Member Spotlight - Yousra Abdelhady
Yousra Abdelhady is a Naval Architect and Professional Engineer with over a decade of professional experience. Currently, she is a Senior Engineer at Transport Canada in the Marine Safety & Security division. Throughout her career, Yousra has developed a comprehensive skill set in Naval Architecture, Project Management, Production, and Modelling. She has thrived in a variety of roles, ranging from active fieldwork to office-based positions. Her expertise extends across engineering consultancy, shipbuilding, and refitting, to plan approval at classification societies. Presently, she contributes her extensive knowledge and skills to the government sector.
In addition to her technical expertise, she has experience as a professional trainer in project management. She is currently SNAME Canadian Atlantic Section Communications and Events Chair, as well as Mari-tech 2025 Communications lead. She has volunteered as a mentor and facilitator for hands-on workshops for children, teenagers, and adults.
At what point in your career did you join SNAME?
I became an SNAME member in 2015, but I had been using SNAME books since I was at university in Egypt. SNAME Principles of Naval Architecture was and still is one of the most important publications for Naval Architects.
How has SNAME membership been of value to you in your career?
I landed my first job in Canada because of all the supportive people I met through SNAME. At that time, I was living in Montreal and volunteered at the SNAME Eastern Canadian Section. That community was very supportive and thanks to them I got my first job in Ottawa.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a job in the maritime field?
Since I was in high school, and maybe earlier.
What advice would you give to those entering the maritime field?
Be active in the maritime community and seize every opportunity to volunteer, whether in your local SNAME section, at a conference, or elsewhere.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love outdoor activities and traveling to see new places. I love to meet new people.
What is your favorite book, movie or tv series?
Books: Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner and Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Movies: Deadpool, Pirate of the Caribbeans, Fantastic Beasts, and Banat Al A’ am (Egyptian comedy)
TV series: Schitt’s Creek, Parks and Recreation, and El Le’ba (Egyptian comedy)
What is a fun fact about yourself?!
I like trying and learning new things, even if I am not good at them. For example, I love cross-country skiing but I am clumsy. I spend more time falling than skiing, but I still try and will keep trying.