Inaugural winner of equity, diversity & inclusion award

A WSP diversity leader had been recognized by ACEC British Columbia as the winner of the inaugural Equity, Diversity & Inclusion award.

Chunpreet Sahota, P.Eng, PMP, has been awarded the prestigious honour in recognition of her extraordinary commitment to embedding equity and inclusion in her work culture, volunteer endeavors, and broader community.

The ACEC-BC Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee proposed the new award in 2020, to shine a light on the many ways its members are working to build a more inclusive industry and to recognize the dedication and leadership needed to create change.

Chunpreet was an outstanding choice as the inaugural award recipient, as she has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment to embedding diversity and inclusion in her work at WSP and within the broader engineering sector.

As a founding member of Women in Consulting Engineering, Chunpreet helped build an organization of over 600 members who provide mutual support through mentorship. She helped to build WSP Canada’s Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, championed International Women’s Day awareness and events throughout the organization, and initiated broader D&I training and development events throughout the year. She also launched WSP’s Vancouver Diversity & Inclusion committee and was a founding member of our LGBTQ2+ employee resource group.

“From the moment I met Chunpreet, I knew she was a difference-maker — both at WSP Canada, and in her community,” said Kerri Cartwright, Engagement & Enablement Portfolio Leader, WSP Canada. “Her passion and commitment to creating inclusive spaces for everyone is simply inspirational. Chunpreet has a remarkable way of bringing inclusive awareness to situations, challenging and holding others accountable, and is doing more than her part in bringing our diversity and inclusion strategy to life.”

“I’m thrilled to be recognized by ACEC-BC,” said Chunpreet. “The presence of the award shows that the industry is taking a serious position on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and that individuals and companies in our industry are taking steps to ensure people feel safe. This is a validation for the industry, and we also need to recognize that there is so much more work to be done. I’m thankful for the support of WSP and my fellow employees that see the need for action and change.”