In honour of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are showcasing women of WSP who are making a lasting impact on the environment and communities through their advancements towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As they contribute to the change the world needs, they are paving the way for the next era of scientific leaders.

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Maren Moltke Lynsgaard
Marine Biologist and Lead Advisor, Ecology and Biology, and Future Ready® Lead,
WSP in Denmark

Revitalizing the ocean

Maren has blended her passion for the sea, scuba diving, and travel into a unique career. At WSP, she serves as an advocate for mussels—essential water-purifying organisms in underwater ecosystems—and promotes them as a sustainable and eco-friendly food option. She also works to protect aquatic biodiversity from maritime threats and provides guidance on environmentally friendly fishing practices. Leading WSP’s Future Ready® program in Denmark, Maren is committed to integrating innovative perspectives on climate, society, technology, and resources for a more sustainable future.

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Contributing to SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 14 Life Below Water, and SDG 17 Partnership for Goals

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What accomplishment are you most proud of in your scientific career?

Maren: I advocate for mussels as a climate effective and nature positive food and I contribute to protecting marine biodiversity by working with industries to reduce their negative impact on marine nature which often includes facilitating partnerships to achieve goals.

Building bridges to better lives

Claudia’s passion for bridges developed in her early childhood, influenced by her father, grandfather, and a local renowned bridge expert. At WSP, she channels her expertise into designing underground structures, bridges, and buildings. In 2023, as part of a WSP team sent to Rwanda under the Bridges to Prosperity Program, Claudia helped build the Ruhondo bridge. This bridge guarantees safe, year-round access for the Karambi and Gahororo/Gitabura communities, providing them with opportunities to break free from poverty.

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Contributing to SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities

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How are you making impactful and meaningful changes on the environment and communities?

Claudia: My most significant contribution to date is collaborating with my WSP team, Bridges to Prosperity, and the local community to build the Ruhondo bridge in Rwanda. Aside from ensuring the safe passage of children during the rainy season as they journey across the river to attend school, the bridge also safeguards vital trade routes, creates new job prospects, and facilitates access to healthcare for the entire community.

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Claudia Love
Senior Structural Engineer,
WSP in Australia
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Jennifer Brunton
East Lead, Ecosystem Restoration,
WSP in the United States

Restoring nature for a healthier future

With degrees in science and engineering, Jennifer is adept at translating scientific knowledge and findings into tangible solutions. As a seasoned civil and environmental engineer, Jennifer leads WSP in the USA’s national ecosystem restoration practice. Specializing in integrating engineering and ecology principles, she enhances both natural and built environments. Her impactful contributions include protecting shorelines and restoring thousands of acres of habitat to preserve wildlife and ecosystems and enhance human health, resilience, and sustainability.

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Contributing to SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 15 Life on Land

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In your opinion, do women in STEM still face challenges? How can these challenges be addressed to foster a more inclusive environment?

Jennifer: Early in my career, it often felt like women and marginalized groups struggled to have their voices heard. At WSP, I’m delighted that this dynamic has shifted significantly. Thanks to our progressive leadership and the impactful work of our Employee Resource Groups, we’ve created a meaningful space for women and other underrepresented groups, offering a platform for their voices to be heard and valued.

Safeguarding the environment for future generations

Viviane switched career tracks from nutrition to civil engineering, despite her family’s skepticism about her choice in a traditionally male-dominated field. At WSP, she oversees Brazil’s Water Group and is responsible for resource allocation, project planning and execution for the mining sector. Through her projects, Viviane helps ensure the sustainable use and management of water resources, which is essential for both environmental conservation and community well-being.

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Contributing to SDG 6
Clean Water and Sanitation
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How can we encourage more girls to feel confident in pursuing careers in science and engineering?

Viviane: Parents, teachers, and scientists can support girls by challenging stereotypes and fostering confidence. Encouraging diverse interests, creating inclusive classrooms, and showcasing female scientists as role models can empower girls to break barriers and contribute to a more equitable future.

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Viviane Bhering
Senior Civil Engineer/ Brazil’s Mine Water Group Leader,
WSP in Brazil
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Kasia Lewis
Design Director, Property & Buildings,
WSP in the Middle East

Innovations Thrive with Women’s Contributions

Kasia leads a team of multidisciplinary experts including designers, engineers, architects, and other technical specialists. She is currently contributing to a once in a lifetime project, the world-first ‘masterpiece’ resort hidden inside of a mountain. Aligning with the client’s visionary sustainability goals, Kasia and team will ensure that the iconic hotel harmonizes with its natural surroundings and respects both the environment and the community’s aspirations.

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Contribution to SDG 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
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What does it feel like to see one of your projects come to life, and know that you played a role in its creation?

Kasia: I take great pride in having led the dynamic and multidisciplinary team responsible for building the iconic Il Primo Tower. This 77-floor residential tower, located in Dubai, redefines the boundaries of modern-day engineering with its groundbreaking design and meticulous execution. Witnessing all the stages of the projects, from concept to completion, and knowing I played a key role, has been the pinnacle of my career so far!

Transforming transit sustainability

Dana’s early path was shaped by her parents and grandfather, providing pivotal teaching moments to nurture her abilities. Building on her Chemical Engineering education, Dana’s drive to protect people led her to her role as a Rail Systems Engineer with a focus in Fire Safety at WSP’s Rail and Transit sector. Through her engagement in a major light rail transit project, she contributes to an initiative that will enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, generate employment, and improve accessibility.

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Contributing to SDG 11
Sustainable Cities and Communities
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How does diversity, particularly the inclusion of women, impact the success and creativity of scientific teams?

Dana: Women bring distinctive perspectives, life experiences, and problem-solving approaches that may differ from those of their male counterparts. In the context of public transit, female team members advocate for women’s needs, placing a strong emphasis on safety, security, inclusive design, accessibility, and other specific requirements. This diversity of thought not only addresses individual concerns but also significantly enhances the overall creativity and innovation within teams.

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Dana Nassif
Rail Systems Engineer,
WSP in Canada

ESG Report: Purposeful Impact


This year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science theme resonates with us: we have identified ten SDGs that we contribute to in our client work and in our own operations. Examples of projects and initiatives that showcase these contributions are included in WSP’s latest ESG report.

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Committed to a better tomorrow

At WSP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse working environment that reflects the communities in which we work and live. Through our ESG commitments, we are aiming for a 5% year-over-year increase in the representation of women and under-represented groups. We are striving to advance gender equity in science because it sparks innovation, attracts the best talent and is essential for building a better world.

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Global Strategic Action Plan – 2022-2024

As we face a collective turning point in our climate, resources and communities, WSP’s 2022-2024 Global Strategic Action Plan outlines how we will put our ingenuity forward to create an enduring legacy.

Discover our Strategic Plan
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Embracing an inclusive and diverse culture that promotes equity

True to our Guiding Principles, we are humble and act with moral and intellectual integrity, keep our word, treat everyone with respect, support our colleagues, and embrace diversity.

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