Ms. Brisebois earned her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Polytechnique Montréal in 1987 and a graduate diploma in administration from HEC Montréal in 1993. She has practised engineering with SDK for nearly 27 years. She entered the company as a structural design engineer and progressively moved up the ranks, taking on ever-greater responsibilities until she was appointed President in 2007.

A gifted, bold and inspired woman, she demonstrated her abilities with the company by taking part in major construction projects including numerous university buildings, the Montréal Heart Institute, and the head offices of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Air Canada in Dorval and the Bank of Canada on Nuns' Island. In addition to her work as company President, she continues to do hands-on work: she currently holds the position of Master Engineer, Structural and Civil Engineering, for Ste-Justine University Hospital Centre, and serves as project head for Sorel-Tracy detention centre and for Université de Montréal's science building (Outremont campus).

Throughout her engineering career, Ms. Brisebois' accomplishments have often been recognized by her peers. In 2011, she received the Hommage award from the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec for her exceptional contribution as an entrepreneur, and was a finalist for the Prix des femmes d'affaires du Québec (Québec businesswomen's award). Two years later, she won the first Réussir en équilibre (“success in balance”) competition in the non-traditional job category, organized by Femmessor Montréal.

An energetic, visionary manager, Ms. Brisebois surrounds herself with competent employees and has succeeded in engaging and motivating people and drawing out each person's strengths. She is committed to promoting the profession she loves, as a member of the Campus Montréal campaign administration and the Board of Directors of the Fondation de Polytechnique. She is also a member of several professional associations, including the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, the American Concrete Institute and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal.

About Polytechnique Montréal

Founded in 1873, Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada's leading engineering teaching and research institutions. It is the largest engineering university in Québec for the size of its graduate student body and the scope of its research activities. With over 41,400 graduates, Polytechnique Montréal has educated nearly one-quarter of the current members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. Polytechnique provides training in 15 engineering specialties, has 248 professors and more than 7,500 students. It has an annual operating budget of over $210 million, including a $82-million research budget.

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Interviews

Chantal Cantin
Polytechnique Montréal
514 340-4915
chantal.cantin@polymtl.ca