In a landmark appointment, seasoned leader Pria Sandhu, BA, MA, CPHR, has taken the helm as the first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the newly established BC Society of Engineering and Geoscience (BCSEG).
Formed in December 2023, the BCSEG is a new independent advocacy body for engineering and geoscience in British Columbia.
With a rich and diverse background in leadership, strategy, and advocacy, Sandhu brings a compelling vision for how these professions can evolve to meet the province's most pressing challenges.
"It's a privilege to serve as the CEO for the engineering and geoscience professions in this new chapter of my career," says Sandhu. "I have an exciting opportunity and vision for the impact that the organization and I can achieve together."
Sandhu is no stranger to leadership. With more than 25 years of experience across sectors, her resume includes senior roles in government, non-profits, and corporate healthcare, including as CEO of the BC Doctors of Optometry and Executive Director of Resident Doctors of BC. Most recently, she led Marketing and Professional Affairs at Johnson and Johnson Medtech - Vision Canada.
However, Sandhu’s appointment is more than a personal milestone; it represents a broader shift toward inclusive and future-focused leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Referencing the "30 by 30" initiative to see 30% female representation in engineering by 2030, the female powerhouse shares, "We are hopeful that young people see women like myself breaking glass ceilings and stepping into key leadership roles. I’m driven to elevate engineering and geoscience, especially by encouraging more youth and women to pursue careers in these vital sectors. Personally, I’m also passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the field."
As Sandhu steps into her new role, she has already identified key priorities for her tenure:
- To elevate the professions. Build a strong brand that promotes STEM learning and career opportunities for meaningful contributions to our communities.
- To advance: workforce development, climate action, sustainability, immigration policy, and economic growth.
- To foster strong collaborative relationships between industry, government, and academic institutions to focus on the future of provincial needs.
The trailblazer shares that she is particularly motivated to use this role to inspire young people and underrepresented groups to see themselves in these careers. "There are many opportunities for females to build a career in STEM that can have everlasting community impact," she says. "It is a heavily male-dominated industry, but there is no reason for females not to entertain opportunities that are in demand."
Her advice for the next generation of leaders is both practical and inspiring. She encourages young professionals to be motivated to learn, driven to work smart and hard, seek mentorship, and establish a career roadmap. Asked to reflect on what leadership means to her, Sandhu highlights, "Leadership is a journey, not a destination. If you have strong values and a purpose for a mission, anything is achievable. Women can hold leadership positions and learn to balance personal and professional dreams."
As she leads the BCSEG into this exciting new chapter, Pria Sandhu’s vision promises to elevate the professions while inspiring more youth and women to see their future in STEM.