Building a career in a foreign country comes with its fair share of challenges—adapting to a new culture, proving one’s skills, and finding opportunities to grow. Liza Baliad has embraced these challenges head-on, carving a path as a professional engineer, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Currently an Estimator at VCM Construction Ltd. in Saskatchewan, Canada, she holds a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation in Canada and is a Registered Civil Engineer in the Philippines. Beyond her engineering career, she is also a thriving entrepreneur, television host, and a dedicated leader in Filipino community organizations.
Liza’s journey overseas began in 2006 when she and her family immigrated to Canada. Unlike many professionals who immediately find work in their field, she took an unconventional path. “My first job in Canada was as a building manager in Toronto, overseeing a 300-unit high-rise building,” she shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. Though unrelated to engineering, the role provided invaluable experience in management, customer service, and problem-solving.
In her early years in Canada, she juggled multiple jobs. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at a doctor’s clinic in Saskatoon, helped out at a daycare center where her daughter was enrolled, and even spent weekends preparing bacon and burger patties at a fast-food restaurant. “That experience gave me immense respect for those in the food industry and taught me the value of teamwork,” she reflects.
Establishing herself in the construction industry
Her breakthrough in the construction industry came in 2012 when she moved to Saskatoon and started working as a Construction Estimator. In this role, she prepares detailed cost estimates for commercial and institutional construction projects, analyzing plans, specifications, and documents to determine materials, labor, and equipment needs. She also conducts market research, reviews project bids, and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. “Construction estimation requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and collaboration. It’s fulfilling to see a project come to life, knowing my estimates played a crucial role in its success,” she explains.
Her perseverance paid off when she obtained her Professional Engineers license in 2014, marking a major milestone in her career. Beyond her role as an Estimator, Liza is also a partner at Baliad Consulting Engineers and Designers (BCED), which provides engineering consulting services in Canada.
Liza’s passion extends beyond engineering. She is the Founder and CEO of Renew By Liz, a skincare and cosmetics company based in Saskatoon. This venture allows her to explore her love for beauty and wellness while providing high-quality products to customers. “Running a business alongside my engineering career is challenging, but I thrive on pushing myself beyond my comfort zone,” she shares.
She is also deeply involved in community service as the President of Bayanihan Foundation Canada Inc., where she leads initiatives supporting Filipino immigrants, including organizing cultural events, offering educational scholarships, and providing settlement assistance to newcomers. “Helping fellow Filipinos integrate into Canadian society is something I’m truly passionate about,” she says.
Liza also serves as President of the Saskatchewan International Film Festival, Inc., a platform that celebrates diverse voices in cinema. “The festival provides filmmakers from different backgrounds with opportunities to showcase their work and fosters cultural appreciation,” she explains.
From telecom engineer to global professional
Before moving to Canada, Liza worked for a prominent telecom company in the Philippines, where she was part of the Project Management and Infrastructure Department. As a Senior Engineer, she handled project estimates, site investigations, contractor management, and payment evaluations. “It was an exciting time because the telecom industry was booming, and I was proud to be one of the pioneers in the company,” she recalls.
Her dedication extended beyond her job, as she actively participated in volunteer engineering programs and mentored international graduates in Saskatchewan. She also supported charitable organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society and SOS Children’s Villages.
Moving to a new country came with significant hurdles. “Finding employment in my field was difficult at first because I lacked Canadian work experience and industry connections,” Liza admits. Securing her professional license was another challenge, requiring her to navigate a complex certification process.
To overcome these struggles, she took proactive steps, including updating her resume to meet Canadian standards, networking at job fairs, and pursuing additional training. “My family and close friends provided unwavering support throughout this journey, keeping me motivated even during tough times,” she says. She also drew inspiration from other immigrants who successfully built their careers in Canada. “Their perseverance proved that hard work and determination lead to success.”
Finding joy in her work
Liza’s passion for her profession keeps her motivated. “I love the complexity of construction projects and the problem-solving required in estimation. It allows me to combine my engineering background with business strategy,” she explains. Collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors makes her work dynamic and fulfilling. “The best part is knowing that my expertise contributes to the successful completion of projects,” she adds.
Living and working in Canada has provided Liza with countless opportunities. “I appreciate the cultural diversity, career growth prospects, and access to advanced technology,” she says. Canada’s emphasis on work-life balance has also allowed her to maintain a fulfilling personal and professional life. “The experience has broadened my perspective, improved my skills, and strengthened my global network,” she shares.
While she has achieved remarkable success abroad, Liza envisions giving back to the Philippines in the future. “I plan to establish an engineering consulting firm and mentor aspiring professionals. I want to create programs that empower young engineers and provide opportunities for continuous learning,” she reveals.
She is also committed to community service. “Advocating for mentorship programs and educational initiatives will be my focus. I want to share the knowledge I’ve gained to help uplift others,” she says.
Liza understands the challenges many Filipinos face when working overseas. “Prioritize self-care and mental well-being. Stay connected with family and build a strong support system,” she advises. She encourages Filipinos to be proactive in job searching, networking, and skill-building. “Take advantage of training opportunities and volunteer work to gain experience and exposure,” she suggests.
When it comes to relationships, she urges caution. “Be mindful of who you trust. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being,” she adds. Most importantly, she reminds fellow Filipinos to remain proud of their heritage. “Your culture is your identity. No matter where you go, carry it with pride.”
