Dali Mwandacha-Kianipour
Project Manager
City of Port Coquitlam
Learn About My Career
Dali Mwandacha-Kianipour is a Project Manager for the City of Port Coquitlam.
I was born/grew up in: I was born in Burnaby B.C. I grew up in Kamloops/Langley, B.C.
I now live in: New Westminster, B.C.
I completed my training/education at: I went to Okanagan College where I completed my Civil Engineering Technology certification.
In project management, day-to-day operations change. A typical day could visiting a job site, reviewing invoices, looking over old or new designs, analyzing budgets or managing resident inquiries. Sometimes situations arise on the job site. This could be a design conflict or changes in construction procedures. Sometimes it is solutions have to be thought our and sometimes the issue can be decided on the spot.
We are always working as a team. We work very closely with consultants and contractors in the industry to complete projects.
The career path I am in now is not exactly what I expected to be doing in high school. My understanding of engineering was a bit different at the time, but I love what I’m doing now and couldn’t see myself in a differently role. This career is perfectly suited for me and my personality.
I spent a little bit of time at BCIT and after a semester took a year break doing general studies at UFV. I went back to the civil engineering technology program at Okanagan College. I got a job in the public sector straight out of college. I worked in transportation and infrastructure planning for 3.5 years. I also worked in the design and construction industry for about a year. I’m encouraged and motivated to push for more diversity in this sector.
I love the challenge! I love problem solving and researching. I love interacting with the public and external sources to come up with solutions in the design or construction process. It is personally rewarding for me to see a job that I have been part of for a year or more be completed. Seeing the finished product is a great feeling!
From newer water mains to better pedestrian access across different areas, design and construction effects the community significantly. I love brainstorming innovations with others. I also enjoy finding better ways to promote accessibility by cycling, walking or transiting for everyone. Sometimes it mean providing a new or better water system.
I love trail running and working out. I am a huge book reader. I also enjoy gardening and hanging out with my husband and friends.
Don’t be discouraged by the industry. Keep your head up; accept your weaknesses and stand firm on the things you know.
What I do at work
In project management, day-to-day operations change. A typical day could visiting a job site, reviewing invoices, looking over old or new designs, analyzing budgets or managing resident inquiries. Sometimes situations arise on the job site. This could be a design conflict or changes in construction procedures. Sometimes it is solutions have to be thought our and sometimes the issue can be decided on the spot.
We are always working as a team. We work very closely with consultants and contractors in the industry to complete projects.
My career path is
The career path I am in now is not exactly what I expected to be doing in high school. My understanding of engineering was a bit different at the time, but I love what I’m doing now and couldn’t see myself in a differently role. This career is perfectly suited for me and my personality.
I spent a little bit of time at BCIT and after a semester took a year break doing general studies at UFV. I went back to the civil engineering technology program at Okanagan College. I got a job in the public sector straight out of college. I worked in transportation and infrastructure planning for 3.5 years. I also worked in the design and construction industry for about a year. I’m encouraged and motivated to push for more diversity in this sector.
I am motivated by
I love the challenge! I love problem solving and researching. I love interacting with the public and external sources to come up with solutions in the design or construction process. It is personally rewarding for me to see a job that I have been part of for a year or more be completed. Seeing the finished product is a great feeling!
How I affect peoples’ lives
From newer water mains to better pedestrian access across different areas, design and construction effects the community significantly. I love brainstorming innovations with others. I also enjoy finding better ways to promote accessibility by cycling, walking or transiting for everyone. Sometimes it mean providing a new or better water system.
Outside of work I
I love trail running and working out. I am a huge book reader. I also enjoy gardening and hanging out with my husband and friends.
My advice to others
Don’t be discouraged by the industry. Keep your head up; accept your weaknesses and stand firm on the things you know.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- Foods and Nutrition
- Math
- Music
- Physical Education/Health
- Science
- Technology
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Brought people together
- Played on a sports team
- Enjoyed working with my hands
- Wanted to be in charge
- Engaged in volunteer activities
- Liked reading
- Felt great satisfaction in getting good grades
- Always knew exactly what I wanted to do
- Liked to design or build things
Partners
Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology
Let's Talk Science would like to thank the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) for connecting us with the individual profiled above.
Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is leading the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project, a Sector Labour Market Partnership project, funded through the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. The project’s goal is to increase the participation of women in the engineering, geoscience, technology and technician occupations through the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain and support career development of women to lead a system level cultural shift within these professions.
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