Meet some of the inspiring women driving innovation, equity, and excellence in home building and beyond through WE HBA's WIN Committee.
Chaired by Katelyn Gillis of Landwise and Vice Chaired by Dionne Frasier of TD Builder Services, the WIN Committee plays an active role in bringing members together through events such as the Women's Social, Women's 9 & Dine, the Women in Industry Luncheon, and WE BUILD. The committee has also contributed to community outreach through a collaboration with our community partner, YWCA.
Women in Industry Committee Chair
Katelyn Gillis – Senior Planner, Landwise
Katelyn leads complex land use approvals across southern Ontario at Landwise, an urban planning, design, and project management firm. Katelyn is passionate about shaping vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities. She believes urban planning is not just about buildings and policies, but about enhancing the lived experience of residents, creating spaces where people can thrive, connect, and feel a sense of belonging. Her work is guided by a commitment to community building, equity in access to urban spaces, and fostering meaningful industry connections. Beyond her professional role, Katelyn contributes her skills and time to organizations that reflect her values, including Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, where she supports efforts to expand affordable homeownership opportunities as a Board Member on their Board of Directors.
Fun Fact: Katelyn was a national level synchronized swimmer and was pursuing a career in Sports Psychology before she found her way into Planning and Development.
Alicia Sljivic – General Manager, Heartwood Renovations
Alicia leads with equal parts strategy, grit, and heart. As a woman in construction leadership, she's driven to challenge outdated norms, elevate the client experience, and empower the next generation of trades and design professionals. Her passion lies in raising the standard for what's possible in home building, both in the spaces we create and the teams who bring them to life. Alicia's passion is rooted in empathy. Early in her career in property restoration, she witnessed how deeply personal our connection to home is. Helping families rebuild after devastating losses taught her the emotional weight a space can hold and the responsibility that comes with shaping it. Today, she continues to lead with care, knowing that the details make all the difference.
Fun Fact: Type A to the core and powered by early mornings, good espresso, and better organization, Alicia is proof that you can lead with heart and colour-code every step of the way.
Jessie Ha Kong – Director of Land, Cachet Homes
Jessie leads land initiatives at Cachet Homes, managing acquisition, planning approvals, servicing, and assumption for low-rise residential communities across Southwestern Ontario. Her work brings her into constant collaboration with internal teams, consultants, contractors, agencies, and homeowners alike. Jessie's passion for the homebuilding industry is deeply personal. After immigrating to Canada at age 7, her family went from shared housing to a rental apartment, and finally to a pre-construction home. That home represented a new beginning and today, she's proud to help other families access the same opportunity.
Fun Fact: Jessie travelled to 30 countries before the age of 30.
Khadija Hamidu – Vice President, Economic Development, YWCA Hamilton
Khadija empowers women and gender-diverse individuals to thrive in the Canadian labour market, creating access to opportunity through initiatives like the Construction Craft Worker Program. Her work focuses on building pathways into skilled trades that support economic advancement and community well-being. Her passion for the homebuilding industry was sparked during a volunteer trip to New Orleans in university, where she helped rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. Despite initial frustration, perseverance and hands-on mentorship built her confidence and a lasting appreciation for the empowerment that comes with building something from the ground up.
Fun Fact: Khadija is the founder of Melanin Market, a pop-up market that celebrates BIPOC artistry and entrepreneurship.
Mary-Anne Damerchie – Mortgage Broker, Empire Mortgage Group
Mary-Anne specializes in a wide range of mortgage solutions, with a focus on residential, commercial, and construction financing. With deep industry knowledge and experience, she supports clients at every stage of the homebuilding journey. She is passionate about the homebuilding industry because of its wide-reaching impact fueling the economy, drives innovation and sustainability, and supports thriving communities. For Mary-Anne, contributing to an industry that offers real solutions to Canada's housing challenges is both meaningful and motivating.
Fun Fact: Mary-Anne went to OFSAA for track and field in high school.
Nicole Cimadamore – Development Manager, New Horizon Development Group
Nicole joined New Horizon Development Group in 2021 as a Development Associate, where she gained hands-on experience supporting a range of development approvals. Now a Development Manager, she co-leads the development team and oversees a diverse portfolio of projects. Nicole plays a central role in shaping the vision and strategy for each community from land acquisition and entitlements through construction, occupancy, and registration. Her passion for homebuilding began in high school through the DREAMS volunteer program, where she helped build a home in the Dominican Republic. That experience deepened her understanding of what it means to have a safe place to call home. For Nicole, the most rewarding part of the job is welcoming a family into theirs.
Fun Fact: Nicole grew up on a fruit farm where her family grew grapes, apples, and pears.
