Engineering Equity: Ben’s Commitment to Women United

Allyship starts with listening, learning, and showing up with intention. For Ben Dashtestani, this has been shaped by his work at Worley and his experience being seconded to United Way as a sponsored Campaign Representative (SCR). Through his time supporting community impact from both the corporate and nonprofit sides, he gained a deeper understanding of the barriers women and girls face — and the leadership required to break them down.

Following his role as an SCR, Ben signed on as a Women United Ambassador, stepping into a formal volunteer role as a champion for the movement. Inspired by the passion of Women United members and the power of collective action, he continues to show up as an ally committed to learning, listening, and building more equitable workplaces and communities. Here, he shares what allyship means to him and why supporting women and girls strengthens us all.

What first inspired you to support Women United, and what does being an ally to this movement mean to you? 

Frankly, it was the remarks from Women United Lead Tiesha McLean delivered at Worley in 2023, as well as working with her during my secondment at United Way in 2024. Her passion and dedication, along with the amazing roster of women she has recruited to the group, are an inspiration to me personally. 

Being an ally to Women United first and foremost means seeking to understand rather than passing judgment on other people’s journeys. I believe that in life, your value and happiness grow from how many people you can support in their journeys. Women United is an excellent example of bringing people together from all walks of life to promote equity in our community. 

What challenges facing women and girls resonate most deeply with you, and why do you feel called to act? 

From my discussions with women in our community, the workplace challenges they face are often unique. I feel that the more people we can support and learn from in the workplace, the more welcoming and competitive our professional environments will become from a business perspective. 

Other than supporting Women United, how else do you show up as an ally for gender equity at home, in your workplace, or in the community? 

In the workplace, I am fortunate to work with an amazing team of female colleagues who are the utmost professionals. Furthermore, I strive to support the great Women of Worley (WoW) group whenever I can with event planning and coordination efforts. 

In the community, I am a frequent alumni volunteer at the University of Alberta, working with a diverse team of individuals, including many amazing female alumni. I have learned from their wisdom and have strived to support their voices whenever possible. 

Is there a woman, past or present, who has shaped your views or inspired your journey as an advocate? Tell us about her. 

My first two managers in the engineering world (including the person who hired me when others passed) are amazingly talented and wise women. I have learned a great deal from them as mentors, not only professionally but also as life mentors. Furthermore, my main mentor during the Worley Graduate Development Program was a female leader at Worley who embodies professionalism and positivity. 

If you could ensure one opportunity or resource for every woman or girl, what would it be and why? 

For all women and girls, it would be easier access to post-secondary education (whether at a university, college, or technical school). Higher education often leads to greater financial security and a stronger community. 

What advice would you give to other men interested in becoming a better ally in the movement for gender equity? 

I don’t like to use the word advice. Having said that, the best suggestion I would give to my fellow gentlemen is that supporting people from all walks of life — including the amazing women in our community — will lead to that support coming back to them, either directly through wonderful colleagues who uplift them or indirectly through engaged community members who make our region resilient, connected, and thriving.