Meet Our Team

Not all managers and general volunteers are disclosed here due to privacy reasons.

Samuel Parcon, EIT (He/him)

Co-founder and Director of Operations & Finance

Samuel is a mechanical engineer that works in the Automotive industry based in Vancouver and currently lives and works remotely in Edmonton. Samuel co-founded this organization as he sees a need in promoting diversity, visibility, and inclusivity of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in the field of engineering. On the side, Samuel likes to do activities such as gymming and bouldering, playing music, dancing, scuba diving, boardgames, travelling, and unhealthily obsessing over Marvel TV shows and movies.

Itati Cordova, EIT (She/her)

Co-founder and Advising Director

Itati Cordova graduated from the University of Alberta in 2020 and currently works in the Utility space in Edmonton, Alberta. Itati co-founded Pride in Engineering with a goal of building a strong support network of queer engineers throughout Canada. Outside of this, you can find her practicing the ukulele, snuggling with her geriatric cat Baby Meow Meow, and going to farmers markets around Edmonton.

Karla Beltran Martinez (She/her)

Director of Outreach and Development

Karla is a biomechatronics engineer working as a research coordinator at the University of Alberta. She moved to Edmonton over five years ago, and joined PIE as a way to meet more queer people within the engineering field. Apart from being at the lab, Karla enjoys spending time with her dog and cat, traveling, and trying new ice creams around the city.

Justin Reinke (He/him)

Director of Creative and Technology

Justin is a data analyst located in Edmonton, AB. He is currently developing his skills in data science and software development. Justin is a disabled person and a queer individual. He wants to promote understanding and awareness of the intersection of disability and 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. He also believes that the understanding and awareness of intersectionality between and within all marginalized groups is critical to creating a robust and comprehensive network of support and action to realize the societal change needed to dismantle oppressive groups and institutions. He has extensive experience in community building and advocacy organizing.

He enjoys looking at spreadsheets and ingesting data to communicate understanding and passion to audiences of all levels through effective data storytelling. Justin feels fulfilled when complex problems are solved and hidden meanings in data are identified and shared with others.

In his down time, Justin enjoys spoiling his bunny, watching horror movies and documentaries, and playing video games.

Colby Pilling, EIT (He/him)

Communications Manager

Colby is working as a Reservoir EIT based out of Calgary! He joined PIE because it's a great way to learn how to be an advocate for queer engineers in our respective industries. Outside of work, Colby loves going to new coffee shop, thrifting with friends, and going to local drag shows!

Ari Copeland, P.O. (He/they)

General Volunteer

Ari is a queer transman with a civil/environmental engineering background and works as an O&M Specialist in the water and wastewater industry, He is originally from Connecticut, USA and is currently based in San Jose, CA. Ari co-founded his organization's Pride ERG as he saw a need to promote diversity, visibility, and inclusivity of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in the field of engineering/water and wastewater industry. Ari is a current Vice President of the American Water Works Association. On the fun side, Ari likes to do activities such as watching movies, listening to music, traveling, visiting coffee shops, and eating awesome vegan food.

Nadia Van Der Vinne, EIT (She/her)

General Volunteer

Nadia is a queer civil environmental engineer that works in the water resources industry based in Edmonton, Alberta. Outside of work Nadia enjoys table top games, skiing, hiking, travelling, and cooking.

Neeraj Kumar Dahiya, Er. (He/him)

General Volunteer

Neeraj is a Computer Science engineer from India who has worked in a variety of creative and technical functions in top industries. Neeraj started working as a UI/UX Designer in 2018 and found his passion in Graphic Design as the company demanded. Since then, Neeraj has created plenty of graphics, brand-identity kits, print and media graphics to bring successes for the company. Neeraj is a supporter of diversity and individuality, thus came to Edmonton, Canada in 2021 to get a chance to engage with different cultures, communities and explore the world with a wider lens. Opportunity at PIE just came in time for Neeraj as he was looking forward to build his network of diverse, passionate individuals. Neeraj loves sharing his knowledge since he was in Grade 10 and PIE gives him a chance to do that where he shares his passion and skills of design. On the other side, Neeraj loves watching documentaries on Army professionals, spy-movies and collecting hot-wheels like a kindergartner!

Kyle Lasante (He/Him/They/Them)

General Volunteer

Kyle currently lives and works in Edmonton, Alberta. As a Métis individual and a member of the neurodivergent community, he is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion. In addition to his academic pursuits in data analytics, Kyle enjoys staying active by working out and playing basketball. He also has a keen interest in 3D printing, which allows him to combine creativity with his technical skills. Kyle is excited to contribute his unique perspective and skills to foster a supportive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.