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From the moment Quinn Stanley could tinker with toys, they were drawn to problem-solving. It wasn’t long before those around them noticed, too.

“Everybody kind of knew I was going to be an engineer from when I was like five. So this has kind of always been what I wanted to do,” says Quinn.
 

When it came time to apply to university, Dalhousie Engineering was an easy choice. Its strong co-op program and hands-on learning opportunities made it the perfect place to turn Quinn’s childhood passion into a career. But their first year of study wasn’t exactly what they had imagined. Starting university during a global pandemic came with challenges, particularly the hybrid learning model.

“I definitely am the type of person that does not thrive in hybrid classes, so there were a lot of difficulties I faced in first year, along with the transition from high school to university,” they say. “But I think it was more of the social aspects that were difficult rather than the course content.”

By second year, things changed. As in-person interactions returned to normal, Quinn, who identifies as queer, discovered a way to completely transform their undergraduate experience.

“I started to realize that the social connection of engineering is really your big ticket.”

Building a More Inclusive Engineering Community

Now heading into their final year of Chemical Engineering, Quinn is the Co-President of Dalhousie EngiQueers, a student society dedicated to fostering equity, diversity, and belonging in engineering. For Quinn, the society has been more than just a leadership role, it’s become a platform to drive change.

Quinn says that when they first came to Dal, they found welcoming spaces on campus but noticed a lack of visible representation and structured support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in engineering.

“Dal Engineering is working towards being more inclusive and supportive, and I think it would be harmful for me to ignore the fact that there are still challenges and barriers that exist in every engineering program,” they say. “I don't think any program has it completely figured out, and I don't think that we necessarily will anytime soon.”

That gap motivated Quinn to get involved in advocacy and community-building, eventually leading them to take on a leadership role with Dalhousie EngiQueers, a society that, in recent years, had been less active on campus. Through their efforts, Quinn helped create more opportunities for connection, professional development, and education for students.

“We prioritized social connection by hosting study sessions, movie nights, drag shows, and participating in events like Pride to create a welcoming space,” they say. “But that first drag show we put on…I had never been prouder of myself and my community than in that moment.”

For Quinn, organizing events has always been a part of their experience, but seeing lifelong friends moved to tears at the drag show held in the Sexton Campus T-Room reinforced the impact of their work.

“I think that was the moment where I was like, OK, this is what I’m meant to be doing, and this is why I do it,” they say.

Expanding Professional Development

Their efforts haven’t stopped there. Dalhousie EngiQueers is now expanding its focus on professional development, collaborating with companies such as CBCL Limited to build meaningful industry connections.

“For me, professional development is about creating spaces where students, especially those entering co-op or industry, can find support and representation. Not every workplace will be immediately inclusive or understanding, so it's crucial to build connections with mentors and role models who share similar experiences. My main goal is to establish industry connections that help students feel safe and supported as they transition into the workforce.”

Finding Community and Support

While EngiQueers continues to support and empower students at Dal Engineering, it’s had an even greater impact on Quinn.

“I think, honestly, the best part of my experience so far has been the friends that I’ve made along the way. And I know that's kind of cheesy, but I think it's true, and I think it's the best part of being Co-President of EngiQueers,” they say.

Whether they’re discussing shared interests or their experiences as queer engineering students, Quinn adds that these connections have provided a sense of understanding and community that’s hard to find elsewhere.

“At the end of the day, the most important aspect of all of our lives is our support system, especially when you're looking at queer students or minority students in general,” they say.