SCC Reveals Winners to Represent Canada at the 2020 IEC Young Professionals Programme

EIN SCC YP 400

Nov 4, 2020

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is thrilled to announce Canada’s representatives for the 2020 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Young Professionals (YP) Programme. The winning representatives were selected through a competition that was open to managers, engineers and technicians who are in their 20s to mid-30s, and are interested in active involvement with IEC-related activities. 

Grace Abuhamad, 28, is a Research Program Manager, Trustworthy AI, at Element AI. She has a Master’s in Science from MIT, where her research focused on algorithmic discrimination in credit scoring systems.

“Winning this competition, as an AI specialist, means the SCC is focusing on developing talent and standards at the cutting edge,” she says.

She participates in the mirror committee ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 Artificial Intelligence. At the national level, she is involved with the CIO-Strategy Council and the Data Governance Standardization Collaborative, for which she co-chairs a working group on machine learning analytics. 

“Standards processes are long and require a unique expertise,” Abuhamad says. “It’s not easy to dive-in midway through. Given how early stage AI standards development is, I thought that involving myself now would allow me to mature with the standards development processes. I am inspired by leadership in the Canadian Mirror Committee for ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 who have been very welcoming and eager to mentor me throughout.” 

Oshara Narangoda, 29, is a Protection and Control Engineer at Tetra Tech Canada. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Systems and Computing from the University of Guelph. He has worked as Control Systems Engineer at Brock Solutions and Electrical Engineer at Lloyd’s Register Canada. At Lloyd’s Register Canada, he was responsible for third-party conformity assessment of electrotechnical products. He used standards to assess the safety and performance of electrical and control designs intended for the marine and offshore industry.

 “As I work towards a leadership role related to engineering design and compliance, it would be beneficial to observe management and technical discussions on issues facing compliance and standardization on an international stage,” he says. 

“Winning this competition and having the opportunity to represent Canada at IEC’s Young Professional Workshop at the 2021 IEC General Meeting would expose me to current issues, future direction, and strategies for IEC. This would advance my career and make me an asset to any organization.”

Abuhamad and Narangoda will represent Canada at the IEC YP Workshop at IEC’s General Meeting in 2021 in Dubai, UAE. The IEC Executive Committee cancelled this year’s IEC YP Workshop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both winners will still be eligible to attend virtual activities planned by the IEC YP Programme throughout the year. 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…

  • Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    by William (Bill) Burr Question:  Adam is working in his garage cutting wood on his table saw. Suddenly the lights go out and the sump pump and the table saw stop running. There is obviously a power outage. After a short time, the lights and the sump pump come back on, but thetable saw stays off. Adam needs to restart it.  Can you explain why the lights and sump pump come back on… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    June 9, 2025 MERSEN CANADA TORONTO INC. is pleased to announce effective June 2nd, 2025, Andrey Goreev has joined Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager for the Western Canada Region. He will report to Tom Arbanas, Vice President of Distribution Sales and Customer Care, Canada. Andrey has over 18 years of experience in industrial… Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    June 9, 2025 In an industry dominated by global giants, a startup from Canada’s East Coast is quickly becoming one of the most compelling cleantech success stories in the country. Electric Avenue, a Nova Scotia–based EV charging manufacturer, is making waves in the North American market with the official launch of its Watti Pro Echo… Read More…

  • Manitoba and BC Establish Free Trade Agreements

    June 9, 2025 The Manitoba government will sign a new memorandum of understanding with British Columbia to advance free trade between the two provinces and cabinet will pass regulations by July 1 to ensure mutual recognition of other provinces by Canada Day, Premier Wab Kinew announced today at the MBiz Breakfast Series hosted by the… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    June 9, 2025 Trade barriers between Nova Scotia, several provinces and the federal government will soon be removed. Nova Scotia, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have taken action to remove barriers and red tape that will open up new trade and investment opportunities. It is also anticipated that the… Read More…