As we continue celebrating National Engineering Month in Ontario, we are featuring leaders in the community who are shaping the future of the profession. In this feature, we speak with Réjeanne Aimey, MBA, P.Eng., President of the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education (The Foundation), a charitable organization that has been providing scholarships to undergraduate engineering students for 65 years.
Réjeanne is a licensed Professional Engineer (mechanical) with experience in the engineering and manufacturing sectors in Canada and the United States. She is a Past President of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and she is also a founding director of Black Engineers of Canada.
We caught up with Réjeanne to talk about the work she does with the Foundation and the impact it has on the next generation of engineers in Canada.
The Foundation has a long-standing history of supporting future engineers. What inspires your work, and how does your mission align with the values of NEM?
The Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education is a charitable organization that provides scholarships to undergraduate engineering students at CEAB-accredited universities in Ontario. Since 1959, we’ve been committed to ensuring the longevity of the engineering profession by providing financial support to students who will become the next generation of engineers. Our mission is deeply aligned with NEM’s goal of inspiring and fostering the engineering community. This year marks our 65th anniversary, and we take great pride in continuing this legacy.
NEM 2025 begins with P.Eng. Day on March 1. How does the Foundation celebrate the contributions of professional engineers, and what does being a P.Eng. mean to you?
We celebrate professional engineers every day through our work. We actively promote National Engineering Month through our extensive email distribution list and social media to encourage participation.
Being a P.Eng. is about upholding ethical and moral standards, making sound decisions, and using scientific and engineering principles to create holistic solutions that benefit society. For me, engineering is in my blood—my father was a Canadian-trained professional engineer—but ultimately, I believe engineering is about curiosity, problem-solving, and striving to improve the world around us.
Innovation is key to the future of engineering. How does the Foundation embrace new technologies, trends, or disciplines?
Because we award scholarships across all disciplines of engineering, we stay at the forefront of emerging trends. We’ve made efforts in recent years to ensure that our scholarships support diversity in engineering, including students from underrepresented groups and those in newer disciplines.
One exciting initiative we’re working on is a potential engineering and sports scholarship. Recognizing the dedication student-athletes bring to their studies, we want to support those who balance both pursuits. We’re collaborating with a well-known Olympic gold medalist—who is also an engineer—to make this a reality. Stay tuned for more details!
Professional growth is essential in engineering. How does the Foundation support learning, development, and mentorship?
We support undergraduate students through scholarships, but our engagement doesn’t stop there. Once students leave school, we encourage them to stay involved through volunteering. The Foundation is entirely volunteer-run, except for one part-time administrator. We have various committees, including Governance, Marketing & Communications, and Awards, where volunteers play a critical role.
We’re always looking for new volunteers to help us expand our impact. Whether it’s assisting with governance, marketing, or award selection, there are many ways to get involved and give back to the engineering profession.
Can you share a specific story or initiative that highlights the impact of the Foundation’s work?
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is receiving heartfelt messages from scholarship recipients. Many students tell us how the unexpected financial support relieved stress and helped them focus on their studies. We often share these stories in our newsletters, and they serve as a reminder of why we do what we do.
What is the biggest challenge the Foundation faces?
One of our biggest challenges is awareness—many engineers, even those deeply involved in PEO, don’t know we exist. Because of this, fundraising remains an ongoing challenge.
We want to take this opportunity to encourage donations and volunteer involvement and spread the word about our work. There are many ways to donate to the foundation, and every contribution, no matter how small, helps us continue supporting the next generation of engineers.
For those interested in getting involved, what are some ways they can contribute?
There are many ways to support our mission:
- Donate: Individual financial contributions, securities, and legacy and corporate giving all help us provide more scholarships.
- Spread the word: Follow us on social media, share our posts, and sign up for our newsletter.
- Committee volunteer: Join a committee and help shape the future of the Foundation.
- Join our board: We seek new board members annually, with calls for applications typically going out in early February every year.
We’re also always open to fresh ideas on how to expand our reach and impact and you don’t have to be an engineer to get involved.
What excites you most about being part of NEM?
NEM provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded engineers and engage in conversations that drive new ideas and innovation. I love the energy and inspiration that comes from being surrounded by passionate professionals.
Any final message you’d like to share?
This year marks the Foundation’s 65th anniversary, and to celebrate, we’ve launched a limited-edition bamboo sock! Engineers love fun socks, and these sustainable, anniversary-branded socks are a great way to show support. Visit our website to purchase a pair—or three!—and contribute to our scholarship fund.
31 days. 31 Reasons to Get Involved in National Engineering Month.
National Engineering Month is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the incredible work happening in Ontario’s engineering community. Attend events, engage with industry leaders, and discover how engineering shapes the world around us. Find an event near you and join the celebration.
