Meet the inspiring women driving innovation, equity, and excellence in home building and beyond through WE HBA’s WIN Committee.

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 As a woman in construction leadership, she’s driven to challenge outdated norms, elevate the client experience, and empower the next generation of trades and design professionals.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—it fuels 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.