Sylvie Boulanger, ing./P.Eng., Ph.D.
Senior Consultant
Montembault conseil, Montréal

A civil engineer by training, Sylvie Boulanger obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Alberta, a master's degree in structures from the University of California (Berkeley), and a doctorate from EPFL (Switzerland). She has over 30 years of experience in structural steel. At the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), she led the development of the national approach on Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) and sustainability.

As vice-president with Supermétal (Canam-Structures), she specialized in multi-storey buildings and bridges. She was Senior Director of the Research and Applications Division at the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI). She is currently an independent consultant with Montembault conseil, vice-chair of the CSA S6:25 standard on the design of highway bridges, principal engineer in asset management with National Defence (Canada), and Capstone design instructor at McGill University.

Michelle Filanc, P.E.
Project Manager
Filanc Construction

Michelle Filanc is currently a Project Manager at Filanc Construction, a third-generation family-owned business. Specializing in water and wastewater infrastructure, Filanc Construction has built a reputation as a trusted general contractor in the industry for over 70 years. Raised in the construction field, Michelle has consistently sought opportunities for innovation and improvement throughout her career.

Michelle earned a B.S. in Construction Engineering from San Diego State University, and after cultivating an interest in sustainability, pursued a Master's in Civil Engineering from Stanford University. During her time at Stanford, Michelle found her niche at the intersection of sustainable construction, renewable energy, and industrialization. With over nine years of industry experience, she is eager to apply her knowledge and skills to deliver impactful, profitable projects. Outside of her career, Michelle enjoys horseback riding, hiking in nature, and perfecting her favorite dessert recipes.

Ruby Tian
Chief Executive Officer
Tian Construction Group

Ruby Tian is the CEO and founder of Tian Construction Group, a woman- and minority-owned small business in Virginia. She is a licensed architect and LEED AP. Her company provides architectural design, project management and construction services to local and state governments and agencies. Their portfolio includes affordable housing, land development, and government facility constructions.

As a woman in construction, she understands the challenges and opportunities in the field. She is excited to share her journey, advocate for diversity, and build connections that help more women thrive in the industry.  Ruby earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Master’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. 

Elizabeth Wambui
Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact
Fontaine Bros., Inc.

Elizabeth Wambui is the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Impact at Fontaine Brothers, Inc. In her role, Liz is tasked with ensuring compliance on workforce goals on all projects and helping to maximize business utilization for BIPOC and women owned businesses. Elizabeth also oversees the Fontaine Community Foundation seeking to build partnerships with organizations focused on creating stronger communities and contributing to the common good. 

Laura Vanderweyen (Moderator)
Customer Success
Constrafor

Laura Vanderweyen is an Implementation Specialist at Constrafor, a NYC-based construction tech startup, where she support clients in their onboarding and use of Constrafor’s back-office software solutions. 

She previously worked in heavy-infrastructure construction, and witnessed the many challenges that come with demolishing and rebuilding a highway interchange in downtown Montreal or in building a road in the remote lands of Northern Canada. She held several roles including estimation, project engineering, field engineering, and quality and environmental compliance. 

Her experience with technology on and off the field and her love for advancing the industry motivated her transition from traditional construction to construction tech. Laura holds an M.S. in Sustainable Design and Construction from Stanford and a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering and applied mechanics from McGill University.