Lindsay Lashley: Civil Engineer & DEI Leader in Canadian Rail
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we’re thrilled to sit down with Lindsay Lashley, a civil engineer and concrete materials specialist driving innovation in Canada’s rail and transportation sectors—and a powerful advocate for diversity and equity in STEM.
Lindsay walks us through her engineering career, from managing the intricacies of high-frequency rail systems to her leadership role with Black Engineers Canada. Her story is one of persistence, intellect, and purpose.
“My mother always said, 'You're going to be an intellect, not just what society expects of you.' And that's the path I chose—engineering became my way of making an impact.” – Lindsay Lashley
We explore the technical and environmental challenges of designing sustainable rail infrastructure, the power of mentorship, and the structural changes needed to ensure inclusion in every layer of engineering and STEM decision-making.
Lindsay also shares personal reflections on being a Black woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, and how she’s using her platform to break down barriers and make engineering more equitable, transparent, and community-focused.
Whether you’re interested in transportation, diversity in tech, or building a career with purpose, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.