Toward Intersectional Belonging in AEC & STEM
A Queer, Non-Binary, Racialized, and Neurodivergent Perspective on 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in AEC & STEM Workplaces.
This presentation explores the multifaceted layers of identity through a Queer, non-binary, racialized, and neurodivergent lens, emphasizing the importance of intersectional considerations in promoting 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in AEC/STEM workplaces.
Mic will delve into how these overlapping identities impact experiences in professional environments, particularly in AEC/STEM fields, and highlight the necessity of an inclusive culture that recognizes and respects the full spectrum of equity-deserving identities.
This Pride Talk aims to provide insights into the challenges and barriers faced by individuals at the intersection of various equity-deserving identities and to offer strategies for creating more equitable and supportive AEC/STEM workplaces.
Learning Outcomes:
Understand the Complexity of Intersectional Identities: Gain insights into the complexities and nuances of navigating STEM workplaces as an individual embodying queer, non-binary, racialized, and neurodivergent identities, and understand the importance of considering these intersecting identities in inclusion efforts.
Recognize Barriers and Challenges: Learn about the specific barriers and challenges faced by people with intersectional identities in STEM, including systemic biases, discrimination, and lack of representation, and how these factors can impact their career progression, mental health, and job satisfaction.
Implement Inclusive Practices: Acquire practical strategies and approaches to foster an inclusive, supportive, and respectful workplace environment that acknowledges and values intersectional identities, thereby enhancing the participation, retention, and success of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields.
Previously delivered to:
WSP Canada Inc.
Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)
HTAC Engineers
Availability: Online (anywhere), In-person (Toronto, date depending)
Mic Liu, P.Eng, JD, MASc, LEED-GA
Mic is a a lawyer, a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng), speaker, inclusion consultant, community leader, and a founding partner of Liu Chooti Law & Counselling Group. As a Queer, non-binary, racialized, and neurodivergent person, Mic’s focus across their undertakings is to leverage their lived experiences and subject matter knowledge to advance social justice.
Mic earned their JD (Magna cum laude & Dean’s Award) from the University of Ottawa and is completing their engineering PhD at the same institution. Mic’s research, funded by the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, uses sociolegal approaches to understand the interaction between technology, human rights, and the public interest in Canada.
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Michelle’s legal experience includes working at Danielson Kabesh Law in Ottawa, Ecojustice Canada, and Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. At Danielson Kabesh Law, Michelle helped clients with their family and employment issues and represented clients in administrative tribunal proceedings, among other areas. Prior to DK Law, Michelle worked in environmental and regulatory law at Ecojustice Canada, and before that, at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, where Michelle’s civil and environmental engineering expertise enhanced their ability to conduct legal research and writing about highly technical matters in the energy and construction sectors. Michelle has also served on the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Women and the Law since 2023.
Before going into law, Michelle earned two engineering degrees from the University of Waterloo and worked for various national and international engineering firms. Michelle has played key roles in infrastructure projects of up to $500 million dollars and supervised construction teams of over 150 persons.
Michelle has published 15 peer-reviewed articles, delivered over 150 presentations, and co-authored policy and guiding documents, namely addressing workplace discrimination and systemic inequities. They co-founded Let Science Connect, a consultancy for inclusive communication.
An active volunteer and community leader, Michelle has served as a board member for Professional Engineers Ontario, co-chaired the Equity Task Force for the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, mentored with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, and supported over 50 initiatives for 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in law and engineering. They co-created and co-fund the Liu-Kennington Award for the 2SLGBTQ+ Engineering Community at the University of Waterloo and the Liu-Kennington Award for the LGBTQ2S+ Law Student Community at the University of Ottawa.