Raenna Hesje, a fourth-year environmental engineering student, with her son at a USask Engineering event. (Photo: Submitted)

Women’s History Month: Engineering with family at heart

This October, USask Engineering is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month.

By Engineering Communications

This October, USask Engineering is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month by sharing the stories and perspectives of our female students, faculty and alumni.

Since 1946, when Isobel (Izzy) Beatrice Daw became our first female graduate, women of USask Engineering have continued the tradition of being leaders, change-makers and innovators.

This year, we’re continuing the story through a series of Q&A features, highlighting the voices of women who define what it means to be a University of Saskatchewan engineer.

 

Raenna Hesje

Meet Raenna Hesje, a fourth-year environmental engineering student who is passionate about engineering, her family and community.

Raenna in the field during her summer environmental engineering job with Orano. (Photo: submitted)

Raenna is a member of the Métis Nation Saskatchewan and the 2025 Resiliency Award Recipient for the USask Indigenous Students’ Achievements Awards.

 

Who is a woman in engineering or STEM that inspires you and why?

My boss this summer at Orano, Kebbi Hughes. It's amazing to watch her power through projects, lead meetings, manage teams, and all while being an amazing mother to two boys - it's unreal. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in engineering so far?

So far, it's been making my son proud - he seems to think I'm already an engineer and assumes I can fix anything! 

What advice would you share with other women in engineering?

It may seem intimidating, but you can do it and you're not alone! 

(Photo: Submitted)

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women's History Month is a beautiful opportunity to reflect on how far women have come, celebrate our accomplishments and take pride in the progress we continue to make.