Toronto, ON — As the industry struggles with labour shortages in all Red Seal trades, more and more decision-makers have turned towards women in the workforce. As such, the AD Canada’s Women in Industry Network was introduced at the 2021 Virtual AD Supplier Summit Industrial and Safety — Canada. The virtual event included panel discussions featuring women and men from various fields and backgrounds.
“As AD Canada’s very first cross-divisional network group, the Women in Industry Network is meaningful for a multitude of reasons, however as a proud father of two sons and a daughter, this group impacts me on a very personal level,” said Rob Dewar, president at AD Canada, during his open remarks. “I will never accept anyone putting a barrier in front of my daughter that they wouldn’t put in front of my sons. With the continuation of groups and open discussions like these, I anticipate that we will see a day where those gender-biased blockades are eradicated.”
The guestlist included Renee Lytle, chief financial officer at E.B. Horsman & Son, Meena Bajwa, country senior director of marketing at Schneider Electric, Diana Di Carlo, sales and operations manager at Desco Plumbing and Heating Supply, Haly Baran, marketing coordinator at AD Canada, Kaity Harper, AD associate at AD Canada, Rob Dewar, president at AD Canada, Carol McGlogan, president and CEO at Electro-Federation Canada, Shelley Vallee-Ewing, co-founder at Women in HVACR Canada, and Eric Tordjman, co-owner at Mercury Lighting.
During the virtual event, topics of conversation ranged from the positive impacts of mentorship and partner organizations supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The event also saw participants share personal stories of overcoming obstacles and progressing toward breaking the proverbial glass ceiling.
In the future, the organization is hoping to host additional panel discussions, facilitate cocktail receptions, hold themed workshops, and host guest speakers. For additional information on the network, contact Caroline Ebeid, AD Canada’s marketing program specialist and founder of the network.