Pathways to Leadership: Insights from Diverse Voices in Engineering

Interested in growing as a leader in engineering? Discover how diverse perspectives shape stronger leadership and drive innovation in our profession!

Join us on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Markham for "Pathways to Leadership: Insights from Diverse Voices In Engineering!", where industry leaders will share how diversity and inclusion have shaped their career journeys and leadership styles. This engaging panel will bring together accomplished industry leaders who will share their leadership journeys, lessons learned, and perspectives on how diversity strengthens teams and decision-making. Be part of the conversation and discover how diverse voices can help shape your path to success. 

Registration: https://PathwaysToLeadership.eventbrite.ca (Meal & Refreshment Included)

*BONUS: All attendees will be entered into a live draw for a chance to win free tickets to upcoming PEO York Chapter events. 

During this interactive evening, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn practical leadership insights from experienced industry leaders
• Hear real stories of career growth and challenges in engineering leadership
• Connect and network with fellow engineers and professionals in York Region

Seats are limited-reserve your spot today and join the conversation shaping the future of inclusive leadership in engineering.

Agenda:

6:25 - 6:35 pm   Registration & Introduction

6:35 - 7:35 pm   Panel Discussion

7:35 - 8:00 pm   Audience Q & A Session

8:00 - 8:30 pm   Professional Networking & Refreshments

Panelists Profile:

Marisa Sterling, P.Eng.

Director, Engineers Canada
101st President, Professional Engineers Ontario

Marisa Sterling is a distinguished engineer and academic administrator with over 30 years of experience across the private and public sectors. She was elected the 101st President of Professional Engineers Ontario and currently serves as a Director on the Board of Engineers Canada. She has served as Assistant Dean of Diversity, Inclusion and Professionalism at both the University of Toronto's and York University's engineering faculties. Her strategic and operational leadership has positively impacted students, engineers, and the public. During her eight-year presidency of the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education, she supported over 1,000 students. Between 2009-2023, she advanced EIT leadership development through the creation of PEO's G. Gordon M. Sterling Engineering Intern Award and has championed the Engineering Change Lab to help transform the profession to better serve Canadians. A chemical engineer and recipient of Engineers Canada's Meritorious Service Award for Community Service, Marisa continues to serve as a Warden of Camp 1, supporting the next generation of professional engineers.

Liza Sheppard, P.Eng., PMP

Vice President, Project Implementation
York Region Rapid Transit Corporation (YRRTC)

Liza Sheppard leads the delivery of major, complex rapid transit infrastructure projects under Design-Build and AFP/P3 models at York Region Rapid Transit Corporation. With over 25 years of experience in transportation engineering and construction, she has successfully led large, multidisciplinary teams delivering transformative transit initiatives across York Region. A University of Toronto Civil Engineering graduate and certified PMP, Liza is recognized for her strategic leadership, collaborative contract expertise, and commitment to advancing sustainable, high-performing infrastructure.

Fay Marzuq, P.Eng.

Fay Marzuq is a civil engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in construction and infrastructure delivery. After immigrating to Canada as a teenager, she earned her Civil Engineering degree from the University of Toronto and began her career in field operations, where she often found herself the only woman on site at a time when women represented less than 5% of her graduating class. Through perseverance and integrity, she built a strong professional foundation and advanced into senior leadership roles. Today, Fay serves as a Project Manager and Engineering Manager leading a team of nine on complex, high-profile projects across Canada, including nuclear sector work that achieved CSA certification. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership, technical excellence, and dedication to mentoring emerging engineers.

 Susan Peters, EIT

Susan Peters is a biomedical engineering professional with over three years of experience in software and systems development for medical technologies. Her work focuses on translating complex technical concepts into functional, real-world solutions that enhance patient care and accessibility. She currently serves as a Product Lead and Systems Engineering Professional at Flutter Care, contributing to the development of a wearable fetal health monitoring device designed to support individuals throughout their pregnancy journey. Previously, she worked as a Biomedical Software and Systems Lead at Myant, supporting medical-electrical systems for remote patient monitoring and wearable health technologies. Susan applies her background in biomedical engineering and human-centered design to advance innovation in underrepresented healthcare spaces. She is currently pursuing a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo as she continues her path toward professional licensure. 

Oliver Xiao, P.Eng., LEED GA
Eastern Canada Technical Sales Manager, CEMATRIX Canada Inc.

Oliver is a licensed civil engineer in Ontario. He has extensive experience in R&D, construction materials and technologies, standards and specifications, industry association and infrastructure projects across Eastern Canada. While working for the industry association, Oliver managed the Ontario ready-mix production facilities quality assurance program and supported municipalities with construction best practices across the province. He is currently also a board member of the ACI Ontario Chapter and sits on various technical committees at TAC and ACI.

Oliver is actively involved with multiple professional associations. He is the current Chair of PEO York Chapter and a board member of the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education. He was also the chair of the OSPE Infrastructure Task Force and mentor with OSPE Mentorship Program.

Moderator Profile:

Marcia Lim, P.Eng.

Marcia Lim is an experienced Principal Environmental Engineer/Team Lead with a demonstrated history in Environmental consulting. Proven client, program and project manager with focus on servicing government infrastructure clients with phased environmental site assessments, excess soil management and remediation programs. A leader and mentor. Resourceful, self-motivated, and resilient. Active advocate for the engineering profession and volunteer with PEO York Chapter, currently as chair and formerly as vice chair and as diversity and inclusion/women-in-engineering director.

Regards,

Azadeh Danesh, Ph.D., P.Eng., PMP, LSDDBB

Director, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

PEO York Chapter

*By registering and attending In-Person PEO York Chapter events, attendees acknowledge the voluntary compliance of all host venue safety policies and local Public Health Requirements. Your participation is voluntary, PEO and PEO York Chapter decline any responsibilities and liabilities to event participants. Attendees also acknowledge and give PEO York Chapter full consent to use, reproduce and publish photos taken during the event.

*Each licence holder should determine whether an event is relevant to their practice. Only practice relevant activities are appropriate for PEAK continuing knowledge hours. Please consult PEAK program requirements on PEO website for more details.