Empower
Growth

The OBCT Speakers’ Bureau features talented and diverse tradeswomen across a variety of skilled trades.

Speaker's Bureau

Welcome to the OBCT Speakers’ Bureau, where you can find inspiring tradeswomen who would love to share their stories, insights, and experiences of working in the trades at your event!

The OBCT Speakers’ Bureau features talented and diverse tradeswomen across a variety of skilled trades. These women bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to your event as powerful speakers and uplifting voices for the industry.

To book a tradeswoman for your event, view their profile and click the “Connect with me” button to contact them directly.

Interested in being a speaker on the bureau? Register below.

Speakers

Rokhaya Gueye

Carpenter, Community Partnership Coordinator at the Carpenters Regional Council, Ontario Chair of Sisters in the Brotherhood (SIB)

From her stellar work as a carpenter to her extensive community engagement and impact driving social change, Rok is a force of nature, leaving a lasting positive impression everywhere she goes.

Vicky Saygnasith

Carpentry Apprentice, MAC Committee Member, SIBS Committee Member, & Local 27 Equity Committee Member

From infancy in a Thai refugee camp to single-handedly mothering four children, Vicky's story is one of resilience and hope. Through the trades, Vicky is now able to fulfill her purpose of providing for her family.

Heather Ferguson

Licensed Millwright, Outreach Specialist and Strategic Initiative for the Millwright Regional Council - Canada

Like many young adults, Heather was uncertain about which direction to take in terms of her career. Her father suggested that she go into the trades. Heather guides and motivates the next generation, drawing from her own experience that a fulfilling family life and a successful career in the trades are not mutually exclusive.

Kristi Slade

Drywall Finisher and Union Representative for IUPAT

After realizing that school wasn't the right fit for her, Kristi found her passion in the trades through a job at a drywall company where friends worked. She quickly fell in love with the work, the tangible results of her efforts, and the sense of camaraderie she found with her colleagues, whom she considers family.

Keira Liberte

Red Seal Journeyman Ironworker

Keira's persistence is perhaps matched only by her determination to succeed. After working her way up in the horse racing industry, Keira made the switch to welding, another male-dominated industry, and conquered that as well!

Nickie Lavoie

Boilermaker, Weld Instructor

Despite challenges securing work in her hometown of Sudbury, Nickie persevered and ultimately found her place with the boilermakers. Through her work and advocacy, she aims to empower more women to pursue a fulfilling career in the trades.

Martine Sevigny-Lamont

Red Seal Electrician

Martine's passion complements her experience as a tradeswoman. She's dedicated to empowering women and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople by sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with students.

Abiola Escalera

Carpenter, Community Worker

At the age of 17, Abiola started work for a construction company where she received her first hands-on experience in the trades. In 2007, when her family relocated to Toronto, she left behind her career to pursue medical esthetics. However, the 2020 pandemic sparked her return to the skilled trades, this time excelling in carpentry.

Guinevere Kern

Horticulture & Landscaping Educator, Registered Horticultural Therapist, Speaker & Workshop Facilitator

Through her passion for building capacity, Guinevere aims to cultivate a sustainable future within the Horticulture and Landscaping community. Central to her journey is the dedication to empower individuals to explore diverse career paths within the field while also improving health, safety, and overall well-being.

India Snoj

Licensed Red Seal 309A Construction and Maintenance Electrician

As a proud journey-woman, India is a dedicated advocate for the skilled trades. She finds immense joy in her role as an electrician, and the diversity within the trade for learning and growth. She actively gives back by sharing her knowledge and expertise through mentorship to the next generation of tradespeople.

spakers

Disclaimer: In our experience, there is a strong interest in having tradeswomen speak at events and schools. At OBCT, when tradeswomen share their time, experience and expertise, it is important that they are compensated through covering lost wages or an honorarium. Tradeswomen will have varying wage packages, dependent on their trade and level of apprenticeship or certification. It is our hope that you will be able to cover the associated costs through an honorarium. If you need assistance, please contact OBCT directly.

Interested in being a speaker on the bureau?

Empower Growth