The Powerhouse Project Women in Media Network

Host Lisa Laronde speaks with Meg Mathes, a Red Seal refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic and a Senior Manager of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this role, she nationally supports the people, clients, and Industry with DEI efforts.
Meg shares her incredible journey in the skilled trades industry as a transgender woman. Meg opens up about her experiences in foster care and leaving home at fourteen years old. Meg discovered her innate mechanical skills at Burger King which eventually led her to pursue opportunities in the skilled trades.
Meg discusses the challenges she faces as a transgender individual in the workplace and the importance of being open about her identity. Meg also shares highlights some of her advocacy work and the changes she's witnessed in workplace dynamics. She advocates for gender-affirming policies, gender-neutral facilities, and inclusive workplace language to create a more welcoming environment.
Meg offers heartfelt advice to her younger self and the next generation of skilled trades professionals through embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in every aspect of our lives.
Topics

Discovering Mechanical Skills

Importance of Supportive Environments

Meg Mathes' Journey as a Transgender Advocate

Challenges in the Workplace

Support from Employers

Support Associations for Transgender Individuals

Balancing Advocacy and Privacy

Challenges in a Predominantly Male Environment

Success in Alberta's Skilled Trades

Influence on Gender Roles and Stereotypes

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment

Supporting Transgender Individuals in Society

Promoting Safety in the Workplace

Advice to Younger Self


About Meg Mathes:
Meg has been in the Skilled Trades for over 27 years and holds credentials as an Alberta Red Seal Journeyperson - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Alberta Journeyperson - Gasfitter (A), Alberta Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal), and a Certificate of Professional Management specializing in Strategic Management from the University of Calgary.
Meg has volunteered extensively and given back to her industry in many ways. In 2021 she was inducted into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame for her 18-year service with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. She sits on many boards and committees advancing DEI in the Skilled Trades in Canada.
Connect with Meg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-mathes-9b470a72/

Host Lisa Laronde interviews Adam Gaiser, the Associate Vice President of Sales for Mark’s Commercial. Adam boasts 30 years of dedicated expertise at Marks, where he serves as the Assistant Vice President of Sales for Marks Commercial, spearheading a nationwide sales force comprising 60 adept professionals and champions pivotal strategic alliances. 
Adam's enthusiasm resonates in fostering employee well-being, promoting skilled trades in Canada, and advocating for universal access to adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) regardless of gender. His unwavering commitment centers on the overarching goal of ensuring every employee's safe return home daily. His advocacy for gender equality extends beyond mere rhetoric; it's ingrained in his actions and initiatives. Recognizing the disparities that women often face in the workplace, Adam tirelessly champions for their rights and empowerment. 
Adam is being recognized as an ally to women for his commitment to gender equality which isn't just a professional obligation; it's a personal conviction. He understands that true progress requires proactive measures and unwavering dedication, and he's determined to be a catalyst for change in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Mark's Commercial is the B2B division of Marks and a member of the Canadian Tire family of companies. Mark's Commercial is home to the most advanced and innovative workwear, CSA-approved industrial footwear, and PPE brands available, suitable for any industry.
Learn More About Mark's Commercial: https://www.markscommercial.com/
Connect with Adam Gaiser on Linked In

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
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