Innovation Summer 2026

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“Then it becomes a question like, ‘Is that really necessary?’” Gamalath said, noting that perpetually taking on an advocacy role in projects can “get tiring over time.” Leadership can create a safe environment Scott MacLaren (he/him), EIT, a project manager in electrical consulting with MCW Consultants who is bisexual, noted that fear shaped how much of himself he shared early in his career. “I was really terrified… afraid of being judged or what that would do for my future career prospects,” he said. He would be actively avoiding sharing his partner’s name and veered from using gendered pronouns in casual conversations. That fear began to fade following an unexpected moment of leadership support. After a stressful period at work where his mind was focused on other items, MacLaren accidentally came out to his colleagues by using a gendered pronoun he had been careful to abstain from. The following day, he was called into his manager’s office. “He basically said, ‘If anybody gives you any grief… talk to me immediately and we’ll shut this down,’” MacLaren recalled. “It was a very small moment of profound support.” “When direction comes from the top, that’s when people feel the most supported,” he said. Gamalath agreed with that approach. “Create a safe environment where people can raise issues as they come up,” he said. “Just knowing there’s a place to go when facing difficulties makes a significant difference.” Navigation is a journey MacLaren emphasized that navigating queerness is a lifelong journey. “Being authentic at work isn’t a competition,” he said. “Just because somebody else is more loud-and-proud than you doesn’t diminish you

Just knowing there’s a place to go when facing difficulties makes a significant difference. Isuru Gamalath, EIT

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in any way. Be proud of where you’re at in your own journey of being a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ engineer [and geoscience] community, and hopefully each year you’re closer to where you’d like to be – whether that’s quietly proud or wanting to be centre stage with your company in a pride parade.” Kingston framed authenticity as a long-term filter. “If you encounter friction as a result of your identity, that place was never going to be safe anyway,” she said. “In the long term, you’ll find yourself somewhere that embraces your differences.” Mackay was equally direct. “Everyone deserves to go to work and not be discriminated against,” she said. “It’s okay to look elsewhere if that isn’t happening.” “Don’t be afraid to be your authentic self,” Gamalath said, while also recognizing the need for boundaries. “Be mindful of who you share with and where […] and be open to the idea that you may need support systems outside of the workplace.”

Equity, diversity and inclusion guidelines

To guide professional practice related to equitable, diverse, and inclusive environments and interaction, Engineers and Geoscientists BC developed the Professional Practice Guidelines – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), which are available on the website. The guidelines provide a high-level description of EDI concepts and challenges that may arise, and outline specific expectations and obligations for individual and firm registrants of Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

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Summer 2026 Innovation