All Things Renovation Podcast

After immigrating to Canada from India, Kavitha was introduced to an all-women's trade workshop. Facing many challenges along the way, she's earned a rewarding career in Wood Finishing! Hear Kavitha's story this week on Women In Trades, our latest series on the All Things Renovation podcast.

Passionate about connecting people in the trades, Emilie is the Trades Navigator for Student Support and Engagement at the University of the Fraser Valley. Earning her Red Seal Certification in carpentry at just 23 years old, Emilie's career is well established with inspiring stories to share!

For over 20 years Lisa Scott has been a passionate advocate for the skilled trades and a member of many organizations. She's a regional representative for the BC Centre For Women In The Trades; a Director at large for the BC Tradeswomen Society; a Board member for the College of New Caledonia; a Member of the Skilled Trades Committee for CUPE BC; and, also sits on a few committees with her Union - local CUPE 4990.

Kristine Byers is a Red Seal Journeyperson Carpenter and Union Business Representative for the Carpenters’ Regional Council of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA). She is passionate about diversifying the workforce through the inclusion and advancement of women, Indigenous workers and other underrepresented groups in the trades.

From the Chilcotin First Nation in Williams Lake B.C., meet Red Seal Machinist and Machinist Instructor at BCIT, Chelsea Barron. Also a Regional Representative with BCCWITT, Chelsea is a mentor and advocate for all women, indigenous peoples, and other minorities in the skilled trades.

Sandy Suter started cutting out decorative metal for house, signs and weathervanes when she was in high school. After exploring other non-trade career options, she's back building pipelines and sawmills!

Lana Love is Field Operator with the newly formed company Arbios Biotech! She’s also a journey-level millwright and working on her Fourth Class Power Engineering Certification. Additionally representing BC Tradeswomen Society and BCCWITT, Lana’s helping change the culture of industrial and trades workplaces to be more inclusive to women and other underrepresented groups.

Shayla Aspden dropped out of business school and walked over to the trades building to enrol in the Plumbing & PipeTrade Foundation program at Camosun College in 2015. Now known as The Tiny Technician, she's never looked back! Also a very proud BCCWITT Regional Rep, Shayla provides support and resources to all females and underrepresented groups throughout the trades.

This week Brandy welcomes Laura Cameron, a heavy-duty mechanic apprentice at Valley Carriers who has also done 10 years as a welder and fabricator! Laura's career has been diverse in industries such as oil &gas, underground mining, agriculture, alcohol, and more. She’s a Regional Representative for BCCWITT, a mentor for CWB Women of Steel, and the Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator for Tools To Empower. She is a mom, dog owner and is learning to ride a unicycle!

Leah Peters, carpenter and Site Superintendent at Bockstael, gained a great deal of experience and expertise in residential and commercial construction and hopes to help educate and mentor the next generation of Women considering a career in construction

Meet Rachel Schatz, a red seal plumber and gas fitter with over 15 years’ experience in the construction and service industry. As the only female instructor in the BCIT piping department, she teaches gas level B, and Plumbing levels 2 and 4, and is a member of the Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

Brandy is excited to introduce Jessica Bannister, a Level 3 HVAC Apprentice at her family’s company, Cam Cool Refrigeration Inc. Jessica's the current President of Women in HVAC/R Canada and she wishes to bring more awareness to women in the trades, specifically women in HVAC-R, encouraging young people (girls especially) to consider it as a career option.

Meet Simon Dauphinee, an author and entrepreneur with 20 years' experience in the residential renovation and construction industry in Ontario Canada. His first book, "Home In Good Hands" is an informative, succinct, go-to guide for any homeowner planning to renovate or build a home.

Teaching in the Electrical Apprenticeship Program at BCIT for ten years, Anna Lary is an electrician, an instructor and an agent of change! With a Provincial Instructor Diploma and a Master of Education specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, Anna's also the Regional Representative for the British Columbia Centre for Women in Trades and Technology!

An established tile setter of 16 years and immersed in world of construction her entire life Traci Stevens has found her niche market working mainly for women, sharing knowledge and passion in the ever-evolving industry she loves. Brandy's guest shares her journey in another heavy-lifting dirty job for Women in Trades!

This week Brandy is delighted to introduce Karen Dearlove, the Executive Director of BC Centre for Women in Trades. Karen's strong belief in helping others is evident in her role as a leader in the skilled trades. BCCWITT is a non-profit organization providing a range of services, support, mentorship, and training for women, indigenous people, and other under-represented groups interested in making a career in the skilled trades.

Brandy welcomes Amandeep Beesla, who brings over 25 years of onsite field experience! She is passionate about tradeswomen’s rights, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion, mentoring new and young workers, and mental health, leading her to pursue a career path in health and safety.

This trailblazer just released her memoir, Thick Skin, sharing 20 years as a transient welder, travelling across Canada and the United States, working in pulp mills, chemical plants, refineries, and generating stations! Meet the fascinating author, welding inspector and safety officer, Hilary Peach on this episode of Women in Trades.

Jill Prescott is a visionary and leader who transforms people's lives at their core. In her newest program, Women in Trades Success Training, she teaches participants how to navigate the challenges of being a woman in any trade. In a safe and exciting environment, Jill facilitates and leads participants into a journey of self-exploration of their own inner dialogue and negative self-talk, and begin to witness and recognize their own self-sabotage. Participants learn and practice new communications skills that empower self-responsibility while encouraging them to be their best selves in the work they do. Jill's commitment to excellence and this program not only increases employment retention rates, but it lends to a better work environment for staff and employers.

From Women Building Futures we have Natasha Martynes! Brandy talks to the Manager of External Relations about her journey through her own plumbing business to helping other women follow their flutter!