Join the WTS Toronto Area Chapter for International Women's Day
Are you ready to help to drive positive change in our region? Join us for WTS Toronto's annual event as we come together to Give to Gain. On Friday, March 6th we will gather at The Quay for breakfast and a speaker's panel, along with opportunities for you to connect with your peers, partners, and industry leaders. The panel will feature inspiring leaders who will share their experiences in the industry.
When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. Together, we can #GivetoGain for #IWD2026 to emphasize the power of reciprocity and support.
SPEAKERS
Karla Avis-Birch, Principal, Arup — Karla is an executive leader with over 25 years of experience delivering transformative infrastructure and transit projects. A civil engineering graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, she spent nearly two decades at Metrolinx, most recently as Chief Planning Officer, before joining Arup as a Principal. Karla brings expertise in major rail projects, intergovernmental relationships, and equity-driven policies. She served as WTS Toronto Chapter President in 2017–2018, received Toronto Metropolitan University’s 2020 Alumni Achievement Award for professional excellence and community impact, and was named WTS Toronto Area Chapter Woman of the Year in 2025.
Allison Hurley, Vice President, Design Build, EllisDon — Allison has over 15 years of experience leading complex pursuits in both the Civil and ICI market sectors. Allison first joined EllisDon in 2010 through an internship and has since taken on progressive leadership roles within the organization. In 2023, she was recognized by On-Site Magazine and SitePartners' Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction.
Jennifer Quinn, CEO, Nieuport Aviation — Since joining Nieuport in 2021, Jennifer served as executive lead for operations, strategy, stakeholder relations, and public affairs before becoming CEO. An accomplished leader with public and private sector experience, she brings expertise in strategy, negotiations, infrastructure and real estate development, and risk advisory. Previously, Jennifer was a Partner and Government & Public Services Industry Leader at Deloitte and held senior roles at Infrastructure Ontario. In 2024, she earned the Globe and Mail’s Best Executive Award, was named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women, and in 2025 became an Honourary Member of the WTS Toronto Area Chapter.
Malvika Rudra, Assistant Deputy Minister, Major Highway Projects, Ontario Ministry of Transportation — Malvika is a results-driven public service executive and licensed Professional Engineer with experience delivering a range of complex infrastructure projects across Ontario. As Assistant Deputy Minister of the Major Highway Projects Division at MTO, she provides strategic oversight of major infrastructure projects using innovative delivery approaches and partnerships. Malvika is known for her strategic mindset, collaborative leadership, and ability to build high-performing teams. In 2025, Malvika became an Honourary Member of the WTS Toronto Area Chapter.
Stephanie Davies, Chief Capital Officer, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) — Stephanie is a professional engineer with over 25 years of experience leading large teams and delivering major capital programs. As Chief Capital Officer at the TTC, she oversees $15 billion in capital investments over 10 years, including subway upgrades, new vehicles, accessibility improvements, and facility enhancements. Previously, she was Chief Capital Officer at Metrolinx, leading GO Expansion to modernize and electrify the rail network. Stephanie is dedicated to safety and puts customers at the heart of all transit projects.
AGENDA
Breakfast 8:00-8:45 AM
Panel discussion 8:45-10:00 AM
Networking 10:00-10:30 AM
LOCATION
The Quay
100 Queens Quay East (Toronto Region Board of Trade Building)
TICKETS
Prices below are exclusive of Eventbrite fees and tax
WTS Member: $68
Non-member: $118
When women thrive, we all rise.