01-34 GENERALS SPRING25 PT - Flipbook - Page 32
ENGAGEMENT
WOMEN LEAD THE WAY
Industry leaders gather for 3rd Annual Women in Construction event.
By CORINNE LYNDS, VP CONTENT AND PARTNERSHIPS with ACTUAL MEDIA INC.
VAUGHAN, ONT. — More than 400 construction
professionals came together on April 4 for
the 3rd Annual Women in Construction
event, hosted by the Canadian Association
of Women in Construction (CAWIC)
and the Ontario General Contractors
Association (OGCA).
Held at Universal EventSpace in
Vaughan, the day-long gathering
celebrated women in the construction
industry with a packed agenda of
workshops, networking opportunities,
and a gala dinner.
The event kicked o昀昀 in the afternoon
with a series of workshops led by industry
experts. The sessions o昀昀ered practical
insights and interactive learning opportunities focused on building professional
skills, enhancing leadership capacity, and advancing diversity across the
sector. Topics included inclusive hiring
practices, e昀昀ective communication, and
fostering equity on job sites.
Presenters included Alexia MacLeod,
owner and operator of Somerville
Construction, who shared her experience
delivering award-winning public spaces
across the Greater Toronto Area and
spoke about empowering women in
32 the generals • SPRING 2025
1
the industry. Alicia Woods, founder
and CEO of Covergalls Workwear,
highlighted the importance of designing
functional PPE for women and her
entrepreneurial journey from idea to
2
Dragons’ Den success. Sadie Perri, senior
vice-president at Platform Insurance,
o昀昀ered practical strategies for inclusive
leadership and cultivating safe, respectful
workplaces. Their sessions were among
several that provided attendees with
tools and inspiration to take back to their
organizations.
Following the workshops, attendees
gathered for a well-attended gala dinner.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Jessica
Holmes — celebrated Canadian comedian
and mental health advocate — delivered
an energetic and heartfelt address
focused on resilience, mental health,
and work-life balance. Known for her
work on Royal Canadian Air Farce, Holmes
used humour and personal storytelling
to connect with the audience, leaving
attendees both laughing and re昀氀ecting.
Now in its third year, the Women in
Construction event continues to grow
in size and impact. With support from
CAWIC and OGCA, it has become a
standout forum for driving meaningful
conversations around equity, supporting
the career development of women in
construction, and celebrating leadership
and innovation in the industry.
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