RISE 2025 Workshops

Diana Whitfield graduated from the Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Guelph in 2016, and has worked in the agricultural, medical devices and cannabis industries ever since. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, gardening and hiking, and loves every opportunity she gets to visit her old stomping grounds at the UofG. 

Diana Lombardi is a Talent Specialist at Crozier Consulting Engineers, where she plays a pivotal role in recruiting top talent across all office locations. With both a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration from Brock University, Diana brings analytical thinking and strategic insight to her work in human resources. She plays a key role across multiple talent functions, including strategic sourcing, interview facilitation, employer branding initiatives, and providing comprehensive support to hiring managers and the Human Resources team. She also leads her office’s social committee and is an active member of the Crozier Women’s Initiative, where she champions equity and empowerment in the workplace.

Patricia Zawada is a Design Researcher who connects user experience, design, and technology to make complex systems accessible and user-friendly. She specializes in usability testing, journey mapping, and accessibility, translating research insights into development and product engineering outcomes. Patricia is also passionate about supporting early-career women in tech, offering guidance on career challenges and leadership. 

Jeannette Chau, P.Eng., FEC, CD, MBA, CAE is a professional engineer with over 30 years of experience in both the profit and non-profit sector. She has implemented province wide programs and held various leadership positions. 

She is currently federally appointed by the Dept of National Defence as the Honorary Colonel of 7th Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery Reserves, where she had served in the past. She is a Fellow of Engineers Canada where she has served in government liaison activities and on engineering accreditation teams, has received the King’s Charles III Coronation Medal for contributions to the community, is a competitive Dragonboat racer competing internationally, and has authored two children’s books. She is married with two grown children.

Katherine graduated from Environmental Engineering in 1999 and has worked with engineering students at the University of Guelph for most of her career. She is currently the Manager, Co-operative Education, Engineering and Computing programs, with the Experiential Learning Hub at the University of Guelph. Her favourite part of working with students? Celebrating with them when they land their first Co-op job!

Daniela Acosta Roman is a criminology graduate from York University, and as an HR certificate from Humber College. She has worked at Revera, OLG, and now ATS in recruitment, but her love for campus recruitment started at OLG and has skyrocketed at ATS. Daniela hires co-op students in secondary and post-secondary education for Life Sciences Systems.

Dilveer Tamber is a Goodman School of Business Graduate and Industrial Automation Technical Recruiter who works to connect top talent with cutting-edge automation solutions.