Q:   Many countries are in the Nuclear Renaissance period these days as the demand for clean energy rises. What is your current role in these exciting times?

Yes indeed, it’s an exciting time for the nuclear industry, given the new possibilities that Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) bring to the table. I am the Section Manager for Project Controls in the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). This project aims at building Canada’s first grid-scale SMR at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site by the end of the decade. Once built, the new SMR could power about 300,000 homes, and displace 0.3 – 2 megatonnes of carbon emissions per year. It can enable a reduction in the use of fossil fuels and help electrify carbon-heavy sectors like transportation. The success of this project could also pave the way for similar, low-emission SMRs around the world.

Q:  How did you get into the field of Project Controls?

After completing my Undergraduate Degree in Chemical Engineering, I joined Saipem, an Italian EPC energy firm. My clients were predominantly based in Middle East, Europe and Africa. Initially I worked in the Process Design & Safety function. I was curious about how different disciplines interfaced to successfully deliver world class green & brown-field projects. It drove my interest in Project Management & Controls.  Being part of several task forces, I experienced first-hand, how complexities could be managed with great planning, execution and project management best practices, especially when it came to issues during construction. Eventually, I came to Canada to pursue my Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with a Graduate Certification in Business, Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Q:  So, how did you start out in the Nuclear industry?

I always wanted to be part of the nuclear industry in Project Management & Controls. I joined Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in 2018 after completing my Master’s degree from University of Waterloo. This aligned well with my previous experience in the energy industry and was a natural next step. I had the opportunity to lead a wide gamut of projects, ranging from innovation projects which needed quick turnaround based on an agile approach, to inspection tooling projects, which involved a lot of interfaces with station stakeholders to coordinate execution windows & make inspections more efficient using state-of-the-art tooling. I was heavily involved in the development and implementation of Project Controls governance for the Renewable Generation program at OPG, prior to my current role as the Section Manager for DNNP.

Q:  Moving from India to Canada must be a big culture shock as well.  How did you adapt to this change?

I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunity to immigrate to Canada. My husband & I moved here in 2016, he has been very supportive throughout. Canada is a great country, which promotes and respects diversity. This enables me to be authentic & brings out the best in everyone who has immigrated here. I founded my music school here. I enjoy teaching music & performing as a vocalist, outside of work.

Q:  You mentioned that you had also worked with clients in different countries.  How has that experience helped you in managing the Small Modular Reactors project now?

Working with clients in different countries enabled me to understand and gain appreciation for cultural differences & customs of people around the world, which is critical as an advocate for equity & diversity. It also widened my perspective and helped me gain exposure to the different challenges in construction pertaining to the project location.

It made me gain proficiency in stakeholder management through collaborating with people with diverse opinions across different locations. One thing that we can always rally people around is the success of the project and successful realization of project outcomes.

Q:  You are also currently the Lead of Member Outreach in the AACE Women in Project Controls Committee.  What is that about and what motivated you to take on the role?

The AACE Women in Project Controls initiative supports women in Cost Engineering and Project Controls to advance their careers, raises awareness of AACE to women in the industry, and aims to increase their visibility in leadership roles.

My background in working with different people all over the world helps my role in reaching out to members, understand their challenges, and rally them around issues that women face in the workplace. In the past, I was the Portfolio Manager for the Communications Portfolio at the Project Management Institute (PMI) Lakeshore Ontario Chapter.   That experience helped me with understanding how to approach stakeholder management as well!

Q:  The WPC had their first 2023 Member Outreach event in March 2023.  How did that go?

The event was a huge success! Over 140 attendees from 20 countries all over the world attended the event to talk about how to effectively engage in courageous conversations and move the needle towards equity in the workplace.  It was actually heartwarming to see many male allies attend the meeting expressing that they have gained a lot of good insight into the challenges women face in the workplace and how they can help.

Q:  That’s great to hear! When will the next event be?

The next event at the AACE Conference in Chicago on June 11, will be an inclusive panel discussion about unconscious bias in the workplace. It is aimed to be an engaging session through role playing and experience sharing. Women in Project Controls Committee members, including myself, will be at the registration desk to answer any questions attendees may have on WPC, what we do and how to get involved!

Q:  What advice would you give someone if they are interested in growing in their Project Controls careers?

One of my favorite quotes is “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. I would strongly encourage someone interested in growing in their career to try & explore new things, not being afraid to make mistakes & learn along the way. Its also critical to connect with people in different parts of the organization, this has been pivotal for my growth. Gaining knowledge of Project Controls fundamentals from grassroots is also helpful in building understanding in this field, in addition to gaining the relevant experience.