Year: Final year
Conference attended: xChange 2026: Engineering Systemic Change (National Engineers Without Borders Conference)
What was your favourite session?
The Keynote Address from the MP of Don Valley West, Hon. Robert Oliphant, explaining how to help be part of the solution and to uplift communities through international collaboration and support.
And the Keynote Panel from Various Industry Leaders on Engineering and Equitable and Sustainable World. Panelists: Hugo Lafontaine (Schneider Electric); Sal Alajek (Sense Engineering); James Larsen (e-Zinc); Mir Islam (EM-ONE); Marc-André Roy (CPCS); Carly Connor (Green Salvaged Materials).
What conference did you attend?
A 200+ conference that brought members, chapter alumni, young professionals and industry leaders together to investigate how we can engineer systemic change locally, nationally and across the world. The program provided participants workshops, keynotes, and motivational stories that built networks and a shared commitment to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all. xChange shows attendees how problem-solving involves investing in people, engaging communities, embracing diverse perspectives, and getting inspired to do more.
What were some big takeaways?
As future engineers, it is crucial we tackle problems in a way that focuses on truly connecting with communities; only when we delve further into the struggles that people face, ask tough questions, and have open dialogue to share ideas can we create systemic change.
There are many chapters and students all across Canada demonstrating how even at the student level we can make great impacts on international issues.
A big part of this conference was also the Baobab ceremony, in which graduating students pledge their commitments to continue to incorporate EWB’s motives in their problem solving throughout the rest of their careers and lives. A Baobab ring, similar to an Iron Ring, is worn by those who take part in this ceremony to commemorate this promise.
What was the biggest lesson?
Design with Dorothy in mind. Do not believe that you, who may come from a place of power and privilege, have the right answers; be open to new ideas, always challenge your ideas and always continue to take steps in making progress for a sustainable and equitable future.
What do you want future students to know?
If you are student who has a why that involves creating a driving social change or have a challenge you are hoping to investigate through engineering, or just want to get involved, reach out to the Engineers Without Borders SFU Chapter (@ewb.sfu on Instagram, or sfu@chapter.ewb.ca via e-mail, website: https://ewbsfu.github.io/)
We are always eager to hear how you are interested in bettering the world.