Our Panelists
Our Moderator
Fiyin Adesina was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. In his late teens, he embarked on a journey to Eastern Europe to pursue his first degree in Chemical Engineering. He spent five years in Hungary at the University of Debrecen, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering.
Following this, Fiyin continued his academic journey in North America, obtaining a Master of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. Upon completion of his graduate studies, he advanced his professional career by gaining hands-on industry experience in Saskatchewan as an Operations Engineer. In this role, he applied the knowledge he had accumulated over the years, leading engineering projects, conducting engineering design work, and managing plant operations for nearly two years.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Fiyin has a strong passion for learning new languages and enjoys exploring cultures and traditions beyond his own. He is an avid reader with a particular interest in history. Physically, he enjoys snowboarding and is also a landscape and event photographer. He actively volunteers within his church community as a member of the food and welfare committee. Additionally, he volunteers with BEC, serving as an event coordinator.
Lindsay Lashley has over 18 years of experience delivering passenger rail projects in Canada.
She is currently a Senior Project Manager at Alto, as part of the Technical / Project Management Team, delivering a high speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto. She is supporting the engineering and interface teams, in managing client activities, and has a significant role in engaging with major stakeholders, such as municipalities, host railways and utility providers to manage the scope and requirements of the project.
Lindsay has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Applied Science at the University of Toronto. She is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and has her Project Management Professional (PMP) accreditation.
Lindsay is also the Vice Chair of the Board at Black Engineers of Canada and has chaired other black community groups / organizations in hopes of creating an improved experience for people of colour in the workplace.
Born and raised in Southern Nigeria, Jamiu’s engineering journey has taken him from A-levels in the UK to the University of British Columbia, where he earned a degree in Materials Engineering with a Minor in Commerce.
He has built a career delivering on teams at massive-scale infrastructure, including the 670km Coastal GasLink LNG Project and the 100km Calgary Ring Road. Now based in Toronto with his wife, Jamiu contributes his expertise to Metrolinx, working on the transformative Ontario Line transit project. Beyond his technical work, he is a dedicated advocate for energy, technology, and community development. On weekends, you’ll find him volunteering, hiking, or exploring the road with his family.
Nordia has been involved in the Engineering & Inspection community for over 15 years, working in various roles within the industry. She is currently the Director of Inspections for a specialty insurer. Nordia is a licensed professional engineer (P.Eng) in Ontario and holds a bachelor of engineering degree in chemical engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University. Additionally, she has earned the Certified Risk Management (CRM) designation from the Risk Management Society (RIMS), as well as the National Board Inservice Inspector Commission (IS) from the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) and a Certificate of Competency (COC) from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).
Nordia contributes to the development and improvement of industrial codes and standards as a voting member and Vice Chair of the CSA B52, Mechanical Refrigeration Code committee and as a voting member of CSA B51, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code committee.
Nordia is committed to mentorship and professional development. She actively collaborates with the Black Engineers of Canada (BEC) and serves on the Board of Directors as the Director of Programs. In this role, she oversees the Entrepreneurship, Training, Students Liaison, and Careers subcommittees. Nordia takes pride in sharing her valuable insights and experiences to support and guide the next generation of engineers in Canada.
Dr. Donna H. Swapp is an Associate Professor and chair of Educational Leadership, Faculty of Education, University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Her research interests encompass school leaders’ work and wellbeing, work intensification in the school principalship, Black school leaders’ work and wellbeing, decolonizing education, critical education policy, social justice leadership, and anti-oppressive frameworks interrogating educational leadership. Donna’s current research, on which she is the Principal Investigator, is funded by the Spencer Foundation and casts a decolonial and transnational gaze into the work and wellbeing of Black school leaders in Canada and the Caribbean. Donna is the current president of the Canadian Association for the Study of Educational Leadership (CASEA), a national association within the umbrella of the Canadian Association for the Study of Education (CSSE). She is also immediate past secretary-treasurer for Afrika SIG, within the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES). Dr. Swapp taught public school in her native Grenada for 12 years before migrating to study, live, and work in Canada.
With over three decades of Engineering experience spanning diverse industries, Iretomiwa Olukiyesi stands as a seasoned professional with a remarkable journey. Commencing her career at Procter and Gamble (Nigeria) Limited, she played a pioneering role in the establishment of Nigeria's inaugural manufacturing facility, setting the tone for her dynamic trajectory.
During her nine-year tenure with the company, Iretomiwa progressively ascended through various roles, evolving from Project Engineer to Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and ultimately, West African Human Resources Manager—a testament to her adaptability and leadership prowess. Her relentless pursuit of growth led her to Canada, where she embarked on transformative endeavors.
In the Canadian landscape, Iretomiwa lent her expertise to esteemed organizations such as Mother Parkers Tea and Coffee and DaimlerChrysler before finding her home at 3M Canada, her present employer. Within 3M, her contributions have been multifaceted, encompassing roles as Manufacturing Engineer, Supply Chain Leader, Outsource Manufacturing Leader, and currently leading the Enterprise Workplace Strategy for 3M Canada.
Iretomiwa's academic journey culminated in a master’s degree in advanced design, Manufacturing, and Business from the prestigious University of Toronto, solidifying her commitment to continuous learning and mastery of her craft.
As a licensed member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO), her dedication extended beyond her professional roles. Over a decade of active engagement with the London chapter showcased her commitment to service, while her tenure on the Council from 2017 to 2020 exemplified her influence as a Lieutenant-Governor-appointed councillor. During 2019-2020, she assumed the role of Vice President appointed for PEO, further amplifying her impact within the engineering community. Iretomiwa's philanthropic spirit was evident through her volunteer roles as a mentor and coach within various local organizations, such as local united way, food banks and soup kitchens.
In 2020, Iretomiwa co-founded the Black Engineers of Canada alongside four other licensed engineers, fostering a platform to promote inclusivity and productivity in engineering and the Canadian economy. As the current President of the organization, she continues to champion these values.
Beyond her professional achievements, Iretomiwa cherishes a loving marriage with her devoted husband. Their familial blessings include two young adults who are passionately pursuing careers in Engineering, a testament to her enduring influence and legacy.
Iretomiwa Olukiyesi's journey through Engineering encapsulates an unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and community impact.