Cultivating Inclusion for Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Professionals
Gender diverse practitioners navigate discontinuities in workplace inclusion, exacerbated by interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder project environments, and resulting in marginalization.
In this talk, we examine the complexities facing transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in AEC and STEM workplaces. Visibility and awareness of gender diverse practitioners has increased in recent years as dominating systems of oppression have been challenged; nevertheless, engineering and construction environments can still impose barriers to everyday workplace inclusion.
Drawing on lived experience, this session examines the precarious nature of inclusion for gender diverse practitioners, including experiences of erasure, discomfort, and harassment. Discussions will focus on how identity intersects with professional norms on visibility and appearance, and resulting perceptions in the office and field.
Emphasis is placed on how project delivery structures — such as site conditions, team composition, and contract interfaces — can reinforce marginalization. This session also considers the significance of pronouns, allyship, organizational systems, and other policies alongside other practical actions which may be implemented to cultivate more inclusive environments for gender diverse professionals.
“Allie’s presentation on support and representation of TGNP was amazing. As a Trans person it really reflected my lived experience and helped educate others.”
Learning Outcomes:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of terminology related to gender diversity (including two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming) and their nuances.
Become aware of challenges faced by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in engineering.
Identify the importance of allyship, building advocacy networks, and questioning organizational norms to move towards inclusion of transgender employees.
Previously Delivered to:
MCW Group
McElhanney
Diamond Schmitt Architects
WSP Canada Inc.
Availability: Online (anywhere), In-person (Toronto)
“Allie’s talk was very informative and helpful to understand the nuanced ways TGNC professionals have to navigate micro aggressions, advocate for themselves and be resilient in work environments that are not designed for themI think more discussions targeted in the Engineering and Architecture disciplines would be helpful and relevant for all colleagues and the broader industry.”
Allie Kennington (they/them), P.Eng
Allie Kennington (they/them) is a queer, white, non-binary environmental engineer (P.Eng, Ontario) and environmental compliance and permitting specialist. With eight-plus years of experience across the public sector, consulting, construction, and applied science research, their core focus is interdisciplinary infrastructure and major transit projects in Ontario.
Allie holds a BASc in Geological Engineering and a MEng in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo. They have experience in construction and project management, hydrogeology and contaminated site investigations, and environmental assessments for complex, multi-stakeholder projects, with pan-Canada experience spanning nuclear, mining, and energy sectors.
In practice, Allie cultivates inclusion within AEC by integrating equity considerations into team dynamics and project workflows to support safe and effective environments. They mentor early-career professionals on workplace navigation, personal and community advocacy, and professional development. Additionally, Allie co-founded the Liu-Kennington Award for the 2SLGBTQ+ Engineering Community for undergraduate students with Mic Liu.