IIBEC Southern Ontario hosted the online Women and Students Building Sciences Forum from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on April 7, 2022. There were over 70 registrants for the first National Women and Student Building Sciences Forum and it was developed to bring awareness to this sector. The 3 hour virtual forum provided everyone with a highlight of the diverse and exciting careers available in the building envelop industry, including the following items:
- How to advocate and promote talented women and students in your organization.
- Discussion on the many roles for more women at all levels in the industry.
- Insight on exciting career destinations in construction.This event consisted of a panel of experts, describing their challenges, experiences, and career paths. It also included breakout sessions for everyone to engage in small groups with the experts. Attendees were able to meet different professionals in the Building Sciences sector who share diverse backgrounds and experiences. Also, two bursaries were given away for eligible students studying Building Sciences.The Forum was introduced by the following:
Keynote Speaker, Minister Jill Dunlop – Minister of Colleges and Universities
Video from Minister Marci Ien – Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth IIBEC CEO/EVP: Brian Pallasch
IIBEC Vice President: Amy Peevey
The Panel discussion included Stephanie Robinson, Jennifer Hogan, Tania Krysa and Meagan Kikuta, with chapter past-president Allen Lyte as the moderator.
Items discussed in the forum included:
- How did you get into Building Science – what has your journey been?
- What are the typical pathways for advancing within the industry?
- As women in a male dominated industry, what have been some of your challenges?And what have some of the opportunities been?
- How do you network? Can you share any tips?
- What are the opportunities and emerging trends in the market today?
- What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell your younger self.Following the presentation, attendees were included in in breakout sessions for everyone to engage in small groups with the experts.Breakout room topics included:
- Interesting Projects
- What skills do you see new staff entering the field needing moving forward?
- Have you ever worked in a role that didn’t suit you? How did you navigate that?
- What does your typical work week look like? (Design/ Coordination/ Management/Client focus/ business development/ R&D)
Following the breakout, there was a presentation by National Women in Roofing – Lillianne Dunstall and Amy Antoine.
Congratulations to the students who received bursaries: Serena Kam and David Gertsvolf.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Bursary sponsorship: Artistic Skylight
- Industry Partner sponsorship: Arcat, BMO, Tektum Consulting, Wilson CPA
