Conference on Diversity In Engineering (CDE) 2023 | CFES, by Mohammad Johar

Hosted by: University of Waterloo, Kitchener ON,  Nov 17th-20th 2023.

The 3-day Conference on Diversity in Engineering (CDE) 2023 was hosted by the renowned University of Waterloo Engineering campus in beautiful Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. More than 130 participants partook from over 25 Engineering universities throughout Canada. The theme of the conference, "Be Brave, Feel Safe, Take Up Space", resonated deeply with me and many of my peers as we were ready to embark on an enriching and transformative journey. 

From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere of positivity and inclusivity was palpable. The conference, organized by the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES), aimed to develop knowledge around the diversity of individuals, cultures, and perspectives in the engineering community. It was inspiring to see how the conference not only acknowledged but celebrated the differences between multidisciplinary engineering students and industry professionals.

There were multiple sessions organized throughout the day under 3 streams: “Creating Safe Spaces at School, Work, and Home.” I attended multiple sessions in each stream to explore and understand the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in each sector of society. “Practicing Responsible Innovation”, “Addressing Microaggressions”, “Mapping Impact Gaps”, “Intercultural Skills in Workplace” and “Building Spaces of Collective Care” were some examples of the diverse sessions arranged throughout the weekend.

The impactful aspects of the sessions were the array of speakers and collaborative activities. Each speaker  brought a unique perspective, sharing their experiences and knowledge on embracing diversity to address complex, interdisciplinary ongoing societal problems. These talks were not just informative but also deeply motivational, urging us to consider how our individual actions can foster a more inclusive engineering community.

The reflection sessions and panel discussions were some other highlights of the conference. They were thoughtfully crafted to promote conversation, reflection, and inspiration among myself and other delegates. The topics ranged from addressing implicit biases in the workplace to understanding the challenges faced by minorities in engineering. Simultaneously, the conference fostered a sense of community and connection, allowing us to be ourselves and reflect on our identities.

Moreover, there was a wide range of thrilling social events. From the challenging rock climbing, to stimulating billiards & board games to the relaxing movie night, everyone had an exhilarating and fabulous experience to make new friends, compete with their peers and above all have fun!

Likewise, the career fair provided an amazing opportunity to network with a comprehensive range of engineering firms in various technological fields and disciplines. It enabled delegates to connect with like-minded individuals and employers who were equally passionate about fostering diversity in the engineering workplace.

In conclusion, the Conference on Diversity in Engineering 2023 was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change. It instilled in everyone a sense of responsibility and equipped us with the tools to make a difference in our respective spheres. As I reflect on my experiences, I feel motivated to be a part of creating a more inclusive, diverse, and thriving engineering community. The lessons learned and connections made at CDE 2023 will undoubtedly influence my journey as an engineering student and beyond!