This doctoral research examines the lived experiences of professional women in Calgary’s engineering industry, focusing on the cultural and systemic factors that shape their careers. The study moves beyond simple metrics of representation to explore the "chilly climate" of the profession, characterized by subtle biases and exclusionary norms that create a sense of professional isolation. Through a series of in-depth interviews, the report identifies how women navigate these barriers by negotiating their identities and seeking out supportive networks to survive and thrive. It highlights that the persistence of a male-dominated culture is not merely a pipeline issue but a result of entrenched industry practices. Ultimately, the findings argue that meaningful change requires a structural overhaul of engineering workplace cultures to move beyond performative diversity and foster genuine inclusion.
Credit: Ann-Louise Howard
Date: 2022
CCWESTT acknowledges that our greater science, engineering, trades and technology (or SETT) community is situated on the ceded and unceded traditional territories of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples from coast to coast to coast in what is known as ‘Canada’. CCWESTT fervently believes SETT is enriched through collective relations and knowledge sharing and is committed to helping enhance and build these relations. Full land acknowledgement here.