RISE 2026: Workshops
Join us for a series of dynamic workshops designed to support and inspire women in engineering at every stage of their journey. Whether you want to build leadership skills, master salary negotiations, or navigating early career challenges, these sessions offer practical tools, expert insights, and a space to connect with like-minded peers. Come ready to learn, grow, and lead with confidence.
Please Note: You must sign up for one of these workshops once you check in for the conference. There will be 30 spots reserved for each workshop. Sign up is first come, first served.
Career Insights on the Path to a P.Eng.
If you’re interested in obtaining your engineering license in Ontario, this presentation is designed for you. This informational session will walk you through the P.Eng. application process and outline the licensing requirements for both Canadian and international engineering graduates.
What You Will Learn
- How to apply to become a Professional Engineer in Ontario
- Academic and experience requirements for licensure in Ontario
- An overview of the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE)
- How the competency based assessment works
- The responsibilities and expectations of a validator
In addition to the licensure process, you'll gain insight into the value of earning your P.Eng. designation through a personal perspective on the engineering career journey. The session will conclude with a Q&A period to address your questions.
Tracey Caruana
Tracey is a professional engineer with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from McMaster University. She joined PEO in January 2014. In the role of Manager, Engineering Intern Programs, Tracey is part of PEO’s External Relations department and is responsible for providing guidance and support to post-secondary students and engineering graduates on their pathway to licensure. In addition, she oversees PEO’s legacy EIT Program, PEO’s Student Membership Program, and maintains PEO’s involvement in Engineers Canada’s 30 by 30 initiative.
Prior to joining PEO, Tracey worked at Hatch Ltd. for nine years, gaining exposure to numerous projects within the mining industry. She worked as a piping engineer for seven years specializing in non-ferrous hydrometallurgical process plants, and in management consulting for the remainder of her time at Hatch, where she provided financial analysis and due diligence to mining investors.
Stephanie Holko
Stephanie Holko is a chemical engineer with a career spanning the steel industry, advanced manufacturing, and the start-up innovation ecosystem. She holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo, an MBA from McMaster University, and is currently completing a Master's degree at OCAD University. She is the VP, Regulatory Operations and Deputy Registrar at Professional Engineers Ontario, and is passionate about helping students discover the many paths available within STEAM.
Unraveling Burnout: What Crocheting Can Teach Engineering Students About Resilience
Engineering students often learn to push through pressure, but sustainable success also requires the ability to pause, reset, and recover. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn basic crochet skills while exploring burnout, perfectionism, and resilience. Through a beginner-friendly mini coaster activity, students will reflect on tension, mistakes, iteration, and slowing down. No crochet experience is required.
Julia Billings
Julia Billings holds a BEng in Biomedical Engineering and an MASc in Engineering Education from the University of Guelph. She is an Engineering Academic Advisor who is passionate about student wellness, experiential learning, and helping engineering students build confidence and resilience.
Landing the Job: AI Tools and Networking Tips to make you stand out in the Application Process
Looking for your first co-op, internship, or full-time role? Wondering how to stand out when everyone seems to have similar grades and experience? This session will help you take the next step with confidence. Learn practical strategies to build your network and make the most of upcoming U of G career fairs. Discover how to use AI tools to strengthen your applications, prepare for interviews, while avoiding the common mistakes that can hold candidates back. Leave with actionable tips, new ideas, and the confidence to put your best foot forward in your job search.
Rachel and Katherine are both Professional Engineers, alumni from UofG College of Engineering and are members of the Engineering Co-op team at the University of Guelph. Together, they bring over 20 years of experience working with students and employers.
Rachel Young
Katherine Sorensen
Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!
