b'support, education and mentorship toI like the mix of people and theirThe future is bright with Nadeau at the both women and men in the industry. different perspectives on the industry,wheel. As she begins her two-year term Its going to be a slow progression,Nadeau explains. And I love seeing theatop the WCA board, shes more than Nadeau says. We are slowly seeingbigger picture of the industry. happy to be the face of change and the change as more women are inspiredThe support of her fellow WCA boarddriving force of collaborative solutions.by the industry and realize that it is amembers has made the transition to aI think that women in our industry want fantastic career choice. higher leadership position both easyto know that their experiences are not While there are allies in the industry, sheand seamless for Nadeau, who is nowunique, explains Nadeau. If you see says support for women needs to bepassing on her passion and knowledgesomeone like yourself (gender/culture/more commonplace. and encouraging the next generationetc.) in a certain role, you know that itof construction professionals in heris achievable. role as instructor at RRC Polytech. I may be the firstNadeau describes her students as knowledgeable, strategic thinkers and female chair of WCA,collaborative workers. ALL ABOUT ELLOWYNbut I know, looking[They] appreciate and respect everyone that works to develop a project, she Q: What do you do when youre at the board and ourdetails, adding that theyre striving fornot working?change and are extremely innovative. industry, that I will [They] dont necessarily accept theA: Reading, knitting, gardening, status quo[theyll] question and want not be the last. to do things better. cooking, golf and travelling (pre-COVID-19).Its easier for women in the office It sounds like Nadeaus students are a project managers, project coordinators,lot like their leaderNadeau is lookingQ: What is the best part aboutengineers, architects, techs, explainsto make changes and further advance Nadeau, noting its still difficult forthe industry as WCA chair by promotingyour job?females in the field. [They] still haveskilled trades and educating the publicA: Sharing experiences, hearing barriers, more transient [moving fromon the advantages of workingjob to job] and constantly having toin construction.from students about theirs andprove themselves to a new crew, whileWe need a societal shift in how skilledhow they have used what I have women in the office have a moretrades and construction are perceived,taught them.consistent crew. Nadeau emphasizes. The essential role But change is happeningone justconstruction has played in our societyQ: What is the best advice you needs to look at Nadeaus new roleneeds to be highlighted. could give to a young person and the WCA board as a whole. WithThe new chair is up for the challenge,entering construction?seven women on the 2022 WCA Boardexplaining that she enjoys collaboration of Directors, its clear that femaleand finds a sense of achievement whenA: Love what you do and enjoy representation is on the rise. issues are resolved as a team. going to work every day (okay, most When Nadeau joined the MWC board inHaving had roles as a consultant, client,of the time!). If you are in a culture 2014, she also became a member of thecontractor and now an educator, I tendthat doesnt support you, look for WCA board as a MWC representative.to look at challenges from all of theseone that willthey ARE out there. Over the course of the last six years,perspectives and work to find commonWork within the system to change Nadeau has held a variety of positionsground, Nadeau explains. As chair,the system. And have persistence on the WCA board, including member- I hope this approach will help findfor what you know is right and at-large, treasurer, vice-chair and solutions to whatever [problems] the now chair. industry experiences in the future. reach outthere are those that will support you.Issue 1 Spring Edition 2022 BUILD MANITOBA 33'