Building Your Story

Diane Depardon D'Agostino
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Building Your Story, the podcast that shares the stories of successful women in the construction industry.

  1. Episode 15 - Renae Sams

    JUL 16

    Episode 15 - Renae Sams

    Send us a text Renae Sams: Building a Path for Women in Construction In this episode, Diane interviews Renae Sams, founder and executive director of Build-Her.org, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in construction. Renee shares her journey from dreaming of working for NASA to becoming a leader in the construction industry. She details the challenges she faced, including overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating a career without an initial exposure to construction from site administrator to senior project manager on missions critical projects. Renee discusses the importance of visible female role models and her motivation to help other women feel they belong in the industry. She also talks about her book, which includes writing prompts to encourage reflection and growth, and her efforts to create a supportive community through her nonprofit. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:11 Childhood Dreams and Early Influences 03:38 Journey into the Construction Industry 06:02 First Steps in Construction 08:20 Challenges and Growth in the Industry 13:29 Founding Build-Her.org 18:20 The Importance of Representation 38:28 Advice and Future Aspirations 43:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Notes:  Norman, Don. The Design of Everyday Things. Revised and expanded ed., Basic Books, 2013.   The Arbinger Institute. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box. 3rd ed., Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2018.   build-her.org   Build-Her. (2024, April 10). Build-Her Be Heard: Creating space for women in construction with Renae Sams.

    49 min
  2. Episode 14 - Jessica Luczycki

    JUL 3

    Episode 14 - Jessica Luczycki

    Send us a text Jessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3 In this episode, we meet Luczycki, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at Part3. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring teacher to tech entrepreneur in the architectural and construction industry. She discusses her educational background, initial career at EllisDon, and transition into architectural contract administration. Jessica reveals how frustrations in her job led to founding Part3, a software solution designed to streamline construction administration. Alongside her husband and co-founder, she navigated startup challenges, balancing parenthood and raising funds to build a solution now widely embraced by the industry. She emphasizes the importance of diversity, transparency, and customer-centric innovation in driving Part3's success. Additionally, Jessica touches on the future of AI in construction, and how it can become a tool for time consuming tasks. Tune in to hear her insights and inspiring story of perseverance and innovation. 00:00 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings 06:31 Switch to Contract Administration 11:17 Founding Part3 21:04 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood 23:15 Team Growth and Belief in the Mission 25:15 Challenges in Construction Administration 27:17 Recognition and Networking 38:37 AI in Construction and Future Plans 43:19 Advice for Women in Construction 45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    50 min
  3. Episode 13 - Chelsea Fenton

    JUN 18

    Episode 13 - Chelsea Fenton

    Send us a text Chelsea Fenton: Pioneering Women in Construction In this episode, Chelsea Fenton (@thatunionlaborer), a 32-year-old union laborer from Western Massachusetts, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring to be a firefighter to excelling in the construction industry. Chelsea discusses the challenges she overcame, including being denied entry into the apprenticeship program twice before finally being accepted. She explains how her father’s support and the invaluable mentorship from seasoned colleagues helped her succeed. Chelsea also talks about her significant role in cofounding Western Mass Tradeswomen to support and connect women in the construction trades. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of persistence, finding mentors, and maintaining work-life balance. Chelsea is actively involved in outreach and education to attract more women to the trades, underscoring her dedication to the future of the industry.   00:00 Introduction and Early Life 02:04 Career Aspirations and Challenges 11:41 Union Involvement and Growth 18:54 Forming Western Mass Tradeswomen 27:00 Challenges Women Face in Construction 29:02 Retention Challenges and Mentorship 30:39 Becoming a Foreman 35:56 Social Media Influence 42:12 Family and Personal Life 44:09 Future Aspirations and Advice https://www.wmtradeswomen.org/

    49 min
  4. Episode 12 - Mercedes Byers

    JUN 4

    Episode 12 - Mercedes Byers

    Send us a text The Journey of Mercedes Byers: From environmental science to co-founding a thriving sustainability consulting business. In this episode, Mercedes Byers shares her inspiring journey from her early dreams of becoming an actor to establishing herself in the sustainability consulting field. She talks about her childhood, academic pursuits, and how a serendipitous environmental science class at the University of Toronto pivoted her career from medicine to environmental science. Mercedes recounts the early challenges and milestones during the founding of Pratus Group, her partnership, and their eventual merger with Quasar Consulting Group. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive and respectful work culture, providing opportunities for younger employees, and balancing professional responsibilities with personal life as a mother of three. Tune in to hear her insights on leadership, overcoming industry challenges, and what drives her continued passion for sustainability in construction. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:17 Early Life and Childhood Dreams 03:50 Academic Journey and Career Beginnings 05:03 Transition to Environmental Science 07:21 First Steps in the Construction Industry 11:03 Founding Pratus Group 31:06 Fostering a Positive Work Culture 35:16 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family 39:19 The Quasar Partnership 44:03 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals

    52 min
  5. Episode 11 - Dee Durant

    MAY 21

    Episode 11 - Dee Durant

    Send us a text 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.

    51 min
  6. Episode 10 - Amy Marks

    MAY 7

    Episode 10 - Amy Marks

    Send us a text 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

    44 min
  7. Episode 9 - Ashleigh Kaliszuk

    APR 23

    Episode 9 - Ashleigh Kaliszuk

    Send us a text 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

    38 min
  8. Episode 8 - Annik Forristal

    MAR 26

    Episode 8 - Annik Forristal

    Send us a text 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

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Building Your Story, the podcast that shares the stories of successful women in the construction industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Diane Depardon D'Agostino
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Building Your Story
  • Show Website
    Building Your Story