Episode 39: Fostering Diversity with Black Engineers of Canada

In this special Black History Month episode of Engineering the Future, host Jerome James speaks with Ayo Abiola, Director of Communications for Black Engineers of Canada (BEC). Together they discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion within the Canadian engineering community and the role BEC plays in fostering an environment where black engineers can excel without societal biases.

Ayo highlights the challenges black engineers face in the industry, including engineering students, and the work of BEC in providing networking, mentoring, training, and development opportunities to address these challenges. In addition, he emphasizes that a collective effort is required to build a more inclusive engineering community in Canada, and the role organizations like the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) can play in that effort. 

Chapters

• 1:15 About Black Engineers of Canada
• 2:04 Diversity and Inclusion in Canadian Engineering
• 5:09 Support for Professionals
• 6:10 Impact of Black Engineers of Canada
• 8:12 Membership Growth and Employer Engagement
• 13:21 Support from Organizations and Resource Challenges
• 15:32 OSPE's Role in Advancing Diversity and Inclusion
• 17:02 Challenges for Black Engineering Students
• 20:05 The Importance of Networks and Opportunities
• 21:29 Recommendations for Inclusive Engineering Community
• 24:49 Closing Remarks and Podcast Outro