Register today for another OPW Connects webinar!
Conversations shape possibilities, especially for students who are just beginning to imagine their future careers. In this OPWA Connects webinar, OPWA partners with Engineers of Tomorrow to explore why early career awareness matters and how simple conversations with professionals can help youth build confidence and discover potential career pathways.
Participants will also learn about the Future City Experience and how members of the Ontario Public Works Association can get involved in this engaging school outreach initiative. The session will highlight opportunities for OPWA members to serve as room mentors during the Future City showcase and support students as they explore real-world challenges related to building and maintaining our communities. No teaching experience is required, just a willingness to share your knowledge and inspire the next generation.
SPEAKERS:
Rebecca White
CEO, Engineers of Tomorrow
Rebecca White is passionate about unlocking the full potential of engineering outreach in Canada. As a young student who excelled in math and science but wasn’t sure how those interests could translate into a career, her perspective changed when she attended Science Quest — an engineering camp at Queen’s University in her hometown of Kingston. Surrounded by engineering student mentors and hands-on discovery, Rebecca fell in love with the field and returned year after year. That early exposure shaped her path, leading her to study Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University and spend 15 years in manufacturing, producing pharmaceuticals and food products in roles ranging from Production Coordinator to Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist.
Today, as CEO of Engineers of Tomorrow, Rebecca channels that same sense of curiosity and purpose into building national programs that connect engineers with classrooms across Canada. She believes that every engineer has the power to tell a story that changes a life — and her mission is to make sure those stories are heard.
Tushar Patel
Tushar Patel has spent more than 22 years working in public works infrastructure across regional and local municipal government. Since immigrating to Canada in the late 1990s, he has built a career focused on designing and managing the systems that keep communities moving — from roads, stormwater, and watermains to the planning and leadership behind major infrastructure projects.
Known for his people-first leadership philosophy, Tushar believes strong teams and healthy workplace culture are the foundation of operational excellence. His work spans strategy, infrastructure management, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on collaboration and clear communication.
Beyond technical leadership, Tushar is passionate about mentoring the next generation of public works professionals. Through initiatives like York Region’s Student Experience Program, his involvement with OPWA, and his support for Engineers of Tomorrow, he is committed to helping young professionals discover opportunities in public service and build meaningful careers.