Dali Mwandacha-Kianipour
Job title and employer:
Project Manager, City of Port Coquitlam
What does your job title mean?
Manage the design and construction for capital infrastructure projects within the City of Port Coquitlam
Background information:
Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
Born in Burnaby, BC. Grew up in Kamloops and Langley, BC
Where do you live now?
New Westminster, BC
Where did you complete your training or education?
Okanagan College – Civil Engineering Technology
What you do at work?
In project management day to day operations change daily. A typical day could include visiting a job site, reviewing invoices, looking over old or new designs, analyzing budgets or managing resident inquiries. Different situations arise on the job site, with situations like design conflicts or changes in construction procedures, decisions can sometimes be thought our or decided on the spot. We’re always working as a team very closely with consultants and contractors in the industry to complete projects.
How does what you do affect people’s lives?
From newer water mains to better pedestrian access across different areas, design and construction effects the community significantly. I love brainstorming new innovations with others, better ways to promote accessibility by cycling, walking or transiting for everyone or by simply providing a new and better water systems.
What motivates you in your career?
I love the challenge. I love problem solving and researching. I love interacting with the public and external sources to come up with solutions in the design or construction process. It is personally rewarding for me to see a job that you’ve been a part of for at least a year or more be constructed and seeing the finished product.
How did you get to where you are today?
The career path I am in now is not exactly what I expected to be doing in highschool. My understanding of engineering was a bit different at the time, but I love what I’m doing currently and couldn’t see myself in a differently role, this is perfectly suited for me and my personality. I spent a little bit of time at BCIT and after a semester took a year break doing general studies at UFV. I went to back to the civil program in Okanagan College. I got a job within the public sector straight out of college. I worked in transportation and infrastructure planning for 3.5 years and in the design and construction industry for about a year. I’m encouraged and motivated to push for more diversity in this sector.
What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I love trail running and working out. I am a huge book reader. I also enjoy gardening and hanging out with my husband and friends.
What advice would you give to a young person interested in a similar career?
Don’t be discouraged by the industry. Keep your head up, accept where your weaknesses and stand firm on the things you know.
As a female professional, how can you influence the advancement of women in engineering and technology?
I love supporting women. I love seeing women succeed in any industry they are in. I hope to support women by lending a listening ear and maintaining a respectful workplace and job site where their voices can be heard.
When I was in high school, I enjoyed…
Foods and Nutrition
Math
Music
Physical Education/Health
Science
Technology
When I was in high school, I was someone who…
Brought people together
Played on a sports team
Enjoyed working with my hands
Wanted to be in charge
Engaged in volunteer activities
Liked reading
Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
Always knew exactly what I wanted to do
Liked to design or build things
ASTTBC thanks Let’s Talk Science for their partnership in developing this career profile. Let’s Talk Science – a leading partner in Canadian education – is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring and empowering Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. To accomplish this, Let’s Talk Science offers a comprehensive suite of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based programs to support youth, educators, and volunteers across Canada. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.
