Ontario Construction News staff writer
March 2-8 marks Women in Construction Week, a time to recognize the women shaping the future of Canada’s construction industry and EllisDon says its female employees are leading the way.
Across the company, women are managing complex projects, solving challenging problems, and influencing workplace culture. EllisDon says their impact is visible across teams and embedded in the organization’s culture, which it describes as grounded in pride, respect and opportunity.
“Being a woman in construction means having the opportunity to make a real, lasting impact; not just on projects, but on the people and communities they serve,” said Kelly Slater, senior project manager at EllisDon. “It’s about bringing different perspectives to the table and knowing those perspectives are valued.”
The company says diversity is a core value, reflected in hiring practices, leadership approaches and employee development. EllisDon says supporting employees to bring their full selves to work strengthens collaboration, improves project outcomes and builds a more resilient organization.
Women at EllisDon are active in engineering, construction, project management and the trades. They mentor colleagues, challenge convention, and influence how leadership in the industry is defined.
“Construction is a complex and fast-paced industry, and there’s space for many leadership styles,” said Mehak Mehak, senior project coordinator at EllisDon. “For me, being a woman in this industry means showing that strength can look different. It means leading with intention and bringing my perspective to the work; knowing it adds value.”
The company also highlights employee‑led groups such as Together, which it says foster inclusion and professional growth. Grace Smith, a project coordinator, said seeing women in leadership and on job sites reinforces that they belong and can influence the industry.
EllisDon marked the week by sharing photos of its female employees across Canada. The company said the images capture confidence, pride, resilience and community, reflecting a shared belief in the importance of progress.
EllisDon acknowledged there is still work to do and said it remains committed to building workplaces where women are heard, supported and empowered to thrive.
