CCW Diversity and Inclusion Panel

Thursday, September 23, 5:30 pm

Please join us for our next virtual event at 5:30 pm on September 23, 2021!  This event will be in place of our annual mentorship roundtable event as we felt it was appropriate and necessary for our organization to have a meaningful discussion on the issues of diversity and inclusion within the construction sector.  We have a fantastic panel of speakers who will provide helpful insights on why diversity and inclusion initiatives are important for the construction sector and discuss what organizations can do to meaningfully encourage and contribute to such initiatives.

Our panelists for the event are:

Karen Dearlove - Executive Director, BC Centre for Women in the Trades

Since completing a PhD in History in 2009, Karen Dearlove has worked in leadership positions in cultural not for profit and community organizations in Ontario and British Columbia. While pursuing her academic studies Karen worked in a series of hands-on jobs, including surveying, carpentry, concrete finishing, and various positions in the fabrication of architectural grade wood doors such as CNC programming.  An ardent supporter of the labour movement, Karen was instrumental in organizing her previous workplace and served as shop steward for CUPE Local 389. Karen is passionate about education, social justice, Reconciliation, and representation. She is excited to bring her knowledge, skills and experience to create diverse, equitable workplaces and opportunities for women in the skilled trades.

As President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, Donna Grant provides leadership in advocating for the needs of the Lower Mainland construction industry. She provides meaningful support to our industry and champions the issues and initiatives that matter most. Donna is a natural connector who loves to bring people together and is passionate about removing barriers to entry and to progress for those who are underrepresented in construction.

Kristine is the Director of M&E Pre-construction and the chair of the 2gether group, focusing on gender equality at EllisDon. She is an active participant in the Diversity Council at EllisDon and is passionate about supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Construction industry. Kristine grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, and completed a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Her multifaceted experience comes from her education coupled with her
time spent working at HH Angus Consulting Engineering and Bombardier Aerospace in Toronto. In 2011, she moved out West to Vancouver, where she currently lives with her husband and two young kids. When she has some downtime she enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, and playing the guitar and
piano.

Jen is the Vice President Collaborative Construction for Chandos Construction. She has worked for Chandos for the last 14 years and has helped lead may of the company's innovative practices in that time. She works primarily as a coach, facilitator and trainer for project teams with a focus on Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), collaborative construction practices, lean and sustainability. She worked on some of the first IPD projects in Canada and has been a key champion in bringing it across the country from BC to Ontario. She oversees Lean integration and training; and, was instrumental in setting up and managing the waste diversion policy in 2010 that has seen the company divert over 75% of its waste in the last 9 years. Jen is also on the board of directors and is committee chair with the Integrated Project Delivery Alliance and is on the board of directors for the Edmonton Construction Association.

Richa is a Project Coordinator with Chandos Construction.  With a background in business studies and architecture, Richa has taken a path less-travelled to general-contracting. In her role as a construction coordinator, Richa has become well-versed in the day-to-day project needs and developed an appreciation for the bigger picture. She is aware of the rewards and the risks that come with navigating a project and is proactive in gauging them. She is passionate about delivering successful projects and measures success by building lasting professional relationships. Her communication style has been described as calming, inviting and fostering collaboration amongst her teams. As she makes her path forward, Richa presents a keen interest in projects with a social and environmental purpose.