Manitoba Women in Trades Conference | Building Equity in Construction

Chelsea Treboniak, a United States Military Academy graduate, veteran researcher, and published author, founded Critical Ops in 2012. Under Chelsea’s leadership, Critical Ops (https://criticalops.com/) has carved a niche in critical infrastructure protection, providing cutting-edge modernization consulting services and products, including Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), fraud services, and e-crime intelligence. Besides running Critical Ops, Chelsea serves on Advisory Councils and the Board of Directors for organizations dedicated to emerging technologies and critical infrastructure security. 

Trevor Mayoh is a trusted consultant, keynote speaker, and cultural strategist who
works at the intersection of leadership, workplace culture, and the role of men in
equity. He is widely recognized for his expertise in engaging men in male-dominant
industries to reflect on traditional norms, navigate resistance, and take meaningful
action in support of safer, more inclusive workplaces.
Rather than relying on standard diversity training, Trevor leads disruptive,
values-based conversations that resonate with men. His work supports psychological
safety, authentic leadership, and sustainable culture change – from the job site to the boardroom.

Trevor has partnered with national and global organizations across sectors including
construction, energy, technology, finance, professional sports, and the armed forces.
He regularly delivers keynotes, facilitates leadership development, and advises senior
teams on navigating equity and inclusion in a way that fits their context.
He is also a frequent media contributor, featured in national publications, on podcasts,
and as a recurring commentator on Newstalk 1010. His work is grounded in empathy,
accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to lead cultural
transformation in male-dominant environments.
nextgenmen.ca

Liam McLauchlan is a Red Seal Electrician and educator with experience spanning industry, post‑secondary, secondary, and government. He has worked in the private sector, with the City of Winnipeg, and has taught electrical programs at secondary and post-secondary. He has also worked with Manitoba Education, supporting Technology Education courses and programs.

Currently, Liam serves as a Career Development Support Teacher with the St. James‑Assiniboia School Division, building connections between technology education, industry, post‑secondary institutions, career pathways, and safety.

Mike Johnston is a Red Seal Journeyman welder by trade, who has spent the last 20 years teaching in Winnipeg’s inner city. He started welding at the age of 21 and cycled through a variety of positions, including fitter/fabricator, construction, shop foreman and sales in the welding industry. Mike started his teaching career at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CARHD) and is currently teaching a grade 9 through 12 Level 1 accredited program at R.B. Russell Vocational High School. Where he now uses traditional welding outcomes as a tool for his students to embrace Indigenous teachings, culture and social injustices.

Ryan Canada is a Senior Trades Training Coordinator with Manitoba Hydro, and has a strong focus on recruitment, developing skilled trades talent and supporting workforce readiness. In his role, Ryan leads and coordinates training initiatives that equip apprentices and trades professionals with the knowledge and hands‑on experience needed to succeed in multiple apprenticeships.

With a practical, solutions-oriented approach, Ryan works closely with leadership to align training programs with organizational needs, ensuring safety, quality, and continuous improvement remain at the forefront. He is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between learning and real-world application, fostering both individual growth and team

Alia Henderson, a University of Manitoba Graduate from the Faculty of Architecture, with an undergrad in Environmental Design – Architecture. Working for the past three years for Bird Construction as a Digital Construction Coordinator, supporting our Winnipeg District and National team with implementing cutting-edge digital solutions and technology services. My focus is on Quality Assurance and Quality Control, process digitization, LiDAR terrestrial scanning, photogrammetry, and constructability reviews. My primary focus has been on health care and innovation in QAQC.

Mabini Joy Pagtakhan is an instructor at the Winnipeg Adult Education Centre, teaching Drone Certification, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.  She is  dedicated to bridging the gap between theoretical science and practical industry application.  In a  landmark collaboration with the Manitoba Construction Sectors Council, with her Advance RPAS Pilot Certification, and integrating her deep knowledge of the sciences with UAV technology, Mabini equips adult learners with the skills and certifications needed to thrive in the evolving construction and technology sectors.  Her instruction transitions students from the classroom to post-secondary education, and into the field, powering a new generation of professionals.

Stephanie Gunawidjaja is a Field Coordinator with PCL Construction based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is actively involved in site operations and utilizes drone technology on a daily basis to support project coordination. Her work focuses on Quality Assurance and Quality Control, where she leverages drones for quantity tracking, surveys, and site documentation.

Evelyn Knapp, she started to love the trades when she was young, always watching and helping her Dad work. As she got older, she definitely wanted to do something hands-on, so through grade nine and ten she explored different heavy and light trades like Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Automotive, and Esthetics.

Right now she is in Culinary Arts and hoping to continue it throughout my life.

In the future, she would love and aspire to be a Red Seal Chef and work in a kitchen or eventually open my own food truck. The best part is knowing that if she wanted to, other trades are always an option to pursue. She still loves going to work with her Dad, even if it’s plumbing in a toilet, painting, or building a cabinet.

A motivated and hardworking individual with a strong and growing interest in the skilled trades. Throughout grades 9 and 10, I explored a variety of hands-on fields including graphic arts, culinary arts, baking, electrical work, and carpentry. These experiences gave me the opportunity to try different skills, discover what I enjoy, and develop a better understanding of working with my hands in a practical, real-world setting.

Currently, I am in design drafting, where I continue to build technical skills and attention to detail, even though it is not the specific field I plan to pursue after high school. Each of these experiences has helped me become more adaptable, focused, and confident in learning new things, especially in hands-on environments.

NJ is a Grade 11 Carpentry student at R.B. Russell Vocational High School. She enjoys hands-on learning and developing practical skills that connect school to real-world work in the trades.

She would like to share her experiences in carpentry with other students through discussion and mentorship. She enjoys talking with peers about what it’s really like to be in a trade program and encouraging more young women to explore skilled trades as a possible career path.

She’s excited to be part of this panel to represent student voices and help show that carpentry and other trades are welcoming, achievable, and rewarding options for young women.

Looking ahead, I aspire to continue developing my skills in the trades and gaining real-world experience. My long-term goal is to build a stable and successful career in the electrical field, ideally with Manitoba Hydro, where I can contribute meaningful work and continue growing professionally.

Christina is a Red Seal Steamfitter, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With an industrial background in the trade, she has worked on many major projects and pipelines spanning across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and NW Ontario.

After the birth of her son and upon returning to work, Christina taught Plumbing and Pipe Trades with the Winnipeg School Division for 6 years. She has been working with the Piping Industry Technical College for over a decade and loves her current role in Digital Education Development; providing support for instructors, course and technical development, social media and production, trades outreach and promotion.

Christina has been passionate about encouraging, mentoring, and supporting women currently in or interested in a career in the trades. She has spoken publicly as a major supporter of Women in construction and continues to advocate for equal rights, opportunity, and pay in this industry.

Christina has an appreciation for nature, a green thumb, and loves to camp with her 13-year-old son, Grayson. Preferring self-propelled activities, Christina enjoys cycling, paddling, climbing, hiking and has a goal of summiting Mt. Baldy in her lifetime.

Krystal Mason is the Program Coordinator for St. Theresa Point oversees the daily operations of the training facility while planning and delivering community-based programs. She coordinate instructors, manage resources, support students, and ensure a safe, organized learning environment. She also work with partners to create training opportunities that lead to employment and skills development.

The Women’s Carpentry Program was originally planned for 15 participants, the program expanded to 30 due to high interest. Sixteen participants successfully completed the program, with additional participants recognized for their involvement. The program focused on building confidence, skills, and opportunities for women in trades.

She started the carpentry program back in 2023 and graduated in applied building construction, then worked for STP capital Projects building houses, started apprentice, was then asked to help with the womens carpentry program, then did heavy equipment operator program, completed that, and is now working for STP housing. Loves her field of work .

Kyla Clarke is a level 4 steamfitter apprentice who started her journey in the trades in 2023. She attended a plumbing course with First Peoples Development inc that was held at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 254. Throughout her apprenticeship she has gained hands on experience in the industrial side of construction. Passionate about learning new skills. She looks forward to her future in the trades. 

She is currently a level 4 steamfitter, soon to be a journeywoman come June. Her journey into the trade has been a challenging, but extremely rewarding experience. Her dad is a red-seal plumber/steamfitter, and he inspired Malaya to join. She figured if he could do it, she could do it better. She has had the opportunity to work with and learn from some incredibly intelligent and ambitious journeymen. And with their mentorship, not only did she have the honour of competing in the Skills Canada competition, She is also the first person to take home Gold for Manitoba in her field.

Priscila Calderon is a Winnipeg-based entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. She is the founder of Umina Flooring Solutions and Umina Building and Property Management Corp, specializing in polished concrete, epoxy coatings, and concrete restoration for commercial and industrial projects. 

She is also the founder of ServicesAndProducts.ca, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrants and local entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. Through a free business directory and educational content shared on social media, ServicesAndProducts.ca provides visibility, resources, and practical information to help small businesses succeed. 

Priscila serves as the Professional Development Director at Manitoba Women in Construction, where she supports leadership development and creates opportunities for women in the industry. She is also a co-author of the book Women Without Limits, published in Winnipeg last year, and is an active public speaker and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and equal opportunities. 

Jenna graduated from MITT’s Industrial Welding program in 2018. Since then she has worked an array of jobs that include production work, custom fabrication, and construction. She is currently a welder for New Flyer Industries, building the front face of the buses.

She enjoys participating in multiple committees and events related to trades, welders, and construction. Her favorite is promoting trades to young women and showing them the potential their futures can bring if they are brave and work hard.

She is in the final stages of testing for her Red Seal and is extremely excited and determined to end 2026 as a Red Seal welder.

Byrklie Urban is an Apprentice Carpenter with  Parkwest Projects Ltd. and has been working in commercial construction for the past year and a half. Growing up in a family of carpenters, she developed an appreciation for the construction industry at a young age and was naturally drawn to a career in the trades.

Byrklie enjoys the hands-on nature of carpentry and takes pride in helping build projects that will have a lasting impact in the community. She values the teamwork and culture of the construction industry, where hardworking people come together, get their hands dirty, and work toward a common goal.

She is passionate about continuing to grow within the industry and hopes to one day achieve her Red Seal Carpenter certification and eventually move into a Site Superintendent role. Byrklie is excited to share her experiences and perspective as a young woman building a career in the skilled trades at the Manitoba Women in Trades Conference.

Anastasia is a Red Seal Plumber, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With the majority of her experience in the trades being in a Commercial/Light Industrial setting, she has done lots of work in schools and hospitals over the past 4 years. Anastasia decided on Plumbing after completing 1.5 years of University and 3 summers of Landscaping. She loved landscaping for the fact that she got to learn hands-on, operate equipment, and be on her feet all day. She came to the realization that her University degree would likely get her a full-time desk job, and the thought of that was enough to change her mind.

Jessica LoRusso is a workforce development professional, educator, facilitator, and President of Powered by Jessica – Credibility Matters. With more than 30 years of experience in workforce development, project management, adult education, and stakeholder engagement, she has dedicated her career to helping people build the skills, confidence, and credibility needed to succeed in today’s workplaces.

Jessica has worked with employers, industry associations, governments, sector councils, and community organizations across Canada to design and deliver practical workforce solutions. Her experience includes supporting more than 100 workplace projects, engaging over 6,000 partners, and contributing to workforce initiatives that strengthen workplace performance, leadership, communication, and employability. She currently works with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council, preparing individuals for successful careers in the skilled trades and supporting employers in developing a capable, job-ready workforce.

Jessica is passionate about helping women recognize their leadership potential and understand that leadership begins long before a management title. She believes every tradesperson has opportunities to influence workplace culture, safety, teamwork, and performance throughout their career.

At the Manitoba Women in Trades Conference, Jessica will facilitate the breakout session “Leadership Development: Labourer to Journeyperson to Foreman.” This interactive session explores how leadership evolves at every stage of a trades career, the workplace behaviours that build trust and credibility, and the practical skills that prepare individuals to take on greater responsibility. Participants will leave with strategies they can apply immediately to strengthen their confidence, leadership presence, and career progression.

Jessica is known for her engaging, practical, and relatable facilitation style, empowering participants with real-world tools they can use to advance their careers and make a lasting impact in the skilled trades.

Bonnie’s experience in engineering and leadership in food manufacturing developed her passion for solving problems, transforming the workplace, and advocating for women in the sector. She transitioned to CCWESTT as a Project Manager, and is now Executive Director for the national coalition and is proud to be using her skills to support the work of accelerating change for gender equity in science, engineering, trades, and technology.

Kim Kuzenko has over 25 years of experience in the Civil Construction industry, specializing in underground infrastructure and heavy civil projects. She has worked in all sectors, including government and consulting, before staying in contracting with Tri-Core Projects Ltd.  Kim is the Division Manager of Underground Infrastructure, overseeing complex municipal projects throughout the City of Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Driven by a passion for hands-on work and a commitment to professional growth, I found my calling in the heavy construction industry. After completing the EmpowHER trades program directed for the construction trade through Manitoba construction sector council, I developed the skills and confidence to thrive in this dynamic field. I am proud to be a dedicated team member at Maple Leaf Construction, where I contribute meaningfully to our projects every day. I look forward to continuing my journey and inspiring others to explore rewarding careers in the trades.

Amber‑Lynn Turcan has been part of Manitoba Hydro for about five years, beginning in 2021 with Manitoba Hydro Utility Services as a Meter Reader and Gas Riser Auditor before officially joining Hydro in 2022. She now works as a Utility Worker at the Keeyask Generating Station, where she supports station operations, equipment work, and day‑to‑day maintenance. Her role allows her to operate a wide range of machinery, contribute to station safety, and take on responsibilities that keep the site running smoothly. Amber‑Lynn is passionate about the hands‑on nature of her work and the trust placed in her, especially as she continues to grow her skills and mentor other women entering the field.”

Melissa. 25 years ago I started my career in the road construction sector.  I started off as a flag girl and as my experience and knowledge increased so did my positions.  From roller operator, workbull, grader and now to foreman.  I take extreme pride in the jobs I’ve completed and look forward to new challenges in the future.

Rafael is the Project Lead with Mother Earth Construction (MEC) – Clan Mother’s first social enterprise. This summer he worked with the MEC crew taking on their own decks and fences jobs, trained a group of new youth in carpentry and is helping to plan the next 10 month Carpentry Training Program for Cohort 3 of Mother Earth Construction.

Before joining Clan Mothers last August, he was a carpentry crew lead at BUILD Inc and a graduate of Gardencity’s CVE carpentry program. Rafael is passionate about transforming the construction industry to welcome women, trans and 2Spirit people – and to mix his lived experience and carpentry knowledge to address housing issues in his community.

Rafael is honoured to work with the Mother Earth Construction crew because this crew is proof that women and gender-diverse people are the future of the trades.

Jenny is breaking barriers as a woman in the trades in Winnipeg, guided by spirit, purpose, and resilience. As a full-time single mother, Jenny moves with strength and intention – working with her hands while walking a healing path. Jenny is devoted to building Clan Mothers Healing Village and creating strong, sacred foundations for future generations.

Danni is a member of Mother Earth Construction, a social enterprise of Clan Mothers Healing Village. She is enrolled in the Manitoba Apprenticeship program working towards a Red Seal in Carpentry. Danni has been with Clan Mothers since Cohort 1 of their Carpentry Training Program. She is a transgender girl, and is working to make a more inclusive environment for all gender diverse people in the trades.

Tanis Ostermann is Principal & Founder of CanSustain. She has worked in the sustainability field for

over twenty-five years, having led the design, facilitation and development of sustainability-focused

projects. Tanis has experience in all of Canada’s major industrial sectors and has worked across

Canada and internationally. She has provided advice on the most pressing environmental and

sustainability issues in the world today, including climate change, municipal planning, ESG, clean

tech advancement, corporate sustainability governance and circular economies. She is a certified

Corporate Director (ICD.D) and has undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on sustainability.

Tanis currently serves as the Manitoba Representative to the Sustainable Development Advisory

Council under the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. She is also

serves as a Regent on the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents and as a Director for the

Manitoba Hazardous Waste Management Corporation.

Dr. Andrea Kraj, P.Eng., is the Research Chair in Sustainable Construction & Clean Tech at RRC Polytech and a globally recognized expert in integrated energy systems and the built environment. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world implementation, with a particular emphasis on microgrids, distributed energy systems, and infrastructure performance under dynamic conditions.

Dr. Kraj has led international projects and collaborations across North America, Europe, and emerging markets, working at the intersection of buildings, industry, and energy systems. She is also the founder of CORE Renewable Energy Inc., where she has developed and deployed advanced clean energy solutions for complex environments, including remote and islanded systems.

A Fulbright Arctic Scholar and TEDx speaker, Dr. Kraj is known for her systems-level approach to the energy transition—advancing solutions that are not only technically viable, but buildable, scalable, and grounded in real-world conditions.