Christina Bisol, Sci ’22, is running uncontested to be the next Engineering Society (EngSoc) President.

“My main focus is continuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) initiatives,” Bisol said in an interview with The Journal. “The Engineering Society has already done a tremendous job in starting the process. We have a Gender in Engineering panel and a newly founded Queen’s Chapter within the National Society for Black Engineers.”

Bisol plans to continue these initiatives while also implementing new ideas, once elected. 

“I’d like to integrate EDI within all levels of the Engineering Society,” Bisol said. “It should be ingrained in how we do hiring, how we market, everything. It should be at the core of what the Engineering Society is.”

Though she didn’t have specific examples of the EDI initiatives she promises to spearhead, Bisol said these examples will come naturally in the transition process. 

She plans to further professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn profile workshops and online networking with alumni. She also hopes to support the expansion of charitable initiatives. 

Bisol’s extensive involvement with EngSoc began in her first year at Queen’s when she represented one third of her first-year class as the First Year Super Section Representative. She later worked as a Faculty Board Advisor, FREC, and Gender in Engineering mentor. She was hired last year as the Director of Events, a role which saw her managing a team tasked with planning events, including the Terry Fox Run. 

“I decided to run because I always cared about the Engineering Society. [It was] the reason why Orientation Week was so amazing—I knew they were the root of all our resources.” 

However, Bisol acknowledged her positive experience with the Society may not mirror that of all students, especially those first experiencing engineering online. 

“One of the main issues is that students don’t know the opportunities they have,” Bisol said. “We need to make our resources known, as well as providing students the resources they need to take chances and apply for executive positions.”

When asked why she’s the most qualified person to be EngSoc President, Bisol referenced the breadth of her experience within the Society. 

“My experience with EngSoc over the last four years is something very unique to myself. I think knowing how things were, what potential areas of improvement are, and how we can move forward is necessary. I know where all the holes are.”

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