Toward Intersectional Belonging in STEM

A Queer, Non-Binary, Racialized, and Neurodivergent Perspective on 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in STEM Workplaces.

This presentation explores the multifaceted layers of identity through a Queer, non-binary, racialized, and neurodivergent lens, emphasizing the importance of intersectional considerations in promoting 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion in STEM workplaces.

Michelle will delve into how these overlapping identities impact experiences in professional environments, particularly in STEM fields, and highlight the necessity of an inclusive culture that recognizes and respects the full spectrum of equity-deserving identities.

This Pride Talk aims to provide insights into the challenges and barriers faced by individuals at the intersection of various equity-deserving identities and to offer strategies for creating more equitable and supportive STEM workplaces.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the Complexity of Intersectional Identities: Gain insights into the complexities and nuances of navigating STEM workplaces as an individual embodying queer, non-binary, racialized, and neurodivergent identities, and understand the importance of considering these intersecting identities in inclusion efforts.

2. Recognize Barriers and Challenges: Learn about the specific barriers and challenges faced by people with intersectional identities in STEM, including systemic biases, discrimination, and lack of representation, and how these factors can impact their career progression, mental health, and job satisfaction.

3. Implement Inclusive Practices: Acquire practical strategies and approaches to foster an inclusive, supportive, and respectful workplace environment that acknowledges and values intersectional identities, thereby enhancing the participation, retention, and success of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in STEM fields.

Previously delivered to:

• WSP Canada Inc.

• Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)

• HTAC Engineers

Availability: Online (anywhere), In-person (Ottawa)

Michelle Liu, P.Eng, JD, MASc, LEED-GA

Michelle Liu (they/them) is a Queer, non-binary, racialized, and neurodivergent engineer (P.Eng), soon-to-be lawyer, speaker, consultant, researcher, and uninvited settler on traditional Algonquin lands. Michelle earned their Honours BASc and MASc in civil engineering from the University of Waterloo and worked in design and construction management for various consulting engineering firms.

Michelle’s encounters with racist, homophobic, ableist, and gender-based violence in engineering empowered them to pursue their law degree (JD ’23) and engineering PhD simultaneously at the University of Ottawa. Michelle’s engineering PhD research, for which they received both the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship, uses sociolegal frameworks to understand the relationship between technological designs and the dominant norms in engineering such as masculinity and meritocracy. Michelle’s research objectives include to position engineering as a discipline capable of contributing to social justice. Michelle’s short-term goal is to become a professor of both law and engineering and to run a law practice advocating for equity-seeking people who experience discrimination in STEM workplaces.

• Read More About Michelle...

  Michelle’s service work in both the engineering and legal communities includes serving as a Councillor (board member) of Professional Engineers Ontario (the Ontario regulator of engineers), Chair of the Waterloo Recent Engineering Alumni Council, mentor with the Ontario Network for Women in Engineering, Co-Chair of the EDIA Task Force of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and member of the Equity Advisory Group of the Law Society of Ontario. Michelle also co-created and co-funds the Liu-Kennington Award for the 2SLGBTQ+ Engineering Community, the first university-level scholarship for 2SLGBTQ+ engineering students in Canada. Engineers Canada named Michelle one of thirteen EDI Leaders in Engineering Workplaces in 2021-2022. In 2022, Michelle became the first openly Queer and non-binary person to be elected to the board of the Ontario regulator of engineers in the organization’s 101-year history. Michelle is the recipient of over 20 awards from various institutions for their leadership and community service.

  Across their research, leadership, and community service, Michelle’s focus is on using their lived experiences and subject matter expertise to contribute to social justice. Michelle has delivered over 160 keynotes, talks, workshops, and panel discussions at the intersection of EDI and STEM in the last decade. Michelle’s speaking content ranges from theoretical (e.g. critical race and intersectionality theories) to practical (e.g. types of workplace policies that could lead to concrete change). Michelle’s audience ranges from engineering deans and managers to junior engineers, technologists, technicians, and engineering students. Michelle also has extensive experience speaking to and engaging with K-12 students through their involvement with various engineering/STEM outreach programs.