Dawn (right) with TPBC CEO, John Leech
Dawn, John, Dawn’s father (second from the right) and son (far right) and the Skeetchestn Indian Band Council, with Chief Eddy Jules (second from the left, second row)
Technology Professions BC is pleased to recognize Dawn McGrath with the inaugural Doug Duncan Leader Award. Dawn is a well-regarded professional known for her leadership and ability to get things done. She is an Applied Science Technologist and Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner, and has managed to acquire a MBA while at the same time working on a PhD in Civil Engineering at UBCO. She is a well-educated Secwepemc matriarch who is on a mission to help inform and share her experience so that youth may find a less challenging pathway to success. Not too bad when you come from a rural remote isolated community.
Dawn grew up in a home without running water and electricity . She has embraced her journey to better the lives of indigenous communities. She has been surrounded by exceptional mentors and has defied the statistics that said she wouldn’t succeed.
She’s turned a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’ many times and carries a resilience that is difficult to bottle. Her approach is to support and encourage youth to figure out how to approach STEM related fields and to find a fit that may work.
Dawn is a Board Director with Technology Professions BC (TPBC) and has a responsibility for Indigenous Relations. Dawn is Co-Chair of TPBC’s TEChub, a blue chip advisory body supporting TPBC’s work in advocating for technology education and careers. In 2025 and 2026 Dawn presented on behalf of TPBC to the Indigenous led Gathering Our Voices, with a presentation that helped guide youth as they explore STEM education and careers. In 2026 Dawn shared the presentation with Pamela Zevit, RPBio, a Board Director and a Past President of the Association of Professional Biology.
Dawn is a visionary… a leader… a doer… a collaborator,,, a loved mother… auntie friend…and more. Dawn is so very deserving of the Doug Duncan Leader Award.
Doug Duncan was a leader for ASTTBC over decades. The TPBC Board, together with Doug’s wife Marie and two daughters Jennifer and Pamela, collaborated in putting together this award in recognition of Doug’s contribution. A special fund was set up by the family allowing for the contribution of $1,000 each year to a worthy organization. An announcement on the 2026 financial award will be made this Fall.
Dawn is rocking it on so many fronts. TPBC joins Pamela and Jennifer in extending our congratulations and wish Dawn our very best as she continues her journey.