Considering a Career in Residential Construction? Leading Women in Industry Share their Insights

CHBA’s inaugural Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) at the first meeting in Victoria, BC in May 2025 

To help change that, members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) – who are among Canada’s leading home builders, tradespeople, renovators, and other residential construction professionals – shared their experiences and practical advice to help inspire women to take the first step.

Here are their insights for women considering a career in residential construction.

Residential Construction Offers Diverse Career Options

There is a widespread tendency to view skilled trades as the first and only path into the residential construction industry. While skilled trades do make up a significant part of the residential construction workforce, there are also numerous other roles, including project management, design, development, marketing, customer experience, supply chain, and more.

Just like men, women find their way into residential construction through a variety of different avenues – and they don’t always involve swinging a hammer.

For example, Rikki Paquette started her career at a car dealership, and later ventured into the residential construction sector, moving up the ladder at Kamloops Truss Ltd. to her current role today as General Manager.

Rikki Paquette, General Manager of Kamloops Truss Ltd. and CHBA Central Interior’s representative on CHBA’s national WIRCC 

Similarly, Jenna Johannesen entered the industry by working in a furniture showroom while pursuing her architectural technology diploma, later becoming Co-owner of Park Lighting and Furniture, Cartwright Lighting and Furniture, and True Light Co. Lighting with locations in Calgary and Edmonton, AB.

All the members of CHBA’s WIRCC have unique stories about how they ended up in the sector. Their main piece of advice to young women considering their career in the sector: Don’t be afraid to explore different fields. Look for internships, co-ops, or part-time roles with builders, renovators, suppliers, or those adjacent to the residential construction industry – like many jobs, it’s ok if your path is not traditional.

Confidence Comes from Learning and Building Your Skills

Working in a male-dominated field can feel intimidating, but women currently working in the industry emphasize that success is built on curiosity, reliability, and perseverance – just like it is for men.

They recommend asking questions and centering continuous learning. “Focus on becoming excellent at your craft,” says Tanya Maric, Vice President of Operations at Maric Homes in Winnipeg, MB. “Learn the details, understand the sequencing, and ask questions on site. If you show up prepared, communicate clearly, and stand behind your work, you will build credibility. And once you build credibility, you build influence.”

While building confidence can feel like a long and cumbersome process, the recurring theme from the members of CHBA’s WIRCC was to simply dive in. “Don’t be afraid to start before you feel confident,” says Elsa Batten, Founder of Aware Design Studio in Peterborough, ON. “Talk to people, ask questions, and say yes to learning opportunities.”

Johannesen echoed this by encouraging women not to sweat about making mistakes. “Believe in yourself and recognize that you bring value to every team you’re part of,” she says. “Know your strengths, be honest about your weaknesses, and surround yourself with people who complement and balance you. Confidence grows through experience.”

Chiara Sulyok, Regional Partner of Alair Homes in Nanaimo, BC, adds that, like in any role, you’ll “have ups and downs, rough days, and moments where you question your choice, but fear means growth. That uncomfortable, stomach‑turning feeling – do it anyway. You’ll be so happy you did.”

As many of the WIRCC members point out, residential construction is rapidly changing – with new, innovative building techniques, changes to codes, and more – and those who are willing to learn will be poised for a successful future in the sector. Krista Paine, Owner-Operator of Ian Paine Construction and Design in Kelowna, BC notes that residential construction is “smarter, higher-performing, and constantly evolving.” Her advice? “Stay curious and learn the standards shaping what’s next,” and you’ll find success.

Rodelle Genoway, CEO of Hometown Homes and Saskatoon Region HBA’s representative on CHBA’s national WIRCC working on one of her jobsites 

Rodelle Genoway, CEO of Hometown Homes in Saskatoon, SK, accentuated Paine’s statement by encouraging women new to the sector to “soak it all in…you’re going to learn absolutely everything. Just have an open mind, continuously learn, and you'll shine in this industry.”

Whether it be asking supervisors to explain processes, taking short courses to build your skills, attending networking events, or joining your local industry home builders’ association to build long-lasting relationships early, the members of CHBA’s WIRCC say that it’s the willingness to connect, learn, and grow that will help set you apart.

Mentors Make a Big Difference

Nearly every member of CHBA’s WIRCC highlighted the importance of building relationships with women in the sector. In their experience, seeing other women succeed helped them believe they could, too.

“Reach out to other women in the industry for support,” says Laurie Cole, Co-founder, Creative Director and Master Builder of New View Designs in Fredericton, NB.

Meredith Yuen (left), Partner at Marino General Contracting Ltd. and Homebuilders' Association of Vancouver (HAVAN)'s representative on CHBA's national WIRCC, with colleague

“Residential construction is all about community,” adds Meredith Yuen, Partner at Marino General Contracting Ltd. in Vancouver, BC. “Treat everyone with respect – they’ll do the same in return. When you treat the people you work with well, they will go to bat for you.”

While it can be intimidating, they encourage young women to put themselves out there by joining councils or networking groups to connect with women in roles they’re curious about. Just as many of them have found in their own careers, they note that your future in residential construction could begin with one conversation.

Trust that You Belong

With 22% of the residential construction industry slated to retire in the coming decade, and not enough workers projected to enter the sector to replace them [BuildForce Canada, 2025], women, as well as other underrepresented groups, have a real opportunity to bring a diverse set of skills and knowledge to an important sector facing a dire workforce shortage.

The resounding message from the members of CHBA’s WIRCC? Your viewpoint is valuable.

“Women bring vision, detail, resilience, and heart to residential construction,” says Lisa Schuett, Vice President at Terra View Custom Homes Ltd. in Guelph, ON. “When we step onto the jobsite, we’re not just building houses, we’re reshaping the industry.”

Paula Strilchuk, Underwriter, New Home Warranty at Travelers Canada located in Calgary, AB, encourages women to “persevere, stick to your guns, and continue with what you believe in. You don't need to prove that you can do everything the same way as someone else. Construction needs many different skill sets.”

Many women working in residential construction have found a sense of belonging in the industry. CHBA’s WIRCC members encourage women looking to enter the sector to find that for themselves.

“The industry hasn’t historically looked diverse, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t space for you,” says Maric.

"Don't underestimate the value you bring. This industry needs your perspective,” adds Natasha Paikin, Director of New Horizon Development Group in Burlington, ON. “Trust that you belong here because you do!” Residential construction offers meaningful, stable, and creative careers that help shape communities and build/renovate the homes Canada needs to help restore housing affordability. If you’re a woman or an underrepresented group who is curious, motivated, and ready to learn, there’s a place for you in the residential construction industry.

For more information about how the Association at all levels is supporting women in residential construction, visit CHBA’s website.