Women in Public Works

What is your current position and what do you do?
I am a Project Manager, MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy. I am responsible for developing, planning and managing MoveSmart Mobility projects and initiatives, including road safety and sustainable mobility projects. As part of this role, I support Traffic Services’ business planning functions, consultant contract development and management and research to help key performance indicators.

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

I am a Registered Professional Planner with a multidisciplinary background over a 20-year career, including 14 years of consulting and five years in the public sector. My experience includes managing environmental assessments, municipal master plans, land use and Official Plan policy studies, healthy public policy development, active transportation and transportation planning across Canada and internationally.

As a planner, I did not imagine I would be working in Public Works. I am very excited to bring my multidisciplinary perspective and integrating my experience in transportation planning, land use, health equity and infrastructure development to advance mobility and road safety for Vaughan’s residents.

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

For many years, much of my work has been to improve the quality of life and healthy active living for other communities across Canada and internationally. As a Vaughan resident, it is rewarding to work where I live and see how our work is helping make it easier, safer and more comfortable for our families, neighbours and fellow residents.

What is your current position and what do you do?

I am an Operations Administrative Assistant with the Business Excellence and Operational Performance team. I support the daily operations of the Parks, Forestry, and Horticulture Operations team and the Transportation and Fleet Management Services team. My daily tasks include resolving resident inquiries via telephone and email, creating and assigning work orders in our customer relationship management system, processing all invoices for Parks, Forestry, and Horticulture Operations and Transportation and Fleet Management Services, and partaking in special projects. Each day, I work collaboratively with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure that operations run smoothly.

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

I graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Administrative Studies degree. I began my business career in the private sector as a program specialist and went on to become a marketing co-ordinator.

After several years, I returned to school to pursue my passion for landscape maintenance and design. I earned a Horticulture Pre-Apprenticeship Level 1 Certificate from Humber College through their Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women. Through this program, I began my journey with the City’s Public Works department as a horticultural labourer. After completing two seasons with the horticulture team, I transitioned into my current role. I am very proud to leverage my customer service and project co-ordination skills, and front-line experience in Public Works to better serve City residents.

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

I enjoy providing solutions to resident inquiries, ranging from offering education on the City’s service levels to escalating cases when needed to the appropriate department or staff. As a lifelong resident of Vaughan, I take great pride in providing operational support to ensure the city remains beautiful and safe.

What is your current position and what do you do?

I am a Project Manager, Water Services within the Environmental Services department. I work on various water distribution projects that aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to homes and businesses in Vaughan.

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

I have a Chemical Engineering Degree from Queen’s University with a focus on the Environment. I began working for an engineering consulting firm on various water and wastewater projects for municipal clients. After doing that for 10 years, I decided I wanted to see how things are done from the client side of things, so I applied to the City and the rest is history! I’ve now been in my role for eight months.

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

The feeling of making an impact on community members. It is clear the entire Environmental Services department cares deeply about what they do and it is very inspiring. The work is often fast-paced and collaborative and it’s rewarding when we can come together as a team to solve problems.