Anna’s story is not just about one individual’s path but about the communities that carry us, and the ones we create along the way. Over 27 years, Anna has worked as an apprentice, journeyperson, master electrician, educator, and now equity leader. Each stage of her career has deepened her belief that real change comes when we lift each other up. Having navigated the barriers of a male-dominated industry, she has transformed those experiences into a powerful vision: a construction sector where all workers feel respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
“What makes Anna’s leadership particularly impactful is her ability to bridge practice and policy. Her understanding of the trade is not abstract—it is hands-on, deeply informed, and rooted in empathy,” says Dr Guido Wimmers, Dean of the BCIT School of Construction and the Environment.
Through ConnectHER Hub, Anna and her team are building that change every day. In its first year, the Hub has connected nearly 1,000 women, gender-diverse, and equity-priority trades students and alumni. Mentorship circles, workshops, and industry-wide events like Equity in Electrical, Pride on the Tools, and Equity in Contracting have become spaces where students don’t just gain skills but gain community, allies, and belonging.
“Inclusion in the trades is not just about opening doors — it’s about making sure people feel they truly belong once they step inside. My hope is that every apprentice, no matter their background, can see themselves thriving in this industry,” says Anna Lary.
Anna is the first to say that this work is never done alone. She is surrounded by a community of women, gender-diverse individuals, and allies who walk this path with her—collaborators, students, and colleagues who shape, dream, and build alongside her. The ConnectHER Hub thrives thanks to this collective spirit, with a dedicated crew that includes Project Coordinator Emilie Borodine, who works closely with her to shape and grow the Hub. Together with many others, they are building spaces that spark empowerment and cultural change across the trades.
This award is more than recognition of Anna’s leadership, but a celebration of the growing community she is part of, and a call to action for all of us. Together, we are shaping a trades sector that reflects the diversity, resilience, and creativity of our communities.
