Aalia joined McKinsey about three years ago and has become an active part of our growing community in Calgary.
“After completing my Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Calgary, I spent four years working as an upstream oil and gas engineer in exploration, reservoir and production engineering roles. I completed my MBA at INSEAD and spent time at campuses in both France and Singapore.
After graduation, I joined McKinsey as an associate. I wanted to compliment my experience in oil and gas with a broader cross-industry perspective. I wanted to tackle some of the toughest challenges facing CEOs today. I’ve stayed at McKinsey because the firm has delivered on that opportunity; I’ve worked in more than 10 industries so far.
I have also found a close-knit community in the Calgary office; some of the people I’ve met have become lifelong friends. An added bonus – our office is only an hour away from the Rocky Mountains, which has some of the best hiking and skiing in North America.
I’m developing a real passion for work on gender diversity in corporate leadership. Recently, through McKinsey, I led a series of workshops across Western Canada for current and future female business leaders. I want to help evolve the conversation on professional gender diversity issues to truly understand the barriers and mindsets that limit some women from taking their place at the top and work to overcome those obstacles. It’s a daunting task given the current gender gap in the world but one many of my colleagues are ready to tackle with me. I’m excited to see where our work takes us.”