To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2023, we are showcasing women of WSP, who through their daily work, are contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), accelerating the world’s green transition, tackling the climate crisis, and inspiring present and future women in STEM disciplines.
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Grace Roberts
Senior Scientist/Diver
USA

Protecting waterfront communities

Grace has turned her passions for scuba diving, marine science and oceanography into a rewarding career at WSP. Her mission to protect the aquatic environment has taken her to a number of exotic destinations, including Guam, Panama and Miami.

Tips for aspiring scientists: Get involved and take advantage of every mentorship opportunity that comes your way. The women who came before you are eager to provide guidance and advice while paving the way for the scientists of tomorrow.

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Contribution to SDG 11
Sustainable cities and communities

“As an environmental scientist and diver at WSP, I provide information on natural resources, both above and below water, so our waterfront development projects are environmentally self-mitigating.”

Shaping the communities of tomorrow

Noor comes from a long line of engineers so one might say engineering is in her DNA. Her interests in master planning, sustainable mobility, and user experience have led her to a career in Transport & Mobility Planning, where she has the opportunity to lead a dynamic range of projects spanning across all stages of design, construction, and operations. This has had a positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of communities in the Middle East.

Tips for aspiring scientists: STEM education provides you with a strong foundation that develops your critical thinking and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. These are essential skills in all industries, and a STEM degree allows you the flexibility to shift your career in any direction you might want in the future. There is also a misconception that engineers work behind the scenes, when the truth is we spend most of our days interacting and collaborating with colleagues, clients, and creatives from different industries. We are on the cutting edge of innovation and on the front line in fields like technology, medicine, engineering, design, robotics - my advice, speak to as many professionals in the industry as you can, because they will open your eyes to specialties you never knew existed!

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Noor Hajir
Head of Transport Planning & Mobility
Middle-East
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Adèle Jackson
Climate Resilience and ESG Lead
Canada

Supporting clients’ adaptation to climate risks

Adèle is a technology buff with a strong connection to the environment. In her spare time, she explores the great outdoors, taking spectacular photos of landscape and wildlife. Fortunately, she has blended these passions into her role leading climate resilience and ESG at WSP. Through her work, she’s witnessed some amazing things, such as migrating belugas and caribou. But seeing her very first polar bear left a truly lasting impression.

Tips for aspiring scientists: Be bold, resilient, passionate, determined and confident. Don’t ever hesitate to share your ideas or speak up. Don’t let obstacles stand in your way. It is always important to look for support. You don’t have to do it alone. There are many strong women and men who would love to mentor you. Remember we will only get there if we get there together.

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Contribution to SDG 9
Industry, innovation and infrastructure

“Every day, I am proud to contribute to the integration of climate resilience and ESG into our projects, delivering outputs that support our clients in the new normal of adapting to climate risks, social inclusion and equity.”

Ensuring water quality and sanitation

Marie-Noëlle helps water treatment facilities’ owners bring their projects to life─ from the planning through the commissioning stages. She approaches her WSP projects with the same sense of rigour as her adrenaline activities, rock climbing and backcountry skiing, recognizing the key importance of clear and constant communication to avoid dangerous situations. She also draws on her knowledge of occupational health and safety measures to make her more alert to risks while practicing her favourite sports.

Tips for aspiring scientists: Each day presents new learning opportunities. Surround yourself with people you trust and who will help you thrive.

Contribution to SDG 6
Clean water and sanitation

“I focus on the quality of wastewater returned to the environment. The more effective the treatment process, the better the quality of the water returned to the environment.”

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Marie-Noëlle Boisclair
Engineer, Project Manager, Water Treatment
Canada
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Ella Wessén
Lead Advisor, EIA & Permits, Earth and Environment
Sweden

Helping clients find the best solutions to tomorrow’s challenges

Ella’s mission is to work with clients to make the green transition a reality. She ensures that all necessary infrastructure permits are obtained while securing Sweden’s raw material supply in an ecologically sustainable way. She loves working with colleagues and clients to devise technical solutions that make a real difference in mitigating or in the best-case scenario, reversing the negative impacts on our climate.

Tips for aspiring scientists: Be curious and dare to ask questions. Remember that we can achieve more together than we can individually. If you get a mentorship opportunity, take it. Be aware of your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Strive to find collaborators who complement your weaknesses. Always do your best to be kind.

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Contribution to SDG 6
Clean water and sanitation

“I have the privilege of working with an incredibly talented team dedicated to helping clients reduce their ecological footprint. My specific contribution consists of finding ways to protect water quality and prevent biodiversity loss.”

Tackling climate change challenges

Tara’s passion for environmental conservation inspired her to study environment and resources law, leading her to a rewarding career helping communities transition to a more sustainable future. More specifically, Tara helps WSP’s clients navigate complex legislative and policy frameworks to tackle their challenges in climate change and transition to a low-carbon future, particularly with solutions around renewable energy generation and storage.

Tips for aspiring scientists: The challenges we are working on today will evolve significantly over the next 5, 10 or 20 years. Being open to change and new opportunities will allow you to better navigate a world in transformation.

Contribution to SDG 7
Affordable and clean energy

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be able to focus my career on renewable energy while supporting clients through the energy transition. Providing access to clean, cheap energy is critical to reducing long-term climate change impacts in a way that provides a just transition for our communities.”

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Tara Kennedy
National Energy Sector Lead, Earth and Environment
Australia

 

Learn more about Tara

ESG Report: Positive and Bold Change Agents


This year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science theme resonates with us: we have identified ten SDGs that we contribute to in our client work and in our own operations. Examples of projects and initiatives that showcase these contributions are included in WSP’s latest ESG report.

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Committed to a better tomorrow

At WSP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse working environment that reflects the communities in which we work and live. Through our ESG commitments, we are aiming for a 5% year-over-year increase in the representation of women and under-represented groups. We are striving to advance gender equity in science because it sparks innovation, attracts the best talent and is essential for building a better world.

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Global Strategic Action Plan – 2022-2024

As we face a collective turning point in our climate, resources and communities, WSP’s 2022-2024 Global Strategic Action Plan outlines how we will put our ingenuity forward to create an enduring legacy.

Discover our Strategic Plan
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Embracing an inclusive and diverse culture that promotes equity

True to our Guiding Principles, we are humble and act with moral and intellectual integrity, keep our word, treat everyone with respect, support our colleagues, and embrace diversity.

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Help Us Design the Future

Join a collaborative team of experts that thrives on challenge and unconventional thinking. We’re passionate about doing purposeful, sustainable work that helps shape our communities and the future.

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