For Karen Ngo, leadership in energy means driving meaningful innovation while creating space for others to grow alongside it.

As a Project Engineer in Cenovus Energy’s Major Projects organization, Karen supports the delivery of large-scale capital initiatives that enhance operational performance and sustainability. She collaborates across engineering, construction, and operations teams to move complex projects from early design through execution. Throughout her work, she proactively identifies risks, strengthens execution planning, and bridges technical and operational teams to deliver safe, effective outcomes.

Karen’s path into engineering began with encouragement. Growing up in Calgary, she was curious about the energy industry but lacked the confidence to envision herself in STEM. A high school teacher who challenged and believed in her shifted that trajectory. That early mentorship became the foundation for her commitment to helping others see their own potential.

Innovation is another defining thread in her career. Through the Avatar Innovations program, Karen co-founded CO2Brew, a clean-tech start-up focused on small-scale carbon capture solutions for craft breweries. Recognizing that breweries emit high-purity CO₂ during fermentation while simultaneously purchasing CO₂ for carbonation, the team developed a system to capture, purify, and reuse those emissions. Karen helped lead the design and deployment of a demo unit at Cold Garden Brewery in Calgary, securing grant funding and proving that practical, small-scale innovation can create measurable environmental and economic impact.

Beyond her technical and entrepreneurial work, Karen is deeply committed to community engagement. She is actively involved with Women@Cenovus, and guest lectures at the University of Calgary, while regularly mentoring students, engineers-in-training, and early-career professionals. “I know what it feels like not to see someone who looks like you in this space,” she says. “If I can help even one person feel more confident stepping into engineering, that matters.”

She also founded @yyc.cravings, a platform celebrating Calgary’s food culture and diverse local businesses - another example of her belief in connection and storytelling.

As a YWE Award recipient, Karen sees this recognition as momentum. She intends to use the platform to champion mentorship, representation, and practical sustainability solutions, ensuring more young women feel confident pursuing engineering and innovation.

Looking ahead, she aims to continue leading transformative projects while opening doors for the next generation of energy professionals.

Congratulations, Karen!

Read aLl the 2025 YWE Award Winner Profiles:

• Alise Vandersalm, Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company

• Amanda Calleberg, Commercial Advisor, Inter Pipeline

• Ashley Marshall, Piping General Superintendent, Kiewit Construction Services ULC

• Karen Ngo, Project Engineer, Cenovus Energy

• Katie Howes, Project Engineer, Corporate Liability, Canadian Natural

• Keltey Heathcott, Director, Investments – Major Projects Office, Government of Canada (secondment from ATCO Group)

• Lindsay Campbell, Manager, Sustainability, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)

• Nathalie Carson, Operations Lead, Imperial Oil

• Neneh Thapar, Senior Manager, Strategy & Business Design, Deloitte

• Summer Okibe, Policy Analyst, Government of Alberta