Magic Moment: My PhD defense day is a day I will likely never forget. I recall every moment, and specifically that euphoric moment when my supervisor opened the exam room door and said “Congrats, Dr.” I was bursting into tears and I recall him saying, Diana stop crying, you will make us all cry. Only then I understood what tears of joy mean when you accomplish a milestone after many years of work!

Key Influence: My father Strong will, negotiation, persistence and handwork and importance of networking. His curiosity and continuous inquisitive thinking

My PhD Supervisor: Francis Hartman He taught me to always think outside the box and “Don’t Park Your Brain Outside”. That project management is about people and not only technical aspects. To always remember to have fun in what i do.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Two things:

1- There is a lot of aggregate data around us, and there is a need for deep data analytics in each organization. How can each organization get the buy-in to have a strategy to make use of this data in a more holistic approach and transform it to useful knowledge?1- There is a lot of aggregate data around us, and there is a need for deep data analytics in each organization. How can each organization get the buy-in to have a strategy to make use of this data in a more holistic approach and transform it to useful knowledge?

2- Infrastructure development and transit remain to be a big challenge in our city and although decisions are being made to initiate projects, but implementation does take time. How can we work together around this challenge to make sure what we deliver in few years will meet the expectation of future generations? I feel we are still in catch up phase and struggling to make decisions at the right time.Either way for the above two challenges, not making a decision is a decision by itself!

Secret Talent: Been told by close friends that I have a “poker face” – I always find it interesting cause I don’t play poker, but I also can’t see my face

On Championing Others…I think mentorship is something I slowly appreciated early during my career. As a woman in engineering, you grow to acknowledge that you will likely be the minority early on from university and then you move in a largely male dominated industry. But the advice I also got from a lot of men colleagues has been key to my career navigation and success. I always felt I should give back in return and was keen to share insights to help advance career development for both women and men. I have participated in student chapters and women in project controls initiatives but became more intentional about this as I advanced in my career. Championship, exchange of mentor/mentee relationships and making connections for knowledge transfer and enabling “naturally” became part of my journey.

One word that captures you: Never give up!