Benisa’s Inspiring Career Journey: Achieving Success and Making an Impact

Meet Benisa, a resilient and dedicated professional at AtkinsRéalis. Her career journey showcases growth and the impact of an inclusive work culture. Overcoming early challenges and embracing diverse opportunities, Benisa highlights how AtkinsRéalis supports her with flexibility and a strong sense of community.

A journey of resilience and career evolution

My name is Benisa! I'm a proud Canadian from Vancouver. My family immigrated to Canada just before I turned two. Watching my parents work tirelessly while learning English instilled in me a strong work ethic and resilience. This mindset has driven my career, turning setbacks into opportunities. I've transitioned from Science to earning my CPA, CMA accounting designation, leading to a 12+ year career in finance. Now, I'm excited to explore diverse opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and contribute to our Client Advisory Services. Each career shift has been a chance to grow and adapt, and I look forward to the new challenges ahead. 

Embracing diverse markets and career growth

I ultimately chose AtkinsRéalis because of the diverse markets and projects we're involved in. Being part of such a large organization provides limitless opportunities for learning from cross-functional teams and for career development – and I was right! Deciding to work for AtkinsRéalis has been one of the most impactful and profound decisions of my career. 

A workplace filled with opportunities and vibrant culture

There are so many wonderful things about working for AtkinsRéalis that it's hard to pick just one. The high caliber and quality of people, support from senior leadership, and amazing projects that enhance our diverse communities are just a few highlights. The limitless career opportunities are another major draw. But what truly sets AtkinsRéalis apart is our fantastic work culture, making work fun and engaging! Our offices often host enjoyable events like lunch and learns, potlucks, and coffee chats with senior leadership, creating a strong sense of community. 

Fostering innovation through collaboration and support

Working at AtkinsRéalis offers tremendous opportunities to collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams and global experts. These collaborations are fantastic for sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives, and solving problems together, ultimately delivering maximum value to our clients. As someone who enjoys challenging the status quo, I've always felt supported by my managers at AtkinsRéalis. They listen to my ideas and encourage me to test and implement them. AtkinsRéalis truly fosters innovation, greatly enriching my career. 

Embracing authenticity

Early in my career, I struggled to bring my authentic self to work. I wanted to stay true to my personality while being respected and taken seriously. Through the inclusivity of my colleagues, outstanding female role models, and the positive work culture at AtkinsRéalis, I realized I could be warm, kind, and enthusiastic while still being respected for my work. Now, I bring my authentic self to work every day and strive to help others do the same through the various ERGs I am actively involved in. 

Empowering communities and employees through ERGs

AtkinsRéalis supports our communities by delivering impactful projects and also supports employees through various employee resource groups (ERGs). I'm involved in two: ExcELLEnce, our Canadian women's network, and Kaleidoscope, our Canadian accessibility network. 

Through Kaleidoscope, we've created ASL and QSL sign language videos for campus recruitment, promoting diversity. Our Montreal head office received the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC), enhancing accessibility for all.

ExcELLEnce established a mentorship program matching women with female leaders, amplifying voices and fostering leadership. Recently, I moderated a virtual chat for the Women's Infrastructure Network (WIN), discussing sustainability and net-zero projects, reflecting AtkinsRéalis' commitment to resilient solutions. This year, I am leading the ExcELLEnce network as their Chairperson and I look forward to fostering a barrier-free culture where everyone can thrive and has equal opportunities to succeed.

Embracing flexibility for work-life balance

Balancing work and life is a continuous act of realignment. Some days, life outside of work takes priority, while other days require longer work hours to meet deadlines. AtkinsRéalis' unwavering flexibility to work from home or in the office supports this balance. Without this flexibility and the trust from leadership, I couldn't effectively manage my commitments at home, in the office, and in the community. This trust in allowing us to decide where and how we work has significantly improved my performance, and I'm deeply grateful for it. 

AtkinsRéalis is more than just a workplace—it's a community where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and ideas are nurtured. If you value authenticity and seek flexibility to balance work and life, explore opportunities with us. Join a team making a real impact in business and communities. Join us today!