As the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) marks its 25th anniversary, we are proud to reflect on the transformative impact of the individuals who have shaped our organization and the engineering profession in Ontario over the years. Among these leaders is a former Chair and President of OSPE, Karen Chan, P.Eng., whose passion for advocacy, equity, and mentorship continues to leave a legacy.
A Voice for Engineers
Karen was drawn to OSPE because she recognized the need for a stronger voice for the profession. “Engineers shape industries and economies,” Karen noted, “yet too often, we’re left out of key decisions.” That realization became the driving force for her to join OSPE in 2011.
Passionate about OSPE’s mission to influence policy and champion the profession, she found a community of like-minded professionals, equally committed to advancing engineering.
Her focus began with policy matters and later extended to mentoring early-career engineers, supporting diversity in STEM, and raising the public profile of the profession.
Her exceptional leadership has been recognized with several prestigious honours, including being named one of the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, receiving the PEO Order of Honour and the Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD) Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Award
Leading with Purpose
During Karen’s tenure on the OSPE’s Board of Directors, and later as Chair and President in 2015 – 2016, Karen was instrumental in driving initiatives that brought real change to the engineering landscape.
One of her most impactful contributions was leading policy advocacy efforts focused on equity in STEM. Her work helped bring government and industry attention to the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in engineering, sparking vital conversations around career progression and systemic change.
She also played a pivotal role in bringing engineers in Ontario to discussions on the gender wage gap. Through data-driven advocacy and strategic engagement with policymakers, she ensured that compensation and mobility issues within the profession were heard and acted on at the highest levels.
These efforts helped elevate the visibility of engineers in public policy, strengthen diversity and inclusion efforts, and create more opportunities for early-career professionals.
Among her proudest achievements was standing in the Ontario Legislature as the motion to create P.Eng. Day was passed. It was a powerful moment, one that symbolized OSPE’s influence and the growing recognition of engineers’ critical contributions to society.
Another highlight was her involvement in OSPE’s Women in Engineering events. These gatherings, rich with mentorship and energy, exemplified the kind of supportive, empowering spaces she envisioned for the profession.
Looking Ahead
As OSPE enters its next chapter, Karen remains steadfast in her belief that the engineering profession must continue to evolve, and OSPE must lead that evolution. Karen envisions a future with:
- Stronger advocacy for engineers in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and automation
- Sustainability-driven policies to support green infrastructure and innovation
- Expanded mentorship and career support for early-career and international engineering graduates
- Increased public awareness of the essential role engineers play in shaping Ontario’s future
We are deeply grateful for the dedication, leadership, and vision Karen Chan has brought to OSPE. Her work has helped build a stronger, more inclusive, and more visible engineering profession in Ontario.
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