WHAT IS CDE?
The Conference for Diversity in Engineering (CDE) aims to develop knowledge surrounding the variety of individuals, cultures and perspectives found within engineering communities. CDE further aims to instil a notion of positivity and togetherness in creating spaces that value the differences between groups of engineering students and professionals. It is offered as one of the 4 annual conferences of the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES).
The conference is split into three streams, which invite delegates to create safe spaces in different aspects of their lives: at home, at work, and at school. Each stream will present a series of workshops focusing on different aspects of these environments, and we hope that attendees frequent workshops from all three to achieve a balanced perspective on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
The conference is split into three streams, which invite delegates to create safe spaces in different aspects of their lives: at home, at work, and at school. Each stream will present a series of workshops focusing on different aspects of these environments, and we hope that attendees frequent workshops from all three to achieve a balanced perspective on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
THEME: RE-IMAGINING ENGINEERING
Engineering has its established norms and practices, but it's time for us to re-assess what it means to be an engineer, and everything that comes with that title.
As engineers, it is crucial to continuously evaluate what we are doing and why. This means not only perfecting technical skills, but also embracing the broader responsibilities and ethical considerations which are inherent to our profession. It’s about challenging stereotypes and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.
As engineers, it is crucial to continuously evaluate what we are doing and why. This means not only perfecting technical skills, but also embracing the broader responsibilities and ethical considerations which are inherent to our profession. It’s about challenging stereotypes and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.
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Re-Learn
This stream involves evaluating the skills we are taught in engineering, and how they can be altered or used to address the evolving challenges of our time. Our delegates will explore the integration of diverse perspectives to improve engineering skills taught in the classroom. |
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Re-Create
In this stream, delegates are encouraged to reflect on what we are creating and who we are serving. We will examine the impact of our work in different communities and environments, ensuring that our creations are inclusive and beneficial to all groups. |
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Re-Engage
This stream has a focus on how we lead, how we motivate our teams, and what values we have when working with our peers. We will discuss leadership strategies, the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, and actionable items that can be brought back to each delegate's community. |
WHY WESTERN?
At Western University, we are proudly hosting CDE 2024, an event dedicated to fostering the growth and success of our students, by furthering the engineering profession as a whole. We are committed to creating an inclusive and enriching experience by collaborating closely with the Indigenous Learning Lodge and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Office. Together, we strive to ensure this conference is not only exceptional but also meaningful and fulfilling for all participants.
We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples (e.g. First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
CDE 2024 recognizes the role that Engineers have had in the systematic displacement and oppression of indigenous populations, both in the past and in the present. We are committed to working with elders and organizations in our community to spotlight reconciliation in an engineering context, ensuring that important stakeholders are included within our discussions.
We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples (e.g. First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.
CDE 2024 recognizes the role that Engineers have had in the systematic displacement and oppression of indigenous populations, both in the past and in the present. We are committed to working with elders and organizations in our community to spotlight reconciliation in an engineering context, ensuring that important stakeholders are included within our discussions.
ABOUT THE CFES
The Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES) is a bilingual national student organization representing Canadian engineering students. Our goal is to enhance the student experience through opportunities fostering the development of leadership, professional and ethical qualities, engineering identity, technical proficiency, and communication.
Each year, the CFES hosts four annual engineering conferences to foster leadership, learning, and networking, in addition to an engineering competition to inspire innovation. We also work with external partners to provide education and outreach opportunities, in addition to collaborating on our advocacy efforts to further a more inclusive and complete engineering education.
The CFES has over 85,000 members across Canada, who are students of 45 accredited engineering programs. These members are divided into four regions (from east to west): Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and West represented by ACES, CRIEQ, ESSCO and WESST respectively in collaboration with the CFES and its ambassadors.
Each year, the CFES hosts four annual engineering conferences to foster leadership, learning, and networking, in addition to an engineering competition to inspire innovation. We also work with external partners to provide education and outreach opportunities, in addition to collaborating on our advocacy efforts to further a more inclusive and complete engineering education.
The CFES has over 85,000 members across Canada, who are students of 45 accredited engineering programs. These members are divided into four regions (from east to west): Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario and West represented by ACES, CRIEQ, ESSCO and WESST respectively in collaboration with the CFES and its ambassadors.
