Women in industry – equality and diversity in construction

The West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) is proud to highlight its ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion in the construction industry through various initiatives, including two significant events held in October. The WE BUILD Showcase, hosted on Oct. 9, 2024, and the Seventh Annual WIN Luncheon, on Oct. 24, 2024, are vital milestones in WEHBA’s mission to empower women in construction, skilled trades and STEM fields, reflecting the growing recognition of women’s contributions across all sectors of the industry.

WE BUILD Showcase inspires young women in skilled trades

For the third consecutive year, WEHBA partnered with Mohawk College and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) to organize the WE BUILD Showcase at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek Campus for Skilled Trades. This event provided 100 young women in Grades 7 and 8 with hands-on introductions to various career paths in residential construction, skilled trades and STEM fields.

The full-day event featured interactive workshops, guided tours of Mohawk’s Marshall School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Campus, and engaging sessions aimed at inspiring the next generation of leaders. Students explored a range of trades and specialties through friendly competitions and activities led by WEHBA members and community partners.

The WE BUILD Showcase also featured booths from various valued members in the industry, including Cachet Homes, Dynamic Heating and Cooling, Guest Plumbing & HVAC, Heartwood Renovations, Milwaukee, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Turkstra Lumber, WalterFedy, and YWCA Hamilton. Through direct engagement with industry professionals, students explored the possibilities of working in these fields and learned about the academic pathways to get started.

WIN Luncheon celebrates success and connection

Following the WE BUILD Showcase, the WEHBA held its Seventh Annual WIN Luncheon, which brought together incredible women in the industry for a day filled with motivation, connection and inspiring success stories. This event recognized outstanding contributions within the industry and honoured individuals who are making a significant impact.

The WEHBA proudly recognized Andrea Peckart with the Women in Industry Award and Kirstin Jensen with the Women in Industry Young Contributor Award for their outstanding contributions. Their achievements highlight the increasing impact of women in the field and serve as an inspiration to future generations.

The luncheon featured a panel discussion with industry leaders, including Karen Linseman, vice-president of operations of the Innovation Factory; Khadija Hamidu, vice-president of economic development at YWCA; and Samara Young, associate dean of building systems and sustainability at Mohawk College, moderated by Terri Johns, WEHBA past president and founder of Landwise. The discussion emphasized the importance of authenticity, self-worth and mentorship in advancing women’s roles within the industry.

Building a stronger future together

The WEHBA Women in Industry (WIN) Committee, founded in 2018, is the first women’s group within a Home Builders’ Association in Canada. Comprised of passionate women, the committee is dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering women in construction, development, trades and STEM fields. Through networking events, educational sessions and monthly meetings, the WIN Committee fosters connections that advance gender diversity within these industries.

As WEHBA continues to champion equality and inclusion in construction, these events represent a pivotal step in inspiring and empowering the next generation of women leaders in the trades. With the support of community partners and industry members, WEHBA is dedicated to creating a more inclusive environment where women can thrive and excel in their chosen careers.