SKILLED TRADES NOMINEES
For exceptional contributions to the advancement and empowerment of women in the trades sector.
Award Presented by:
Mandy Bujold, Manager of Industry and Community Partnerships, Grand Valley Construction Association
Aimie Botelho
Aimie is a blacksmith in Kitchener who loves to share her passion through teaching. She is an instructor at Two Smiths (Kitchener) and Fleming College. Although traditionally the trade is passed down from male to male, she learned her craft in a female-led workshop and has been forging for 13 years. She enjoys exposing others to the trade through volunteering, such as at Kitchener’s Christkindl, Portage’s youth rehabilitation centre, and Danforth Tech’s adult education program. She hopes her role as an educator helps people from all walks of life enjoy working with both their minds and hands.
Soveigh Brasseur
Soveigh Brasseur is an incredible role model for young women interested in entering a male dominated field. She is currently working towards her Red Seal as a Millwright Apprentice at ATS Industrial Automation in Cambridge. Active in her community, she advocates for the skilled trades as a mentor at events like "Jill of All Trades" at Conestoga College. Among her many accomplishments, Soveigh spearheaded the “Strike an Arc Grant” with the Canadian Welding Bureau Association (CWB-A) to provide welding materials, PPE and mentor high school students in the Waterloo Region in the hopes she is able to encourage a passion for the trades in her generation.
Stefanie Bruinsma
Stefanie Bruinsma loves cars and being a mechanic. She learned this when she started working in that trade at 18. Having had a difficult experience in what she describes as a rough trade for women, she pursued a degree in engineering and later on a Master’s in entrepreneurship and established AutoCate, a platform that empowers and educates car owners. Her passion as AutoCate founder is firmly rooted in her experience as a mechanic and seeks to imbue women with the confidence to fix cars and seek repairs free from fear of discrimination.
Brandi Ferenc
Brandi Ferenc is the founder of Fair-Trades Toolbox, she is a licensed 313a Refrigeration Mechanic/Gas Fitter 1 Journeyperson, HVAC instructor and Mentor for women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices. Brandi represents one of less than 50 women working within this trade and holds the honour of being the first female to compete in the Skills Ontario competition within the post-secondary heating systems category. In spite of the barriers she faces working in a male-dominated industry instead of scars she chooses to wear a smile to light the way for future generations.
Jessica Gemmell
Jessica Gemmell is a dynamic 3rd generation IBEW 309a Red Seal Electrician with a unique journey, leading her to excel in the electrical industry. Currently, Jessica embraces a multi-faceted role at IBEW LU 804, serving as a Pre-Apprentice and Health & Safety Instructor, in addition to being the first woman elected to the Executive Board. Her passion for empowering women in the field is reflected through her involvement in chairing LU 804’s Women’s Committee, by contributing to the Leadership Counsel for the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen Committee, and nationally, by serving on IBEW Canada’s Women’s Committee.
Martha George
Martha’s multi-decade career is an expression of personal commitment to excellence and passion for empowering others. Becoming the first female Chair of Grand Valley Construction Association’s Board, and her progression to President and CEO of GVCA broadened her influence. Martha’s invaluable contributions are reflected by thousands of successful industry partnerships, construction projects, and community initiatives touched by Martha’s leadership. A tireless advocate for women in trades and committed volunteer, her reach surpasses the tangible, positively impacting the wellbeing of tens of thousands of individuals. Martha’s perspective: you’re a leader whenever you’re making a positive difference, regardless of position or title.
Shannon Gerryts
Dedicated and versatile, Shannon stands as a dynamic force in the construction industry, boasting over two decades of experience in both residential and commercial building sectors. With a foundation built upon hands-on technical expertise, she seamlessly integrates leadership, organizational prowess, and clear communication skills into every facet of her work. Known for her high-energy, thoughtful approach, Shannon fosters loyal teams driven to achieve peak performance. Her pragmatic outlook on conflict resolution and problem-solving ensures smooth operations even in the face of challenges.
Jennifer Green
Jennifer Green is an influential advocate for underrepresented groups, leaving an indelible mark and pioneering opportunities for women in non-traditional careers within skilled trades, tackling Canada's skills gap. As Director of Competitions and Business Development at Skills Ontario, Jennifer and her team orchestrate Canada's largest skilled trades event, the Skills Ontario Competition. Together, they manage 2,500+ competitors in 75+ contests, coordinating 700 volunteers and 37,000 visitors. Her efforts continue to elevate skilled trades and women in the field. Recognized as an opinion leader, Jennifer actively participates in speaking engagements, round tables, and crafts innovative social media posts, bolstering global awareness.
Laura Potje
Laura Potje has been an accomplished skilled trades and welding technology expert for over 40 years. Laura works tirelessly to promote opportunities in the field of skilled trades and engineering technology, particularly for young women. Not only has she been a leader and a role model, but she also actively seeks out opportunities to reach out to the community to promote these options. As a Red Seal Welder, Laura dedicated her career to teaching others in the trades as a professor at Conestoga College in welding programs and continues to support trades initiatives for women.
Emily Pyke
Four years ago, during the early months of the pandemic, Emily quit her job as a civil engineer to pursue her passion, founding the Underdog Dance Studio. Driven by a passion for dance and a strong work ethic, she designed Waterloo’s first-beginner-focused adult dance studio as an inclusive, encouraging, and friendly space for newcomers - specifically those with “two left feet!” The studio has since grown from a team of four instructors to 22, with 38 classes per week and 3,500 students. Emily’s encouraging nature has helped her nurture shy dancers with no experience, building their confidence and fostering camaraderie amongst the dancers. Some of them have become working professionals within 4 years. Emily supports the community outside the studio too; proceeds from the studio’s annual dance show go towards the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, and she hosts a weekly free salsa event in Uptown.