Meet Odette Palis

Odette Palis graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from Universidad del Norte, Colombia in 2000. She currently works as a Site Manager at the Flamboro Quarry - Dufferin Aggregates. In her spare time, Odette enjoys cake decorating, baking, and Zumba (she is also a Zumba instructor, but just for fun!)

When did your love of STEM begin?

When I was in my last years of high school, I enjoyed working with numbers and equations and felt that engineering would allow me to use these skills. It is also a very diverse field, offering numerous opportunities in a variety of industries and roles.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

The field is very challenging and requires a variety of skills. You need to understand the production side of the industry and how to accomplish things safely, but also the financial side, and you have to be able to plan forward to be successful. It is an industry that requires you to be comfortable in an office environment but also in the field, and that provides a lot of diversity - it is always changing - never dull!!

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

The field has been very male dominated in the past, but this is changing. I would advise them to pursue their passion and to have confidence and faith in their ability to make a positive contribution to whatever industry they choose to be a part of. Listen and learn from those around you that are more experienced, and then utilize what you know and what you've learned. And enjoy the work – it is an exciting field to be working in!