WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
STANTEC
CLOSING THE STEAM GENDER GAP
Pictured ( L-R ): Jill Miller , Senior Principal ; Michelle Tovar , Senior Principal Biologist ; Sherene Cooper , Senior Interior Designer
Stantec , a global architecture and design firm with a significant presence in Sacramento , is committed to helping close the gender gap in STEAM fields with a company-wide Inclusion and Diversity program . The company ’ s Women Leadership Development Committee leads their gender equality efforts by providing education , influencing inclusive policies and practices , implementing development programs and supporting its Women @ Stantec Employee Resource Group chapters around the world .
On average , 34 percent of Stantec employees are women . Within the leadership structure , 33 percent are current board members and 38 percent hold C-suite positions . Throughout the Sacramento region , Stantec has female leaders representing virtually all the company ’ s service offerings and business lines . Three of these local business leaders are highlighted below .
Jill Miller , senior principal , has 24 years ’ experience as a project manager , contract manager and project engineer . A mother of two daughters who has been able to balance parenthood and a career with a flexible work schedule , she says , “ The engineering community is recognizing that women can offer a different perspective that broadens the insight to unique challenges faced in our industry . I anticipate a better outlook for my daughters and hope I ’ m paving the way for them .”
Sherene Cooper , senior interior designer , was recently selected to participate in a Career Empowerment Program for Women within the firm ’ s North American Buildings group . “ This group ’ s coaching and training embraced career goals and developed strategies to enact and achieve them ,” she says . “ It enabled me to meet other senior interior designers across the firm and develop peer relationships with people on my same career trajectory .”
Michelle Tovar , senior principal biologist , has 18 years of experience in permitting , regional conservation planning , compliance and mitigation . “ Stantec has enabled me to participate in , lead and develop women ’ s resource groups ,” she says . “ We have led discussion panels , film screenings and mentoring events , allowing for open dialogue and deeper understanding of shared experiences . I am passionate about making space for diversity and am proud Stantec encourages me to do so .”
“ I am passionate about making space for diversity and am proud Stantec encourages me to do so .”
— Michelle Tovar , Senior Principal Biologist
555 Capitol Mall , Suite 650 , Sacramento , California 95814 916.442.3230 www . stantec . com
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