dawn Nedohin-Macek has been with Manitoba Hydro since completing her engineering degree 15 years ago. After being hired as an Engineer In Training, Dawn moved around the corporation throughout different areas with different roles. Dawn is now in the Telecommunications Department as a Project Portfolio Engineer, leading the Planning, Projects and Drafting group. [more]

---

Want to stay up-to-date on all MCWESTT 2017 announcements, including speaker bios, pre-conference workshop details, and all conference promotions? Connect with us! On facebook, twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

This workshop module is offered by the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre) and was developed with the generous support of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.

The Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology is an action-oriented, non-profit organization that aspires to recruit, retain and advance women in science, engineering, trades and technology. www.winsett.ca, womeninsett@gmail.com

May 5, 2017 at the Fort Garry Hotel

(Earlybird Deadline: Tuesday, March 21st) (Student costs offset by sponsorship) (GST will be added)

The last day to register is Monday, May 1, 2017.

The pre-conference workshop is sold out!

Provide your social media handles (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) during registration and we can connect with you.

Want to win a valet parking spot on the day of the conference?
Ask a colleague or a friend to register for MCWESTT 2017 and have them mention your name in the "Special Notes" field during online registration. Once registration closes, we'll pick a winner on May 4th.

For more Contest details, click here!

• Changes and cancellations must be made by May 1, 2017.
• Cancellations will be subject to a $25 processing fee.
• Refunds or credits will not be given for failure to attend, late arrival, etc.
• Substitutions may be made in advance by May 1, 2017. After this date substitutions will be made onsite at the Fort Garry Hotel with a letter from the original registrant.

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Please see the links below for details:

• Sponsor Form
• Sponsor Recognition

Conference Partner,
Workshop Host & Bag Sponsor

Conference Partner

Break Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Post Conference Cocktails

If you have questions about the conference or you are interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer,
please contact: