Women in Public Works

What is your current position and what do you do? 

“As a forestry inspector, I review and provide technical comments on any forestry and tree-related drawings, plans, reports or design concepts, during the subdivision, development, Committee of Adjustment and By-law application processes, and on any internal projects. I perform quality assurance inspections for all newly planted trees during the subdivision development process. I also perform resident requests for service inspections. My role helps to ensure the city of Vaughan will have a healthy urban canopy for years to come!"

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

“As long as I can remember, I have always found trees to be fascinating. I have also always loved sports and challenging my body. So when I discovered there was a career path that involved both, I was sold! I received my arboriculture certificate from Sir Sandford Fleming College and got my International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification. I have been in the arboriculture industry for 20 years, wearing many hats – the longest was as a production climbing arborist for 16 years. I have had the opportunity to work in a lot of interesting places, on some very interesting trees and with a lot of really cool people over the years.

I wanted to continue working in an exciting workplace where it was possible to educate people about trees and hopefully save some in the process, so when I saw the City’s forestry inspector posting, I applied. I have been in this role for nine months.”

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“When I’m going out to a site visit or doing service request inspections, I get to engage with residents about trees. There can be a lot of fear surrounding trees, so being able to address residents’ concerns and hopefully ease some fear of the unknown is very rewarding.”

What is your current position and what do you do? 

“I am a supervisor of fleet systems and business analysis, and I contribute to exciting projects and initiatives involving fleet modernization, sustainability and safety, thereby supporting the delivery of Service Excellence.”

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

”I have an electrical engineering degree and a postgraduate diploma in business management. I worked in the private sector in the hardware technology domain, followed by the automotive industry. After doing that for 11 years, I realized I sought a larger purpose. My father encouraged me to put my skills to use for the benefit of the community, so I applied to the City. I have worked as a fleet business analyst for the past two years, recently being promoted to a supervisor position.”

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“The work we accomplish in Public Works has a visible and meaningful impact on our community. The City’s fleet is used to sweep streets, clean snow, cut grass, trim tree branches, resolve water main emergencies and many more resident services. The fleet operations are dynamic and constantly evolving, and it’s rewarding when we can come together as a team to create value for our residents.”

What is your current position and what do you do? 

“I’m an engineer in the Wastewater and Stormwater Services division at the City. I support regulatory compliance for the City's wastewater and stormwater systems, lead the implementation and maintenance of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approvals program, and oversee system performance monitoring and reporting. My role involves audit preparation, co-ordinating with internal and external stakeholders, tracking infrastructure changes and identifying opportunities for system and process improvements.”

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

“I hold a fully funded master’s degree in environmental science and engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, along with a scholarship-supported environmental and water studies summer program at Stanford University in California. My academic journey has been globally diverse and specialized. I am a licensed professional engineer (P.Eng) through Professional Engineers Ontario and a certified project management professional (PMP). Before joining the City of Vaughan in January 2024, I gained valuable hands-on experience in the private sector, successfully delivering a variety of wastewater and stormwater projects. My strong passion for public service and sustainable infrastructure made transitioning to the City a natural and fulfilling step in my career.”

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“What I find most rewarding about working in Public Works is the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on both the community and the environment. Contributing to the maintenance and improvement of the City’s infrastructure, ensuring it runs smoothly and sustainably, is deeply fulfilling. I get to collaborate with a dedicated team, working closely with operations to ensure everything functions efficiently. As a Vaughan resident, it’s especially gratifying to play a role in shaping the city’s development and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Using my skills to address real-world challenges in wastewater and stormwater management, while knowing that my work benefits the community, gives me a true sense of purpose.”

What is your current position and what do you do? 
“I am the executive assistant to the Deputy City Manager of Public Works. In this role, I provide essential administrative support and help ensure the smooth operation of the portfolio’s initiatives. My main focus is on supporting our team by facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders and contributing to the completion of various strategic projects and initiatives. I also play a role in fostering staff engagement by supporting programs that encourage collaboration, innovation and a positive work culture.“

 

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to Public Works?

“My career began in the federal sector, where I developed skills in critical thinking and making sound decisions in high-pressure situations. These experiences proved invaluable when I transitioned to the City of Vaughan to broaden my perspective on public service. After spending three years in the City’s By-Law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, I was eager to seek new challenges and expand my skills. I came across an opportunity within Public Works and applied for the Executive Assistant position. I’ve now been in this role for four years. It has allowed me to leverage my organizational skills, pursue my passion for public service and strengthen my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the Vaughan community.“

What do you find most rewarding about working in Public Works?

“In Public Works, service is at the heart of what we do, and our staff are genuinely passionate about their work. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team of dedicated individuals who strive for excellence in both their work and their interactions with the community. Our work often requires adaptability and collaboration, and it’s especially rewarding when we come together as a team to tackle challenges and deliver solutions.

In addition to the day-to-day work, I’ve also had the privilege of leading the first-ever women’s networking group within Public Works and contributing to several initiatives aimed at enhancing the community, including leading the City’s first-ever litter audit and launching SmartParks across Vaughan. These experiences have allowed me to expand beyond my core responsibilities and take on meaningful projects that have been both professionally and personally rewarding.“