Monique Schluff Soboren, P.Eng., with pooches Wiggin and Isis.

APEGGA Volunteer Values Professional Support

BY HEATHER FRANTZ
Public Relations Coordinator

Monique Schluff Soboren, P.Eng., joined APEGGA 11 years ago. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering, and has worked in telecommunications and power industries since graduation. Monique is a professional member currently working for Aquila Networks Canada in Calgary. She is a member of the University of Calgary Student Liaison Committee and also volunteers with the Outreach program.

One of her favourite activities is going to the mountains with husband Mike and their two dogs, Wiggin and Isis. She also enjoys jumping out of the occasional plane - just for fun, of course.
Why did you join APEGGA?

For the professional aspect. I heard an engineer who worked on the space shuttle Challenger speak in Calgary once. He discussed how he was blackballed in the U.S. after coming forward with his attempt to block the launch and didn't have a professional association to turn to for assistance. It reminded me how important it is to have this sort of organization.

Why do you volunteer with APEGGA?
I do most of my volunteering with the Outreach Committee and the Student Liaison Committee. Interacting with the students reminds me of why I became an engineer.

Can you recall a particularly memorable volunteer experience?
When I did a presentation on how I use math in my job for a Grade 5 class. A girl came up to me after the presentation and said that this presentation helped her understand math better and made it seem more fun. Those are the moments that keep me doing this.

Is there a person who has been helpful in your development as a professional?
My dad is a retired electrical engineer and gives me invaluable advice as my career progresses. He has worked around the world and has always spoken highly of the profession. Visiting the offshore oil rigs of Saudi Arabia while my dad was
the superintendent may have also inspired me to think of engineering as a career in the first place.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Growing up overseas I had the privilege of seeing many places in the world. Australia is somewhere I have never been, and my husband and I are on the way there very soon.