Dee Durant: From Electrical Apprentice to Trade Advocate - A Journey Through Challenges and Triumphs

In this episode, Dee Durant, a 24-year-old electrical apprentice from southern Ontario, shares her inspiring journey from childhood aspirations of becoming a meteorologist to finding her calling in the electrical trade. Despite facing challenges like severe anxiety and ADHD, Dee sheds light on how she navigated her academic struggles, supported by her loving family and mentors. She discusses her experiences on the job, the realities of being a woman in the trades, and the importance of mental health. Dee also highlights her active role in promoting skilled trades through social media and public speaking, aiming to break stereotypes and encourage diversity. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of supportive mentors, and the importance of pursuing one's passion.

00:00 Meet De Durant: Background and Early Life

03:10 Discovering a Passion for Trades

08:41 Overcoming Educational Barriers

15:23 First Steps in the Electrical Trade

19:09 Current Role and Responsibilities

22:00 Social Media and Promoting Trades

26:15 Building Confidence Through Construction

30:52 Mental Health in the Construction Industry

42:21 The Importance of Mentorship

46:17 Future Goals and Advice for Women in Construction

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about mental health challenges, including suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or contacting a support line (988). You are not alone.

Beyond the Nickname: Amy Marks' Journey of hard work, perseverance and kindness.

In this episode, Diane welcomes Amy Marks, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Compass Data Centers, often known as the 'Queen of Prefab.' Amy shares her journey from a turbulent upbringing in a construction family business to becoming a leading figure in the construction and prefabrication industries. She details her academic background, early career challenges, and eventual rise to prominence after taking bold steps in prefabrication. Amy also touches on her passion for women's rugby and its impact on her career, her work at Compass Data Centers, and the importance of kindness, hard work, and saying 'yes' to opportunities. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:18 Early Dreams and Upbringing

03:04 Path to the Construction Industry

09:06 Becoming the Queen of Prefab

15:55 Influence and Recognition

23:12 The Importance of Thought Leadership

24:15 Broadening Horizons Beyond Prefabrication

26:28 Current Role and Career Reflections

29:56 The Power of Saying Yes and Hard Work

32:34 Rugby and Its Impact on Career

39:16 Future Aspirations and Advice for Women in Construction

Ashley Kalizuk: From Crane Operator to Advocate for Women in Construction

In this episode, Ashley Kalizuk shares her journey from a crane operator to a photographer and an instructor in the construction industry. Reflecting on her career's challenges and triumphs, Ashley discusses her early days working in construction, the unexpected path to her Red Seal endorsement, and her transition into full-time photography and instructing at NAIT. She underscores the importance of representation and advocacy for women in the industry, offering advice for young women entering the field. Ashley's story is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the pursuit of passion, culminating in her recognition as a top professional under 40 in her field.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:08 Early Career Aspirations and First Job

04:35 Navigating the Construction Industry

06:13 Challenges and Lessons Learned

06:49 Writing and Advocacy for Women in Construction

13:17 Transition to Photography and Business

19:09 Becoming an Instructor and Teaching Experience

33:49 Future Goals and Advice for Women in Construction

37:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Annik Forristal's Journey from Engineering to Legal Expertise in Construction

In this episode, Diane welcomes Annik Forristal, a Toronto-based lawyer specializing in municipal and construction law. Annik shares her inspiring journey, from her early fascination with engineering during a 'Take Your Kid to Work Day' experience, to her career in the law industry. She discusses her experiences working with various industries during her co-op and her eventual gravitation towards the legal aspects of engineering projects. Annik provides insightful perspectives on the importance of mentorship, the role of legal professionals in construction projects, the challenges and rewards of bridging engineering and law, and the need for effective communication and problem-solving in the industry. Her passion for the industry and commitment to fostering supportive networks for women in construction and law shines through in this engaging conversation.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Early Life and Career Aspirations

02:52 Transition from Engineering to Law

04:59 Navigating Law School and Early Career

08:29 Specializing in Construction Law

13:18 Day-to-Day as a Construction Lawyer

14:39 Challenges and Belonging in the Industry

25:49 Recognitions and Future Aspirations

29:53 Networking and Mentorship

40:10 Final Thoughts and Advice

Empowering the Next Generation: Lindsay Chester's Advocacy for Young Women in Skilled Trades

In this episode, Lindsay Chester, the Young Women's Initiatives Program Manager at Skills Ontario, shares her journey and mission to promote skilled trades as viable career options for young women. Starting as a dream to become a teacher, Lindsay shifted her career path and found her way to Skills Ontario.. Lindsay discusses various programs and events like the Young Women's Conference, International Day of the Girl, and industry-specific days that aim to provide hands-on experiences and exposure to the construction industry and skilled trades. She emphasizes the importance of reaching out to girls as early as grades seven and eight and the role of social media in enhancing awareness. Despite the challenges of working with industries and schools, Lindsay remains passionate about creating inclusive opportunities for girls and women in trades. The episode highlights the significant impact of these initiatives in changing perceptions and encouraging young women to consider careers in skilled trades.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:15 Lindsay's Background and Early Career

04:01 Journey to Skills Ontario

06:13 Introduction to Skills Ontario and Its Programs

08:03 Young Women's Initiatives and Events

19:26 Challenges and Industry Collaboration

22:50 Reaching Young Girls Early

37:07 Resources and Support Networks

41:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this special episode for Women in Construction Week (March 2-8 2025), we highlight some of the inspiring stories shared by women on this podcast. Hosted by Diane, this episode brings together past guests including Leslie, Gelare, Mi, Morgan, Sabrina, and Lisa to share their unique journeys, experiences, and challenges in the construction field.

They share their journeys into the construction industry, from childhood dreams that didn’t involve construction to overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field. Each guest reflects on the struggles they faced early on, from learning on the job to breaking stereotypes. They highlight the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and community in their growth.

This empowering episode is a celebration of women’s achievements in construction and a reminder that the industry holds endless opportunities for those willing to work hard.

Trailblazing Women in Construction: A Candid Conversation with Lisa Laronde

In this insightful discussion, Diane interviews Lisa Laronde, Chief Transformation Officer for Ramudden Global, who shares her journey from finance to leading a major construction company. Lisa recounts her transition into the construction industry, the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how she overcame workplace challenges. She opens up about building a supportive community, and the importance of networking and representation. Lisa also emphasizes the value of involving Gen Z in the workforce and advocates for diverse leadership and equity in the construction industry.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

01:45 Lisa's Background and Career Journey

05:42 Transition to Construction Industry

08:10 Facing Gender Bias in Leadership

28:52 Challenges Faced by Women in Construction

30:28 The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

39:41 Balancing Leadership and Advocacy

41:11 Future Aspirations and Advice

Pioneering in Construction: From Rugby Fields to Infrastructure Projects with Sabrina

In this episode, Diane interviews Sabrina, a civil engineer from Zurich, Switzerland. Sabrina, who works in consulting and project management for infrastructure projects, shares her journey from growing up in an architect family to becoming a significant figure in the construction industry. She discusses her educational path, influenced by her love for sports, and the challenges and opportunities she faced in a male-dominated field. Sabrina highlights the importance of inclusivity in public spaces and her goal to create better environments for communities. She also reflects on how motherhood and her passion for rugby have shaped her leadership style and career. Sabrina advocates for using one's voice, creating long-term trust in teams, and fostering a supportive work environment.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

02:06 Background and Career Beginnings

03:55 Education

07:51 First Years in the Construction Industry

11:52 Balancing Career and Motherhood

17:09 The Role of Sports in Life and Career

22:34 Leadership and Team Dynamics

34:41 Empowerment and Advice for Women

37:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts