The Powerhouse Project Women in Media Network

Join host Lisa Laronde and guest Brandi Ferenc for a conversation about retaining women in the trades. Brandi is a seasoned red seal refrigeration and air conditioning system mechanic and shares her remarkable journey within the skilled trades industry. With candor and insight, Brandi uncovers the hurdles encountered by women navigating male-dominated fields, shedding light on the pressing need for a profound cultural shift.
Through her own experiences, Brandi underscores the importance of education and awareness in fostering a work environment that is not only inclusive but also respectful of diverse voices. She passionately advocates for change, urging listeners to recognize the pivotal role of allyship in dismantling barriers and fostering a more equitable landscape.
Brandi stresses the vital contribution of employers in nurturing and retaining women in the trades. Drawing from her expertise, she offers practical insights into how organizations can create supportive frameworks that empower women to thrive.
Tune in as Brandi shares her initiatives through Fairtrades Toolbox, a platform dedicated to promoting diversity and catalyzing change within the industry. From personal anecdotes to actionable strategies, this conversation promises to inspire and empower listeners to champion inclusivity and drive positive transformation in their respective spheres.
Takeaways

The skilled trades industry needs a cultural shift to create a more inclusive and respectful work environment for women.

Employers should actively seek to hire and retain women in the trades, treating them as professionals and providing the necessary support and resources.

Education and awareness are key in changing the behavior and attitudes towards women in male-dominated fields.

Allyship from both men and women is crucial in advocating for change and creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Fairtrades Toolbox, led by Brandi Ferenc, aims to promote diversity and change in the skilled trades industry through education, consulting, and advocacy.


Find out more about Brandi's work: www.fairtradestoolbox.com
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During this episode of The Powerhouse Project, we highlight Magdalena (Maggie) Casey, an up and coming civil litigator with a focus on employment, human rights, and labour law, shares insights into her background and professional journey. Drawing from her experiences living in diverse regions, Maggie recounts how these experiences shaped her commitment to human rights advocacy. She delves into the complexities surrounding the reporting of human rights violations and stresses the significance of unified efforts to address these issues.
Maggie also explores the hurdles individuals face when seeking access to justice and emphasizes the necessity of speaking out against injustices. Furthermore, she examines the intersection between labour laws and anti-discrimination regulations, shedding light on the specific challenges women confront within the legal field.
Throughout the conversation, the pair discuss the various obstacles women encounter in professional settings, including feelings of imposter syndrome and doubts about their capabilities. They also touch upon the balancing act between career and family responsibilities, underscoring the importance of mentorship and support networks.
Notably, Maggie highlights the invaluable perspectives and strengths that women bring to the legal profession, as well as the crucial role allies play in advancing human rights causes. 
The conversation culminates with advice for the younger generation, stressing the importance of remaining authentic and resilient in the face of systemic pressures.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(01:23) The Influence of Living in Different Countries
(07:27) Challenges in Reporting Human Rights Violations
(09:26) The Need for Collective Action
(10:47) The Barriers to Accessing Justice
(13:15) The Importance of Speaking Out
(15:21) The Intersection of Labour Law and Anti-Discrimination Laws
(23:31) Imposter Syndrome and Doubt
(25:19) Proving Yourself and Overcoming Barriers
(27:34) The Challenges of Balancing Work and Family
(29:06) The Importance of Mentorship and Support
(32:52) The Strengths and Perspectives of Women in the Profession
(37:35) Being an Ally and Advocating for Human Rights
(39:03) Advice for Younger Self

Find out more about Maggie Casey:
https://www.mannlawyers.com/our-people/magdalena-casey/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-casey-94b544199/

Victoria LaBillois, is a visionary Mi’gmaq entrepreneur from Listugui, Quebec who shares her inspiring journey and unwavering commitment to reshaping the narrative of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Canada.
As the owner and president of Wejipeg Excavation and co-owner and president of Wejuseg Construction Inc., she's carving her path in the construction industry while championing economic reconciliation for Indigenous communities.
Victoria's entrepreneurial journey began humbly, selling t-shirts, and swiftly evolved into ventures generating passive income, eventually leading to the acquisition of her first apartment building. After recognizing the potential in the wind energy sector, she founded Wejipeg Excavation, and then Wejuseg Construction. Both businesses emerged from her determination to overcome obstacles, emphasizing the crucial need for economic reconciliation and equitable access to opportunities for Indigenous peoples. 
Victoria's dedication shines through in the success story of training Indigenous tradespeople for wind park construction, underscoring the power of support and community in overcoming adversity. 
With a strong commitment to inclusivity, Victoria actively encourages women to consider careers in the construction industry, serving as a beacon of change and empowerment.
Takeaways

Entrepreneurship can start with small ventures and progress to larger opportunities.

Recognizing opportunities within emerging sectors can be a pathway to achieving business success.In the construction industry, overcoming obstacles and building partnerships are essential for successfully navigating challenges.

Economic reconciliation is necessary to address the historical exclusion of Indigenous people from the economy.


Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(00:30) Getting Involved in the Construction Industry
(01:09) Opportunities in the Wind Energy Industry
(03:00) Overcoming Barriers and Forming Wejuseg Construction
(04:20) Starting the Business with Limited Resources
(05:24) Challenges and Learning in the Early Years
(06:15) Building a Crew and Growing the Business
(06:40) Diversifying Employment Opportunities
(07:37) The Importance of Economic Reconciliation
(08:15) Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
(08:52) The Need for Economic Reconciliation
(19:00) Engaging Indigenous Workers in the Construction Industry
(21:25) Training Indigenous Tradespeople for Wind Park Construction
(24:36) The Significance of Winning an Indspire Award
(28:00) Becoming a Change Maker
(29:06) Advice to Younger Self
(30:47) Conclusion and Call to Action
Find out more about Victoria and her work:
https://www.wejuseg.com/

Mandy Bujold, an 11-time national champion and two-time Canadian Olympic boxer, shares her journey in both the construction industry and the world of boxing with host Lisa Laronde. Reflecting on her experiences, she candidly discusses the hurdles encountered as a female boxer and the strides made in advancing women's boxing, recounting her road to the Olympics, which included a legal battle against the world's largest sports organization, the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It was single-handedly the most important fight of her career, in which she waged to compete post-motherhood, underscoring the imperative for gender equality in sports and beyond. Not content with personal achievements alone, Mandy initiated the 'Champions for Charity' program, dedicated to raising funds for McMaster Children's Hospital. Mandy exemplifies resilience and advocacy in both her professional and athletic pursuits, leading to a change in the landscape of women's sports for years to come. 
Mandy Bujold is one of the most decorated Canadian Olympic boxers in history. Included amongst her many achievements are 11 Canadian National Championships, 3 Continental Championships, a Gold medal at the first Pan American Games and a Bronze medal at the first Commonwealth Games that included women’s boxing. Mandy is also the first Canadian female boxer to represent Canada at two Olympic Games. In the lead-up to Tokyo Mandy’s won a precedent-setting case against the IOC, in a fight for gender equity, that will help change the landscape of women’s sports for years to come. She recently joined the Grand Valley Construction Association as their Industry and Community Partnerships Manager. She will spend her time fostering community, championing health and safety, and advancing women in construction and trades.
Topics

Gender equality remains paramount across all sectors, from construction to sports.

Challenges should be reframed as chances for personal growth and learning, rather than as impediments.

Building a solid support network is essential for overcoming obstacles effectively.

Celebrating small victories and embracing the journey are crucial for continuous personal and professional development.


Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(00:31) Entry into the Construction Industry
(04:05) Challenges Faced as a Female Boxer
(06:42) Progression of Women's Boxing
(07:52) Qualifying for the Olympics
(08:08) Olympic Journey and Challenges
(12:21) Postponement of the Olympics and Legal Battle
(16:03) Impact on Women in Sport and Other Industries
(23:45) Champions for Charity
(26:23) Continuing Boxing Career
(29:26) Analogies from Boxing to Other Industries
(30:28) Conclusion and Inspiration
Find out more about Mandy Bujold: https://mandybujold.com/ 
Check out Mandy’s Charity Boxing Event www.champsforcharity.ca
Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/

In this conversation, Jamie McMillan, a seasoned ironworker and champion for women in the skilled trades, delves into the myriad challenges and promising prospects within the industry. Host Lisa Laronde and Jamie discuss the critical significance of both recruiting and retaining women in the trades, advocating for the eradication of toxic work environments and the promotion of inclusivity at all levels. Jamie fearlessly shares her own harrowing experiences of harassment and discrimination, shedding light on the urgent need for accountability and systemic change. Moreover, she candidly recounts her personal evolution into a public speaker and advocate, reflecting on the profound impact of her school presentations in igniting the passions of the next generation. Jamie calls for a sweeping cultural transformation within the industry, underscoring the invaluable contribution of skilled trades in an ever-evolving world.
Topics:

Journey into the Skilled Trades

Recruiting and Retaining Women in the Skilled Trades

Challenges of Speaking Up Against Harassment and Discrimination

Promoting an Inclusive Work Culture

The Importance of Holding People Accountable

The Impact of Reporting Harassment and Discrimination

Changing Workplace Culture through Conversation and Education

Understanding Bias and Setting Healthy Boundaries

Navigating Boundaries and Behavior on the Job Site

The Need for Emotional Stability and Cultural Shift in the Trades

The Reality of Harassment and Bullying in the Workplace

The Importance of Representation and Changing the Conversation

Transition into Public Speaking and Advocacy

Inspiring the Next Generation through School Presentations

Impactful Stories from School Visits

Personal Journey into the Skilled Trades

Being the Only Woman on the Job Site

The Need for Supportive Leadership and Positive Work Culture

Improving Retention in the Skilled Trades

The Role of Government and Industry Training

Celebrating Women in Construction and Building a Supportive Community

The Value of Skilled Trades and the Future of the Industry

Advice to Younger Self and Future Goals


Connect with Jamie: https://madeinthetrade.com/
Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/
 

In this captivating episode, Lisa Laronde engages in an insightful dialogue with Robyn Ptak, Vice President, Sales at Procter & Gamble Canada, to delve into her remarkable journey and passionate commitment to empowering women in leadership.
Their conversation spans the significance of diversity and inclusion, the transformative influence of women's networks, and advancements made within the grocery retail sector. Robyn opens up about her personal experiences of empowerment and the challenges she encountered while navigating the complexities of being a working mother, underscoring the critical need for enhanced representation in leadership positions. The pair offer sage advice to young women embarking on their careers. The discussion underscores the crucial balance between work and family life commitments and the pivotal role leaders play in fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.
Robyn is a sales executive with a successful track record of leading and delivering business results and team performance. During her 24-year career at P&G and 8 years on the Canadian Executive Lead Team, she has led teams to deliver successful results in a variety of Business Development roles including Market Strategy and Planning, Analysis and Category Development, and Customer Selling.  Robyn has demonstrated leadership and mastery at developing joint business plans with retail partners to deliver outstanding results, navigating through challenging retail environments across various categories.
In her current role as VP Sales, Robyn leads a team of multifunctional professionals including Sales, Product Supply, Finance, and Marketing. Robyn is a passionate advocate for both the needs of the business and the needs of the team and individual – She focuses on driving business growth, team development and supporting individual learning & career paths.
Robyn plays a critical role at P&G Canada in building Sales capability, helping guide and enable the Canadian Sales Organization to build skills and operate at peak performance. Robyn is also the Executive Sponsor of P&G Women’s Network – the largest network within P&G Canada. Through this work, P&G has grown its mentorship program, and she has helped build on the network’s focused efforts in the areas of Connect, Support, and Empower. Robyn sits on the Board of Forward Together whose mission is to share best practices, and resources, and enable best-in-class learning for professional women across industries. Robyn was recognized as a Star Women in Grocery in 2023. 
Topics:

Empowering Women in Leadership

The World of Grocery Retail

Being Empowered Along the Journey

Struggles and Advocacy for Women

Balancing Work and Family

Career Path and Unexpected Choices

Childcare and Work-Life Balance

Getting More Women into the C-Suite

Advice to Younger Self

 
Join the movement at https://thepowerhouse-project.com/