National Engineering Month Spotlight - Daniella Ruggiero

Daniella Ruggiero - Sustainability Engineer

National Engineering Month Employee Spotlight Series

For National Engineering Month 2023, we are celebrating our incredible team of Engineers, EITs, and engineering professionals with the intention of raising awareness of the different career opportunities available, and providing advice for those just setting out on their career journey.

Seeing that March 8th is also International Women’s Day it is only fitting that we dedicate our first spotlight to one of our amazing women in engineering, Daniella Ruggiero! Daniella is a Sustainability Engineer with our Pratus Group and has taken the time to share her experiences from her career journey so far, and give some insight for newcomers to the industry.

What is your role?

I work with the sustainability team to help our clients realize their sustainability objectives whether that means certifying a portfolio of buildings under a green rating certification, modeling and advising on embodied carbon, or providing high-level health and environment guidance. On a regular day, you can find me reviewing drawings and documentation, attending meetings or having regular client interactions to help me understand their sustainability goals, and the steps required to get there. 

Can you describe your career path so far?

After I graduated with my Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Toronto, I decided to attend pastry school at George Brown College as baking was something I always loved. My first engineering role was at an independent HVAC equipment manufacturer, where I designed custom Air Handling Units (AHUs) to meet client needs. Shortly after, I transitioned to work as a Mechanical Designer and Sustainability Advisor, before finally settling into my role as a Sustainability Engineer. While I may not be using my kitchen skills day to day in my role, I am still very grateful for the opportunity to pursue something creative and experiment with my baking!

What made you want to pursue this career?

I come from an engineering background, both my parents and my older brother are practicing engineers in different engineering disciplines. My first job at the HVAC equipment manufacturer was a huge influence on me taking the step into the sustainability field. In this role, I saw the challenges and missed opportunities for sustainability, and I began to desire a job that would allow me to have more of a positive impact on the world.

How has your team supported you in your career growth?

I've had many opportunities to partake in continuous professional development including attending and leading talks, webinars, and education sessions, which have enabled me to continue learning and also share my knowledge with others. I am surrounded by supporters and mentors, who have never demanded that I know everything; they just want me to have the willingness to learn.

How would you describe the working culture?

The work culture here is both supportive and motivating. The work is fast-paced, so there are often challenges and opportunities for growth, but the team is also always willing to help out, take on tasks to support, and generally go above and beyond. I feel as though everyone sees the big picture and is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure we deliver the best service to our clients, at the highest quality.

What is your favourite thing about working at Quasar?

The people and community are my favourite things about working here, they are incredibly supportive and collaborative; you never feel as if you’re alone but rather a part of a big family.

Any pieces of advice for new engineering students and those early in their careers?

Starting an engineering career or education can be daunting and it's easy to feel like you don't know enough. I've found that what you know when you start is far less important than how willing you are to learn and grow. And you don't need to know everything yourself - that's why we work in teams!