March is Engineering Month across Canada, and Prince George is home to an award-winning role model for women considering the challenges and rewards of a career in technology.
Gina Purchase, AScT, project manager with Allnorth Consultants Limited, is the latest recipient of a “TOP in Technology” award from the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC.
“At just 34 years of age, Gina has contributed to important public and private building projects, and earned acclaim from her professional peers and colleagues,” John Leech, executive director of ASTTBC commented in presenting the award. “Gina is a rising star in the universe of applied technology.”
Gina loves her career in a non-traditional calling for women: Civil Engineering. “As civil project manager, I am responsible for successfully managing a project’s life cycle. I’m in touch daily with a variety of professionals - clients, contractors, municipal and regional staff and coworkers in Allnorth’s multiple offices.”
On completing high school in Prince George, Gina worked a few years in retail but wanted much more in a career. “I heard about a civil engineering technology college program and was thrilled by the idea of being involved in infrastructure design. I was one of just four women in the 1997 class intake, and the only woman among the graduates”
Gina suggests that more females should try her profession. “I truly encourage women to consider careers in technology. It demands serious effort - but the rewards are there. The variety of work is appealing and the sky’s the limit!”