NextGen Women

?????????????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ??? Today, we remember the courage and sacrifice of our veterans and service members who have given so much for our freedom. Their bravery and dedication inspire us all. To all veterans and their families: thank you. We’re forever grateful. ?? #LestWeForget #RemembranceDay

?? ?????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????: ???????????????????? ???????????? ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ?? Meet Robert Richardson, a mentor with a remarkable journey in the construction industry and beyond. As an estimator with a background in architectural technology, Robert brings a wealth of experience to the NextGen Women Mentorship Pilot Program. ?? ???????? ?????? ???? ????????????????????: Robert's diverse background includes illustration and comic book art, showcasing his creative side alongside his technical expertise. ?? ???????????????? ????????????????: As a lead guitarist in a band, Robert defied expectations and achieved fame, proving that limitations are often just perceptions. ?? ???????????????????? ????????????????????: Living with a disability, Robert has turned his experiences into a superpower, inspiring others to push past their perceived limitations. ??? ???????????????????? ??????????: Robert excels at helping others find their voice and overcome both external and internal obstacles. ?? ???????????? ??????????????: With a passion for personal development, Robert believes in the power of perseverance and the limitless potential within each individual. Join us in welcoming Robert to our mentorship program, where he'll guide mentees to embrace their unique strengths and pursue their goals with confidence!

?? ??????? ?? ????? ???????? ?????? ?? ??? ???????????? ??? ?????? ???????? ???? ? ????????, ????????? ??????? ?? As an Associate Architect at Sixteen Degree Studio Inc., Reema J. Juneja brings over 15 years of industry experience across sectors, including residential, retail, and data centers. Her academic background and professional experience have taken her from Toronto to the U.S., Asia, and Western Europe. Working or traveling in these diverse environments has enriched her design expertise, giving her a global perspective on architectural landscapes. In her current role, Reema collaborates with the firm’s partners to oversee the design and execution of residential projects from concept to completion. They work closely with clients, translating visions into detailed architectural plans while balancing budget constraints and ensuring client satisfaction. Reema is passionate about mentorship, particularly in ???????????? ??????????????????????. She mentors junior architects and interns, guiding them through challenges of advocating for promotions and leadership roles in the architecture field. "Too often, women hesitate to ask for what they truly deserve," Reema explains. "Recognizing your worth and confidently advocating for yourself is crucial for advancing in your career." As a ?????????? ???????????? of NextGen Women, Reema is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in architecture, construction, and engineering. Reflecting on her career, she emphasizes the importance of representation: "I didn’t have mentors who looked like me, so I want to be that role model for young women. I want to show them they can thrive in this industry." Reema is also a strong advocate for better work-life integration, working to create opportunities for women to succeed in both careers and personal lives. She stresses that success isn’t just about personal determination, but having a robust support system—both at home and in the workplace. Reflecting on her experience, Reema recalls a pivotal time when she was preparing for her licensing exams, working full-time, and expecting her first child. "The conversation around balancing career and motherhood is often overlooked," she explains. "Support systems are essential—whether at home or through workplaces that embrace supportive policies, like topping up parental leave—so women don’t have to choose between advancing their careers in AEC and starting a family." At NextGen Women, Reema's commitment to mentorship, diversity advocacy, and supporting women’s career growth is indispensable. Her unique blend of lived experience, professional insight, and dedication to uplifting others makes her a key mentor, helping to shape the next generation of female leaders in architecture and beyond. Agnes Watkinson | Leanne Tammaro | Marla Baker | Sarah-Jane Rutherford | Shauna McKenzie-Onita | Anisa Yusuf, CHRL | Reema J. | Marina Vrzalkovski | Laura Cross

????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ?????????????? ??????????!??? Wishing you a holiday filled with love, gratitude, and time to recharge. ??

????????????? ???? ?????????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ?? ???????????????????? ????????????? Renee Desjardins is a senior manager currently overseeing four high-profile residential construction projects in Toronto, valued at approximately $2 billion and comprising over 3,500 units. Her role involves careful oversight from the first permit application through substantial completion. Renee draws on her expertise in large-scale, complex, mixed-use construction to provide specialized insights and guidance. She reviews and manages each project, focusing on infrastructure, schedule management, environmental factors, government regulations, and overall quality. With a keen interest in mentorship, Renee guides individuals in their career development. She helps them navigate career choices, build confidence, manage workloads, establish boundaries, prepare for interviews, and handle challenges. She is also eager to explore pathways into construction, forming connections through women's groups and shelters. Renee aspires to be a trusted mentor, offering tough love and support while celebrating her mentees' achievements. Reflecting on her career, she says, "Having a female role model would have shown me what was possible and how to establish boundaries. My perseverance, strength, and resourcefulness were forged out of necessity." Renee passionately advocates for construction as a viable career for young girls and women, countering biases and misinformation about women’s capabilities. Empowering women in the industry helps them recognize their potential and encourages them to assert themselves confidently. She emphasizes that asking questions—whether perceived as "dumb" or "smart"—is a crucial lesson learned throughout her career. In addition to her mentorship roles, Renee is launching two initiatives aligned with her advocacy.?Construction Girl, launching November 3, positions her as a trailblazer for gender inclusiveness in the industry. With an engaging tone, it will offer blogs, podcasts, and interviews promoting a diverse construction workforce. Her second initiative,?Fat Girl Fun Squad, reflects her journey in promoting body neutrality and inclusivity. With a playful, “adorable and vaguely threatening” tone, it encourages living authentically as a larger-bodied, cisgender female, fostering self-acceptance and empowerment. At NextGen Women, we are honoured to have mentors like Renee, whose insights and experiences empower the next generation of women. Agnes Watkinson | Leanne Tammaro | Marla Baker | Sarah-Jane Rutherford | Shauna McKenzie-Onita | Anisa Yusuf, CHRL | Reema J. | Marina Vrzalkovski | Laura Cross

???World Mental Health Day: Supporting Each Other, Every Day??? Today, on World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded of the importance of mental health and well-being—not just for ourselves, but for our communities. At NextGen Women, we believe in the power of support, connection, and conversation when it comes to mental health. Whether it’s checking in with a friend, practicing self-care, or creating space for honest conversations, every action we take helps break down stigma and build a culture of care. Let’s continue to uplift one another, embrace vulnerability, and prioritize mental health every single day. Reach out, listen, and don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Together, we can make a difference. ?? #WorldMentalHealthDay

?? NextGen Women Unveiled - Episode 18: What makes NGW so exciting? ??? ? ?? In this episode, Leanne Tammaro talks with Agnes Watkinson about her excitement for the future of NextGen Women and its direction. ? Leanne is thrilled and passionate about connecting people, creating meaningful networking opportunities, and organizing events that not only bring individuals together but also promote collaboration in innovative and unique environments. There are not many spaces that allow for professionals to unite in such a unique way and these spaces are often underexplored or unknown. ? She firmly believes that mentorship is not just a one-way relationship where experienced veterans guide newcomers. Instead, it’s a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas.? ? In her view, when industry veterans and emerging professionals come together, both groups have the opportunity to learn and grow. The younger generation brings fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking that can invigorate even the most seasoned professionals. ? For Leanne, NextGen Women embodies this philosophy of mutual learning and growth. It’s a platform where everyone, regardless of experience level, has something to offer and something to gain.? Overall, Leanne is excited about how this vibrant community is shaping the future, where continuous learning and collaboration are at the heart of everything they do. ? We are very fortunate to have ASCO Group of Companies for their generous sponsorship of this video series. Thank you for your ongoing support, as it is important for our mission of making a significant impact for women in the industry and driving positive change. ?? ? Agnes Watkinson | Leanne Tammaro | Marla Baker | Sarah-Jane Rutherford | Shauna McKenzie-Onita | Anisa Yusuf, CHRL | Reema J. | Marina Vrzalkovski | Laura Cross

????????????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????????????????????? Today serves as a powerful reminder that the journey toward reconciliation is ongoing and requires our meaningful action and support. At NextGen Women, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities, advocating for awareness, justice, and healing. Let’s use this day to reflect and educate ourselves on the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Together, we can work toward a more just and equitable future for all. ?? #TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #IndigenousRights #ReflectAndAct #HonouringSurvivors

?? ??x???? ????? ???????? - ??????? 17: ????’? ??????????? ?? ?????? ? ?? In this episode, Laura Cross discusses with Agnes Watkinson why it’s crucial for ASCO Group of Companies to be actively engaged with NextGen Women. ? Laura emphasizes the importance of a company like ASCO supporting and actively participating in organizations that promote women in the industry. She reflects on her personal experience, sharing that one of her first hires for ASCO came through NextGen Women—a project coordinator who has been an invaluable addition to the team.? ? ASCO is now deeply committed to bringing more women into the field, particularly in hands-on roles like carpentry, labor, and electrical work.? ? Laura is confident that there is significant untapped potential among women, noting that more are becoming engaged in the trades. She acknowledges that the investment in women’s careers in these areas often goes unnoticed, but ASCO is determined to drive change by actively seeking more female candidates.? ? Laura highlights how vital it is for women to have a voice in projects, especially those at the local and community levels. She believes women bring a unique perspective that allows them to represent and understand the needs of their communities in ways that can be different from traditional viewpoints.? ? For Laura, this focus on empowering women not only strengthens ASCO but also contributes to more inclusive and thoughtful project outcomes. ? We sincerely thank the ASCO Group of Companies for their generous sponsorship of this video series. Your continuous support is crucial to our mission of creating a meaningful impact for women in the industry and to make a difference. ?? ? Agnes Watkinson | Leanne Tammaro | Marla Baker | Sarah-Jane Rutherford | Shauna McKenzie-Onita | Anisa Yusuf, CHRL | Reema J. | Marina Vrzalkovski | Laura Cross

???NextGen Women Unveiled - Episode 16: Future of NextGen Women ?? ?? In this episode, Reema J. shares her excitement for the future of NextGen Women in a conversation with Agnes Watkinson. ?? Reema believes that NextGen Women provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the diverse resources and possibilities available in the industry. Reflecting on her early career, Reema recalls having mostly male mentors. Now, she recognizes the unique value of having female mentors, particularly those who are also mothers. As she’s advanced in her career and started a family, Reema has gained a deeper appreciation for women in leadership roles who manage both career and family responsibilities. She acknowledges that juggling it all can often feel overwhelming and nearly impossible, especially in an industry where the workday doesn’t always fit within 9-5 hours. Reema finds comfort and strength in knowing that these women understand the challenges she faces and can offer support and guidance. For her, the presence of women in leadership who successfully juggle multiple responsibilities is not just inspiring—it’s essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. We extend our sincere thanks to the ASCO Group of Companies for their generous sponsorship of this video series. Your support is vital to our mission of making a meaningful impact within the industry. ?? Agnes Watkinson | Leanne Tammaro | Reema J. | Anisa Yusuf, CHRL | Sarah-Jane Rutherford | Marla Baker | Marina Vrzalkovski | Shauna McKenzie-Onita | Renee Desjardins | Laura Cross | Emily MacDonald