Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE) Calgary was thrilled to partner with Building Equality in Architecture (BEA) and our sponsor DIALOG to present an engaging panel discussion featuring experienced leaders from the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the event focused on this year’s theme of “Accelerate Action,” emphasizing the importance of achieving gender equality and promoting greater diversity in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

Our distinguished panelists shared their career journeys, highlighting the support and mentorship that helped them rise to leadership roles. They also discussed their efforts to elevate and empower the women around them, fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry.

Attendees had the opportunity to network, learn from industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into accelerating gender equality in their own careers and organizations.

Date: March 13, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM

Where: DIALOG Studio – Suite 300, 134 11 Ave SE

Introducing our Moderator

Kayla Browne, Architect, AAA

Architect | AAA Bold Workshop Architecture

Kayla has 12 years of experience spanning custom single-family homes, multifamily residences, award-winning restaurant interiors, LRT infrastructure, and commercial, hospitality, and cultural projects. With a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) Honours from the University of Sydney, her work combines passion, precision, and purpose-driven design. After developing her own single-family home and laneway in Calgary’s inner city, she fully embraced the dual role of architect and self-developer. This unique position allows her to use personal projects as experimental spaces, testing innovative ideas, particularly within the realm of market-driven affordable housing. 

Her work is driven by a passion for creating authentic, inclusive environments that foster connection. As an advocate for equality in architecture, Kayla actively champions women and underrepresented groups in the city-building professions. She co-founded and serves as vice-chair of the Calgary chapter of Building Equality in Architecture (BEA Calgary) and is a sessional instructor at the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape. She has been appointed to the City of Calgary’s 2025 Council Advisory Committee on Housing. Kayla is a volunteer and member of the Calgary Inner City Builders Association (CICBA) and a housing advocate with More Neighbours Calgary.

Introducing our Panel

Kate Thompson, Architect, AAA, FRAIC

President & CEO | CMLC

Kate Thompson is the President & CEO of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), where she leads the organization’s overall direction, strategy, and operations. Under Kate’s exceptional leadership, CMLC is spearheading over $1 billion in transformative development projects in East Calgary, including the BMO Centre expansion, Arts Commons Transformation, and the redevelopment of East Victoria Park into Calgary’s Culture and Entertainment District. Since joining CMLC in 2013, Kate has held key leadership roles, including Director of Development and Vice President of Projects.

Holding a Master’s in Architecture, Kate is a registered member of the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) and a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC). With extensive experience in design and development both locally and internationally, Kate also shares her expertise as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary and mentors young professionals in the field.Kate’s contributions extend beyond her professional work. She has served as Board Chair for the YWCA and currently holds leadership roles with Ignite Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and the Downtown Vibrancy Committee, among others. In CMLC’s Ways of Working video series, Kate highlights how her teams deliver transformative projects that shape vibrant and diverse communities in East Calgary and beyond.

John Souleles, AAA, OAA, SAA, MRAIC, AIA Intl. Assoc., LEED® AP

Partner | Dialog

John’s wide range of project experience includes post-secondary academic buildings, public libraries, healthcare, and recreational facilities. Over 20 years of practice, some of his most notable projects include public and institutional libraries with over $250 million construction values. John is an enthusiastic advocate of sustainable and regenerative design who enjoys collaborative creation.  

As just one voice within a set of collaborative teams; John  strives to bring  together diverse groups with a focus on inclusivity and empathy. Understanding that diversity of thought leads to richer solutions; John  collaborates with teams to see that every project benefits from a wide range of perspectives and expertise, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. Over his 20 years of practice, he has contributed to numerous notable projects, including large public and institutional buildings. John is a passionate advocate for sustainable and regenerative design, thriving in collaborative environments.

Jennifer Massig, P.Eng

CEO | Magna Engineering Services

After several years working in traditional corporate engineering, and a short stint as a Municipal Council, Jennifer launched MAGNA with a vision to work WITH communities versus for them. This started with the creation of MAGNA’s line-up of nature-based stormwater management and wastewater treatment solutions, and has evolved to beyond our innovative solutions to how we do business. 

MAGNA has a strong culture of accountability, curiosity, flexibility, and fun and it is part of everything they do. MAGNA’s human-centered work environment has created a workplace to give extraordinary minds an amazing place to work (and play!). From their 4-day work week to our hybrid work model, MAGNA encourages each unique team member to work out of their unique needs and integrate that into the larger purpose-driven work they do everyday. Jennifer’s goal to support her personal values of family and adventure, in addition to a desire to do world-changing work, has continued to drive MAGNA’s strong culture. Starting out from a small office-share in Chestermere, MAGNA is now a bustling 35-plus member team with a new home in the charming Inglewood community in Calgary.

Sandra MacDougall, P.Eng, GSC, CM-Lean

Director of opertations, SOuthern alberta and interior bc | bird construction

With over 20 years of experience in project management, construction, and estimating, Sandra brings a wealth of expertise to a diverse portfolio that includes recreation centers, seniors’ housing, distribution centers, residential towers, P3 schools, fire stations, and mixed-use office developments. In her current role, she leads construction operations teams across Southern Alberta and Interior BC, collaborating with project directors, superintendents, specialized staff, and external partners such as trade partners, owners and consultants.

Sandra’s leadership skills are complemented by her deep knowledge of safety, quality assurance, cost control, risk management, and scheduling. She is passionate about driving continuous improvement through effective collaboration, strategic planning, and waste elimination. Sandra is dedicated to developing her team members through coaching and mentorship, helping them harness their strengths and achieve success in driving the overall performance and outcomes of the group.

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This is an 18+ event, minors will not be admitted.

Visit our websites wcecalgary.com and beacalgary.com to learn more about WCE and BEA!

Note that WCE is an inclusive community. While our events are curated for those working in consulting engineering, much of our content will interest those working in similar industries – you are welcome to be part of our community. All genders are welcome and encouraged to attend our events.

If you wish to attend and require financial assistance, please reach out to events@wcecalgary.com.

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Health and Safety: Wearing masks is not required by public health. However, you are welcome to wear a face-covering of your choice at your own comfort level.

Photo Consent: WCE will be taking photos + video at the event. WCE and the sponsor company may post select imagery and video clips onto social media, our respective companies’ websites and other communications to WCE members and sponsor company employees.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Thank you to our sponsor for this event!