Shows
Building Your StoryEpisode 15 - Renae SamsSend us a textRenae Sams: Building a Path for Women in ConstructionIn 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...2025-07-1649 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 14 - Jessica LuczyckiSend us a textJessica Luczycki: Redefining Construction Administration Through Part3In 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...2025-07-0349 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 13 - Chelsea FentonSend us a textChelsea Fenton: Pioneering Women in ConstructionIn 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 tr...2025-06-1848 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 12 - Mercedes ByersSend us a textThe 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...2025-06-0452 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 11 - Dee DurantSend us a textDee Durant: From Electrical Apprentice to Trade Advocate - A Journey Through Challenges and TriumphsIn 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...2025-05-2151 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 10 - Amy MarksSend us a textBeyond 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...2025-05-0743 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 9 - Ashleigh KaliszukSend us a textAshley Kalizuk: From Crane Operator to Advocate for Women in ConstructionIn 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...2025-04-2338 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 8 - Annik ForristalSend us a textAnnik Forristal's Journey from Engineering to Legal Expertise in ConstructionIn 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...2025-03-2649 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 7 - Lindsay ChesterSend us a textEmpowering the Next Generation: Lindsay Chester's Advocacy for Young Women in Skilled TradesIn this episode, Lindsay Chester, the Young Women's Initiatives Program Manager at Skills Ontario, shares her journey and mission to promote skilled trades as viable career options for young women. Starting as a dream to become a teacher, Lindsay shifted her career path and found her way to Skills Ontario.. Lindsay discusses various programs and events like the Young Women's Conference, International Day of the Girl, and industry-specific days that aim to provide hands-on experiences and exposure to...2025-03-1243 min
Building Your StoryBonus - Women In Construction WeekSend us a textIn this special episode for Women in Construction Week (March 2-8 2025), we highlight some of the inspiring stories shared by women on this podcast. Hosted by Diane, this episode brings together past guests including Leslie, Gelare, Mi, Morgan, Sabrina, and Lisa to share their unique journeys, experiences, and challenges in the construction field.They share their journeys into the construction industry, from childhood dreams that didn’t involve construction to overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field. Each guest reflects on the struggles they faced early on, from learning on the job to...2025-03-0317 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 6 - Lisa LarondeSend us a textTrailblazing Women in Construction: A Candid Conversation with Lisa LarondeIn this insightful discussion, Diane interviews Lisa Laronde, Chief Transformation Officer for Ramudden Global, who shares her journey from finance to leading a major construction company. Lisa recounts her transition into the construction industry, the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and how she overcame workplace challenges. She opens up about building a supportive community, and the importance of networking and representation. Lisa also emphasizes the value of involving Gen Z in the workforce and advocates for...2025-02-1946 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 5 - Sabrina WaltiSend us a textPioneering in Construction: From Rugby Fields to Infrastructure Projects with SabrinaIn this episode, Diane interviews Sabrina, a civil engineer from Zurich, Switzerland. Sabrina, who works in consulting and project management for infrastructure projects, shares her journey from growing up in an architect family to becoming a significant figure in the construction industry. She discusses her educational path, influenced by her love for sports, and the challenges and opportunities she faced in a male-dominated field. Sabrina highlights the importance of inclusivity in public spaces and her goal to create better environments...2025-02-0540 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 4 - Morgan BoschSend us a textBreaking Barriers: Morgan Bosch's Journey as a Crane Operator In this episode, Morgan Bosch, a 28-year-old mobile crane operator from Edmonton, Canada, joins the podcast to share her inspiring journey. Starting in the industry at 18, Morgan transitioned from aspiring to be a teacher to thriving in a blue-collar role. She recalls the pivotal role her father played in introducing her to the field and discusses the initial challenges she faced, including overcoming stereotypes and building physical strength. Morgan also opens up about her advocacy for mental health, the importance of mentorship, a...2025-01-2245 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 3 - Gelare DanaieSend us a textFrom Childhood Dreams to Architectural Mastery: An Interview with Gelare DanaieIn this episode, Diane interviews Gelare Danaie, a Toronto-based architect originally from Iran. Gelare shares her fascinating journey from childhood dreams of changing environments to becoming a successful architect. She discusses her early inspiration, her diverse professional experiences across multiple countries, and her passion for designing human-centered spaces. Gelare also reflects on the challenges and triumphs of starting her own company, DEXD, along with the importance of authenticity, dreaming big, and maintaining a balanced perspective in her career. She offers...2024-12-1739 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 2 - Mi KimSend us a textEmpowering Diversity: Mi Kim's Journey in the Construction IndustryIn this episode, Mi Kim shares her unique journey from being a third culture kid to a successful consultant in the construction industry. Born in Korea, raised in Honduras, and educated in Canada, Kim talks about the challenges and triumphs of navigating these diverse backgrounds. She discusses her career path from dreaming of becoming an astronaut to becoming an independent contractor, the mentors who influenced her, and her passion for diversity and inclusion. Kim also highlights the significance of her...2024-12-0446 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 1 - Leslie MerrithewSend us a textFrom Arctic Beginnings to Global Projects: Leslie's StoryIn this podcast episode, Diane interviews her long-time friend and mentor, Leslie Merrithew, a successful civil engineer in the transportation construction industry. Leslie recounts her journey from dreaming of being a math teacher to navigating a unique career path. She discusses the importance of having champions in her career, and how she used opportunities to build valuable skills and networks. Leslie highlights significant projects, such as the Iqaluit Airport and Bermuda Airport, her imposter syndrome struggles, and the power of embracing diversity. She...2024-11-2046 min
Building Your StoryEpisode 0 - Who am I ?Send us a textWelcome to the debut episode of Building Your Story podcast, hosted by Diane. Diane introduces herself, sharing her background as a project manager in the construction industry, her journey from Paris to the far north of Canada, and her work across various settings over the last nine years. She reflects on the challenges and opportunities she has faced as a woman in construction and unveils the mission of the podcast: to spotlight the inspiring stories of women in the industry—from engineers and CEOs to site superintendents and project managers. Join Diane as sh...2024-11-1206 min