Monthly Employee Highlight: Claire Ryan
During our one-hour conversation, her eyes glowed. Even when Claire talked about the hurdles she had to come through, her gaze remained luminous. Claire was humble yet confident, composed yet passionate, and compassionate yet determined.?
"Construction and restoration have always held a special place in my heart. This is where I should be because it is where I feel I thrive the most. Being a woman in this profession, I believe I bring unique advantages that can contribute significantly to its growth and innovation."?
First Part: AT ARSGEM?
Abigail (Interviewer): It's nice to meet you. Briefly introduce yourself, please.?
Claire: My name is Claire Ryan. I'm a Project Coordinator and I have been working at the ARSGEM for almost a year now. A unique part of my role is that I get to be on-site frequently where all the work takes place and see it happening in real-time. I often find it quite gratifying.?
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A: What are some unique parts of your work that people might not know about??
C: There's a common misconception that restoration work is merely about fixing things and moving on. That does not represent the whole picture of our work. The nature of restoration work is that we are going into someone's life to help them through something they did not expect to happen. Dealing with emergencies
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A: If you could give a piece of advice to someone who is just starting one's career in this field, what would it be??
C: Maybe I can share the piece of advice I too often remind myself of: Do not be the person to tell yourself "no".?
Second Part: Your Philosophy?
A: Tell me more about yourself. What was your job(s) before joining the ARSGEM team??
C: From 2018 to 2022, I ran my own interior renovation company. It was rewarding but physically demanding. Recognizing the need for a shift away from such labour-intensive work, I decided to join a company where I could leverage and refine my diverse skill set and joined ARSGEM.?
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A: Generally speaking, construction is known to be a conservative industry, slow to change. Also, it has long been traditionally male-dominated. Do you see this aspect at your job??
C: Absolutely. While studying Construction Trade Techniques at George Brown College, I was the only woman in my classrooms. This represents the broader underrepresentation of women in the construction field. I have been to several construction sites where there was no female washroom. When I visit hardware stores to purchase some materials, I often meet people asking me for whom I am running this errand. Because construction has been exclusively a male domain for a long time, as a female professional, you may constantly encounter 'hurdles' to navigate.?
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A: The industry definitely needs a change in that matter. What are some advantages and benefits of having women in the field??
C: I believe having a diverse representation of people in the construction industry makes customers feel more comfortable and trusting. I think that diversity in all forms brings countless benefits to the construction and restoration industries. I am aware that certain roles in construction/restoration are specifically physically demanding, possibly leading many to believe that it's a field exclusively for men. When you take a closer look, however, women and men alike are succeeding at every different type of role in this industry. Take me as an example: If you're passionate about this industry, a role like project coordinator could be an excellent fit. It is never about deciding which gender is superior to the other. Rather, it is about embracing the unique strengths each gender brings to the table.?
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A: You are a trailblazer!?
C: Haha, it was never my 'intention' to be someone on the forefront, but it just happens to be like that.?
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A: You had your BA degree in International Development. How did you get into the industry of construction/restoration??
C: I just always was intrigued by trades. I am very good with my hands and I intuitively knew that it was the career path I must pursue. People often ask whether my family has a background in construction or restoration, only to be surprised by my answer - none! I learned that you are, and must always be the primary caretaker of your life including your career choices. It includes making tough decisions but it is to ensure my own personal fulfillment.?
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A: How would you define success??
C: For me, it is a highly multifaceted matter. I feel like I've already succeeded just by the fact that I've made a good life for myself. There were moments when I had to navigate through numerous challenges in an industry that wasn't always accommodating. Yet, I have a great community of people around me who genuinely support me... The ARSGEM team has been a source of support and encouragement. No one questioned my ability as a professional due to my gender and they have helped me to become better at what I do. They support me and mentor me to excel in my role.?
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Third Part: More About You?
A: Favourite ice cream flavour??
C: I really like mint chocolate chip. In addition, I enjoy products from the Kawartha Dairy.?
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A: If you can live anywhere where would it be??
C: California, possibly San Francisco. I have never been there yet but would love to visit!?
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A: Pet peeve??
C: People who don't signal!?
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A: Favourite exercise??
C: Playing ringette. It is a uniquely Canadian winter sport that resembles Ice Hockey: Instead of a puck, you have a 'ring', as the name suggests. I grew up playing it competitively and still enjoy it very much.?
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A: Favourite singer??
C: Beyoncé. 'Love on Top' is my favourite song.?
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A: Favourite colour??
C: Pink?
A: Favourite movies??
C: Two movies come to my mind at this moment. Holes (2003) and?
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018). Both movies are quite hilarious.?
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A: Favourite dish/cuisine??
C: I love Vietnamese food. There is a really good restaurant I often visit, it is called Vit Beo. I would highly recommend that. I also enjoy Korean food. I can eat Kimchi all my life!
Interview by Abigail Chung