CCW Diverse Careers in Construction
Join CCW on October 30th for an inspiring event where our members will take the stage to share their insights and experiences on their career paths leading them into construction!
Discover the remarkable journeys, trials, and successes of women in construction! From leadership and infrastructure to governance and human resources, our panelists will share their experiences and insights, offering a diverse range of perspectives on navigating the perception of success in our industry. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and be inspired by their stories! Let us all create a platform for learning, networking, and fostering a sense of community within the construction sector.
Food and refreshments will be provided during the event.
Event Agenda:
Registration: 5:30 - 6:00 PM
Open Remarks: 6:00 - 6:15 PM
Panel Discussion : 6:15 - 7:00 PM
Q&A Period: 7:00 - 7:30 PM
Closing Remarks: 7:30 PM
Networking: 7:30 - 8:00 PM
Event Sponsors
The event is proudly hosted by Kindred Construction Ltd., a leader in innovative construction solutions and a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in our industry.
The event is proudly sponsored by Vancouver Community College. Located in the heart of the city, Vancouver Community College (VCC) offers academic, cultural, and social environments that inspire relevant real-world training. Our connections to industry ensure that our students have direct access to employers while our model of access and our partnerships across the post-secondary sector assist students to reach their goals at any stage of their educational journey.
We have just launched the new Inclusive Leadership in Construction and Trades micro-credential in September. It's a foundational digital badge (30hrs course) that introduces participants to bringing in EDI principles into their teams, specifically with an eye to help those in managerial type roles to get better equipped with the tools to lead by example and create a culture of belonging and allyship.
Event Panelists:
Moderator: Natasha Jeshani
Biography: Natasha Jeshani is the President & CEO of Career Contacts (a Fractional Recruitment and HR Consulting Firm) and the Founder of Training Arch (a Corporate Training Company). Career Contacts began supporting recruitment within the construction industry in 1995, and is so proud to have maintained those relationships for nearly 30 years. Natasha and her team of 20 support organizations throughout Canada and the US to recruit, retain and develop top talent. She is also the Author of the #1 best selling book, The HR Insider; how to land your dream job and keep it. Natasha holds a Sociology degree from UBC, an HR Management Certificate, with distinction, from BCIT, and has her CPHR and SHRM-SCP. She was recently the recipient of the Business in Vancouver's Top40UnderForty and a nominee for the Women of Distinction Award. Natasha is also passionate about service, currently serving as Board Member and HR Chair for the Vancouver International Children's Festival, an Advisor at Venture for Canada, and Board Director at Innivec.
Speaker: Shelby Clerihue
Biography: Shelby joined the construction industry in 2016 and now leads the People and Culture team at Kindred Construction as the Director, People and Culture. She had no plans of working in the construction industry and previously studied fashion, but 8 years later, she's recognized that the construction industry is an incredible opportunity to drive change in an industry that may need a little love at times. Shelby's goal is to create a culture of equal opportunity for all through the coaching and training of decision makers, speaking out when it's needed, and ensuring that inclusivity extends beyond the office or jobsite.
Speaker: Erica Commons
Biography: Erica is the Manager, Risk and Compliance, at BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB). BCIB is the employer of the skilled trades workforce on some of BC's largest infrastructure projects, including the Broadway Subway Project and the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project. Her portfolio includes enterprise and operational risk management, business continuity and incident response, privacy and information management, corporate compliance, and internal auditing. She has served on the Canadian Construction Women (CCW) board since 2023 and currently serves as the Treasurer. Beyond CCW, Erica is involved in the construction community as a member of the BC Construction Roundtable's Emerging Leaders Group and the VRCA's Young Construction Leaders Committee. She is a recipient of the Loran Award, the Next 36 (Next Canada), and the YWCA Young Woman of Distinction Award.
Speaker: Tiffany Ko
Biography: Tiffany is the Head of Construction at Specsavers Canada - a retail optometric company that has locations in BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, Canada. For the last 18 years, Tiffany has lent her expertise to esteemed retailers such as lululemon, Aritzia, Kit and Ace, Indochino, and presently, Specsavers Canada helping develop and open close to 600 retail locations over the span of her career. As the current Head of Construction for Specsavers Canada, she spearheads a dynamic team of project managers in an extensive retail construction rollout program. Her responsibilities are vast as they are critical, encompassing the establishment of a robust GC and consultant pool and creating the processes and procedures for the construction and internal project teams. In addition to construction, she also leads the facilities and maintenance strategies for a roster of 130 retail stores. Tiffany was most recently named CSA's Top Women in Retail in Store Development for 2024.
Speaker: Jesi Neill
Biography: Jesi Neill is a Project Manager for Kiewit's western Canada district, currently running a project in the Squamish area. She excels at assembling and managing high-performing teams capable of delivering technically challenging projects.
Speaker: Kathleen Morrison
Company: Earls Kitchen & Bar, Store Development
Biography: Kathleen is a Project Manager in Store Development at Earls Kitchen & Bar, a Vancouver-based restaurant group with over 70 locations across North America. Originally from Saskatchewan, she shifted from property management to construction, and has now gained experience in both the private and public sectors in Vancouver. While working full-time, she earned her business management degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her Project Management Professional Certification. Kathleen is known for her expertise in project execution and problem-solving, overseeing new restaurant projects across North America with a keen eye for detail and efficiency. A passionate networker, Kathleen fosters new connections and promotes industry collaboration. As a trailblazing woman in construction, she supports others' professional growth and has served on the CCW Board of Directors since January 2024 as Co-Director of Programs with Natasha Jeshani. She is also pursuing a Sustainable Business Leadership Diploma at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, reflecting her commitment to sustainability.
* CCW is a proud non-profit, volunteer led organization. Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable with a minimum of three days notice prior to the event. Contact events@constructionwomen.org for more information.
** Photographs and/or videos will be taken during the event, and may be used by CCW for promotional purposes on CCW's website and social media platforms. By attending this event, you are consenting to CCW using the photographs and videos in which you may appear.