A conversation with the women and men involved in our foundation.

Today we introduce you to Viveka Parameswaran, B.Eng, MS, PMP, CSM

AC: Can you describe your professional background?

Viveka : I’m a mechatronics engineer by education with specialization in robotics and automation. I have worked as a project manager in large engineering firms like Siemens Energy and WOOD Plc. and have handled projects ranging from PPP (Public Private Partnership) projects in Renewable energies to Mining and Metals. Currently, as an entrepreneur and principal of my firm – H.E.R Canada Consultancy (hercanadaconsultancy.com) I specialize in business and project strategy creation and implementation, process design and continuous improvement for clients in the health, energy and resources sector.
AC: What are the professional accomplishments you are most proud of?

Viveka :

1. Improving patient health outcomes at an orthopedic hospital – Reduced average patient wait times by 25% and improved diagnostics accuracy by 20%. Published a peer reviewed article in Apollo Medicine jointly with the Chief Surgeon discussing mechanisms to improve patient care.
2. Strategy to reduce capital cost – Directed power plant (steam turbine and ancillaries) optimization studies for a large energy producer that reduced CAPEX by 15% while improving system efficiency, controls, constructability, availability, maintainability and safety of the plant. This multi-million dollar project was executed on-budget and on-time, with over 100 people reporting into the project under my leadership through the lifecycle of the project.
3. Strategy for value creation – Project Value unlocking in Pulp and Paper – Identified specific investment options for a large pulp and paper client in Canada. Pulled together a compelling and comprehensive pre-feasibility study which leveraged ESG and Finance guided decision making matrix – resulting in efficient and effective decision making and fine-tuning business case. Delivered the study in record-time and positioned my previous employer as a strong incumbent for the next stage project development.

AC: Tell us about your involvement with Ataxia Canada

Viveka: Currently, I’m a member of the scientific advisory committee and english canada development committee. As a scientific advisory committee member, I’m involved in establishing/developing partnerships with crown agencies, and academia and expand on Ataxia Canada’s mission. As part of the english canada development committee, my role entails creating strategies to increase awareness about Ataxia Canada’s services to patients and community groups in Ontario, increase membership and gain visibility from potential Corporate Sponsors.

AC: What would you like to accomplish with Ataxia Canada?

Viveka:

1. Establish strong research alliances with scientific institutes to drive incremental focus and research on F.A,
2. Market the organization’s services to neuro and physiotherapists – post COVID, thereby enabling individuals affected with Ataxia to find support and resources from additional organizations,
3. Creating awareness among the physician’s network, thereby inducing more physicians direct Ataxia patients to Ataxia Canada’s resources, and thus establishing a strong patient community.