The Hamilton-Halton Home Builder’s Association’s Women In Industry Committee was founded in 2018 and is the first Women’s Group within a Home Builders’ Association, nationally. The Committee consists of a group of passionate women who aim to support, educate, connect and empower Women in Industry. Through monthly meetings and networking and educational events, the Committee brings individuals, companies and organizations together, to advance gender diversity in STEM, construction, development and trades industries.
Under the leadership of the Committee’s Chair Carla Agostino and the Association’s CEO Suzanne Mammel, the group’s mission is to support and encourage women to grow and succeed in non-traditional roles. “We want to introduce the construction industry and the trades to younger generations. We find that there aren’t many women exposed to the possibility of a career in this industry.”, says Carla Agostino, Chair of the Women in Industry Committee.
The Committee has partnered with local organizations to create a platform where women in industry can connect, collaborate and create and transfer knowledge. “Denise Christopherson and YWCA Hamilton have been a valued partner since the beginning. Their involvement and contribution has played a pivotal role in the Committee’s success and we greatly appreciate their support.” says Suzanne Mammel, HHHBA CEO.
On October 30, more than 150 women attended the 2nd Annual Women In Industry Luncheon that took place at the Burlington Convention Centre. Terri Johns, President of T. Johns Consulting, was announced as the first-ever recipient of the inaugural Women In Industry Award. The award recognizes and celebrates women who set an example and demonstrate leadership on both a professional and personal level.
The event’s Guest Speakers – YWCA Hamilton CEO Denise Christopherson, CHBA President Stefanie Coleman and Powergroup Communications President Laura Babcock – captivated and inspired the crowd with their stories, professional experiences and words of advice. “We need to make particular effort to let young women know that they have a place in our industry and that they will be respected and valued if they join us in building Canada’s future.” said CHBA President Stefanie Coleman.
The Women in Industry Committee aims to empower and inspire girls and women of all ages to follow their dream, regardless the industry they are in. According to HHHBA CEO Suzanne Mammel, the issues that Women face in the construction, trades and home building industries are not local, but global.
“The Committee’s purpose is to raise the profile of women in industry and provide the opportunity to thrive. The power of women connecting and supporting each other is unmatched. And that’s what this group is all about: bringing women together to create positive change and new opportunities.” –Suzanne Mammel, HHHBA CEO.
