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
Soveigh Brasseur
Soveigh Brasseur is a Millwright Apprentice that takes the role, otherwise known as a "Jack of All Trades" to a new level. She is a young but mighty force leading the way as a role model for women across the skilled trades and her local community. From regularly volunteering as a mentor at events like “Jill of All Trades”, to establishing the “Strike an Arc Grant”, to being the only female apprentice in her trade selected to compete for the province at Skills Ontario, she truly does it all. While passionate about the trades, Soveigh is also active in other parts of her community that support women. This includes securing donations for the YWCA Women’s shelter and helping organize “Passion for Fashion”, a fundraiser for the YW’s Family Relocation Project.
Krystal Darling
Krystal Darling is an award-winning leader in the skilled trades sector, known for proving that talent, not gender, defines success. As CEO and owner, she has helped Tri-Mach Group (TMG) earn its Canada’s Best Managed Company designation for five consecutive years by building high-performing teams, investing in people, and driving growth. Starting as employee #36, she rose to lead one of the region’s most respected skilled trades organizations, which now proudly employs over 300 people.
Passionate about creating pathways into the trades and creating more opportunities for women to enter and thrive in the industry, Krystal also led the development of TMG’s Centre of Excellence Training Program. This program sparks interest in the trades for those eager to learn new skills through a hands-on accelerator program, providing successful participants with opportunities to work at TMG through its apprenticeship program.
A wife and mother, Krystal is deeply committed to her community, keeping TMG rooted in Waterloo Region while investing in its people, strengthening the local economy, and showing the next generation that they belong anywhere.
Stephanie McLean
Stephanie McLean is a Red Seal Electrician, mentor, and advocate advancing equity in the skilled trades. Known for her leadership and precision across Ontario projects, she is equally committed to empowering others. Stephanie has supported apprentices—particularly women and underrepresented individuals—by providing mentorship, advocacy, and access to opportunities within the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, helping them successfully enter and thrive in the trades.
As an active member of the Toronto Community Benefits Network Women’s Committee, she champions inclusion through outreach and community engagement. In 2025, she was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.
Jessica Gemmell
Jessica Gemmell is a 309A Red Seal Electrician and a recognized leader in the unionized building trades. After earning an honour’s degree in Political Science, she transitioned into the trades in 2012, advancing into project supervision roles across major projects. Now a dedicated skills instructor and Executive Board member with IBEW Local 804, Jessica is a strong advocate for inclusion and equity. She also holds leadership roles with the Ontario Building & Construction Tradeswomen, IBEW Canada Women’s Committee and chairs IBEW 804’s Women’s Committee, advocating for women in the trades at every level. Through ongoing outreach, mentorship, and advocacy, she continues to inspire the next generation while helping shape a more inclusive and equitable future for the skilled trades.
Charlotte Verge
Charlotte is my hero—a friend and female who has taken the carpentry trade by storm. She is incredibly patient and generous with her knowledge, willing to share her Red Seal Carpenter skills with anyone eager to learn. In her professional life, she has trained and mentored seven apprentices and now serves as a Professor at Conestoga College, shaping the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
Charlotte’s story extends far beyond this.
My wish is that she receives recognition for the accomplishments and career she has quietly and humbly achieved, with zero intention of slowing down.
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.