SKILLED TRADES Award
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
SKILLED TRADES NOMINEES
Jessica Allin
Jessica Allin is a Sr. Site Superintendent with a degree in Architectural Technology from Fanshawe College. With
extensive construction experience, she has led multiple complex projects, demonstrating impressive industry knowledge. Known for her hands-on leadership, Jessica makes quick touchpoints with her team as she navigates her site, ensuring smooth communication and task progress. Her ability to connect with everyone onsite, from tradespeople to management, fosters a cohesive work environment. Jessica’s dedication to mentoring women in construction and her exceptional leadership make her a deserving candidate for the Women of the Year Award.
Soveigh Brasseur
Soveigh Brasseur is an incredible role model for young women, active in her community, she advocates for women in skilled trades as a mentor at events like “Jill of All Trades” at Conestoga College. Recognized by the Ministry of
Education, she spearheaded the “Strike an Arc Grant” with the Canadian Welding Bureau Association (CWB-A). Soveigh designed this grant to provide necessary welding materials and mentorship for high school students in the Waterloo Region in the hopes she is able to encourage a passion for the trades in her generation. Soveigh is currently working towards her Red Seal as a Millwright apprentice at ATS in Cambridge.
Stefanie Bruinsma
Stefanie Bruinsma is the Founder and CEO of AutoCate, an on-call automotive repair support service designed by
women, for women. A licensed Automotive Technician, Mechanical Engineer, and MBET graduate from the University of Waterloo, she brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive and technology sectors. As an entrepreneur, she has raised over $150K in funding and placed AutoCate in top incubators including Velocity and the Accelerator Centre. Her work has been featured by Global News, CTV, CBC, The Record, and Velocity Incubator, and earned her nominations from the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™.
Jessica Gemmell
Jessica is a third-generation 309A Red Seal electrician and dedicated leader within IBEW Local 804. She serves as a
pre-apprenticeship and safety instructor, Executive Board member, and Chair of the Local 804 Women’s Committee.
Jessica also sits on the leadership teams of both Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT) and the IBEW Canada National Women’s Committee, championing greater inclusion and opportunity for women in the skilled trades.
Laura Potje
Laura Potje has been working as a welder, fabricator and educator in the skilled trades since 1978. She has proven that success for women in the trades has many different pathways. As an advocate for continued learning she has shown that the sky is the limit for women wanting to excel in this field. Graduate Conestoga College, Welder Fitter Program 1982 Graduate McMaster University, Metallurgy Certificate Program 2012 Graduate Conestoga College, Manufacturing
Engineering Technology - Welding and Robotics 2006 Earned Trades Qualification Welder "Red Seal" Ontario Trade #456A 2007 (one of the first three women in Ontario)
Emily Pyke
Emily Pyke is a trailblazing automotive technician, educator, and advocate for women in skilled trades. A single mother who defied the odds, she fought through adversity to build a thriving career at Heffner Lexus and co-found AutoCate—an initiative empowering car owners through education. As Chief of Trades, she leads groundbreaking workshops across Ontario, breaking down barriers in the industry. A mentor with Support Ontario Youth and a Napa Gearhead, Emily is redefining what’s possible for women in trades. Her mission: to create a future where no woman has to fight for her place in the industry—she belongs.
Brenda Walsh
Brenda Walsh is a horticulture expert with over 20 years of experience and a deep passion for supporting vulnerable
communities. As the Social Enterprise Coordinator and Crew Lead for In Our Backyard, a Cambridge Shelter initiative, she provides employment and training for those overcoming homelessness. Brenda leads crews to transform residential and commercial spaces through high-quality landscaping. Her career spans landscape design, community volunteering, and workforce development, including programs for at-risk youth and incarcerated women. Brenda’s leadership has connected dozens of individuals to meaningful work, proving that employment can be a powerful tool for rebuilding lives.