2025 Mentor Award Winner!
Stella Madsen, M.Sc., P.Eng.
Associated Engineering
ACEC-SK proudly recognizes Stella Madsen, P.Eng., M.Sc., of Associated Engineering (Sask.) Ltd., as the recipient of the 2025 Mentor Award for her decades-long commitment to advancing Saskatchewan’s engineering community through mentorship, leadership, and advocacy.
Celebrating a Career of Mentorship and Influence
With more than 44 years of experience, Stella Madsen has built an enduring legacy as a leader, educator, and mentor whose influence has shaped the professional growth of engineers, technologists, and students across Canada. Throughout her distinguished career in both the public and private sectors, Stella has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the intellectual growth, career development, and professional guidance of others — the very qualities celebrated by the ACEC-SK Mentor Award.
Inspiring Growth and Excellence
A recognized national and international expert in asphalt pavement research, Stella’s early contributions helped improve paving procedures for cold climates and advanced design standards across North America. Beyond her technical expertise, she is celebrated for her generosity in sharing knowledge — from delivering materials training within the Ministry of Highways to mentoring engineers at Associated Engineering. Her open-door approach and passion for developing others have inspired countless professionals to pursue excellence and confidence in their careers.
Championing People and Progress
Throughout her leadership roles — including positions with the Ministry of Highways, the City of Regina, and now Associated Engineering — Stella has mentored teams ranging from five to 500 employees. Her impact extends far beyond the workplace: she has championed diversity, inclusion, and gender equity in engineering, establishing Saskatchewan’s first women-in-engineering network and creating leadership teams with equal female representation. She continues to advocate for respectful, collaborative workplaces and for the advancement of women in non-traditional roles.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Empowerment
Stella’s influence has reached generations of professionals who credit her mentorship with shaping their careers and leadership paths. Her mentees now serve as senior leaders, directors, and advocates in engineering, utilities, and community organizations across Canada. Through her mentorship, Stella has multiplied her impact — empowering others to mentor, lead, and serve their communities in turn.
Congratulations to Stella Madsen on receiving the 2025 ACEC-SK Mentor Award! Her remarkable career reflects the best of our industry — a commitment to knowledge, compassion, and the belief that great engineers build not only infrastructure, but people.