MUMBAI, India — Burns & McDonnell India, hosted Women Leading the Future of Engineering, a leadership forum co-curated with NASSCOM that brought together 17 women leaders from global capability centers across India for a candid discussion on the future of engineering, artificial intelligence and women’s leadership in technical fields.

The forum was led by Anagha Dalal, head of the Process Department, Oil, Gas & Chemical, Burns & McDonnell India, and created space for women leaders to share perspectives on how engineering careers can become more inclusive, accessible and future-ready.

The discussion centered on the theme of Engineering Intelligence, exploring how technical knowledge, human judgment and emerging technologies can work together to solve complex business and engineering challenges. Panelists discussed how AI is changing the way engineers approach problem-solving, shifting the role of engineers from execution alone to stronger problem definition, validation, systems thinking and ethical decision-making.

“Trust can come from leaders like us. When we provide that backup to the teams around us, we all can flourish,” says Parul Gopal, chief administrative officer, Burns & McDonnell India. “Forums like this help create the space for women leaders to share experiences, challenge assumptions and build the confidence to take on what comes next.”

The conversation also highlighted the importance of representation in engineering and leadership roles. Participants discussed the need for visible role models, meaningful sponsorship, access to challenging assignments and everyday inclusion practices that help women grow throughout their careers. Themes from the forum included the value of core engineering skills, the role of men as allies, the importance of psychological safety and the need to support flexibility, well-being and career continuity.

Panelists also explored how organizations can help the next generation of women engineers thrive by increasing visibility for technical careers, engaging students earlier, celebrating women in engineering roles, and helping employees build the skills needed for an increasingly intelligent and connected world.

Madhumita Chakrabartti, Vaishali Mistry and Neenu Mampilly of Burns & McDonnell India participated in the forum alongside leaders from other GCCs, contributing perspectives on taking on challenging roles, attracting more women into engineering and preparing the next generation of technical talent.

The event concluded with an interactive networking activity and rapid-fire session designed to encourage connection, reflection, and shared learning among participants.

As engineering continues to evolve, Burns & McDonnell India remains focused on building a workplace where employee-owners can grow technical capabilities, lead with confidence and contribute to work that makes a lasting impact.

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell India, established in Mumbai in 2013, is a critical part of the critical operations of Burns & McDonnell. With offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru, the company provides comprehensive engineering, architecture, procurement, and construction consultancy services. Backed by the strength of its U.S.-based parent company, Burns & McDonnell India plays a pivotal role in executing design-driven engineering across sectors, including oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, transmission and distribution, power, food and consumer products, and environmental services.

With more than 2,000 professionals, the India team continues to drive innovation and deliver exceptional engineering services as an integral part of Burns & McDonnell’s global operations. The team supports the company’s engineer-procure-construct (EPC) execution model by providing scalable, effective engineering solutions and fostering strong alignment across business lines and international offices.