NAYGN Canada Attends Turner & Townsend’s Women in Nuclear Event

Submitted by Christina Mohan, NAYGN Canadian Regional Lead

On March 10th, 2026 several members from NAYGN Canada chapters had the opportunity to attend Turner & Townsend’s Women in Nuclear event in Toronto, held in celebration of International Women’s Day 2026. The evening brought together professionals from across the sector to reflect on the progress, challenges, and opportunities facing women in the nuclear industry.

The discussion opened with a powerful tribute to Lise Meitner—the physicist whose groundbreaking work led to the discovery of nuclear fission, yet who was overlooked for the Nobel Prize in favor of her male collaborators. Her story served as a compelling reminder of the importance of visibility, recognition, and advocacy for women in STEM.

One highlight of the event was a featured talk from Christina Mohan, NAYGN Canadian Regional Lead, who shared insights on the future of the nuclear industry as well as experiences from her journey with NAYGN.

Throughout her presentation, three key career lessons were emphasized — insights that have shaped professional growth and are highly relevant to young nuclear professionals:

1. Ask Questions—After Doing the Work

Curiosity is essential, but thoughtful curiosity is even more powerful. Conducting research and critically thinking through potential solutions before seeking support helps strengthen understanding and builds confidence.

2. Build Your Network

Technical expertise is fundamental, but relationships and professional visibility play an equally important role in opening doors. A strong network can accelerate learning, growth, and opportunity.

3. Take Initiative

Opportunities often arise from stepping forward—not waiting to be asked. Even when you feel underqualified, initiative demonstrates leadership and creates momentum for personal and organizational success.

The event was a meaningful opportunity for NAYGN members to engage with leaders across the industry, share perspectives, and support the collective goal of fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and representative nuclear workforce.

Shoutout to the Turner & Townsend team for hosting an inspiring evening and for inviting our members to contribute to the conversation. We look forward to continuing to champion the next generation of nuclear professionals and advancing equity within our field.