On January 24, BCIT ConnectHER Hub hosted Equity in Electrical 2.0: Building Community at the Burnaby Campus. Close to 70 women, gender-diverse electricians, educators, and industry allies gathered to network, share resources, and strengthen community ties within the electrical trades.
The event was led by Anna Lary, BCIT faculty and Project Lead of the ConnectHER Hub. It kicked off with a welcome reception where attendees connected over a light meal. Excitement was high with door prizes, swag bags, and engaging speakers representing a wide spectrum of the electrical industry.
BCIT alumna Priya Hartley-Anderson, Owner and Operator of Rockwood Electric Ltd., delivered an inspiring keynote address focused on the critical role of community in supporting trades workers. Drawing from her professional experience, Priya emphasized how building strong peer networks is vital for overcoming barriers, promoting retention, and fostering leadership among women and gender-diverse tradespeople.
Carly Steiman, Owner and Operator of Lady Electric Ltd. and Workbee Home Solutions, spoke to the unique opportunities available in the residential sector. Carly has a huge passion and investment in the best lighting solutions and in a people-first approach to contracting.
Stacey Brown, also a BCIT alumna, shared her experiences as an industrial electrician and the incredible career opportunities available for electricians at BC Hydro. Over the next 10-years BC Hydro plans to invest $36 billion into initiatives such as renewing and extending the electrical grid, electrifying industry and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This represents extraordinary opportunities for rich careers for electrical workers.
The event built on the momentum of the first Equity in Electrical gathering, to once again create a space where trades workers could feel seen, heard, and supported.
Equity in Electrical 2.0 is hosted in partnership with the British Columbia Centre for Women in Trades and Technology (BCCWITT) and the BC Trades Equity Society. The event continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration in advancing equity, inclusion, and career growth in the electrical sector.
Grow your career in the trades and connect with a supportive community
The ConnectHER Hub at the AFRESH Home (NE3) on BCIT’s Burnaby Campus is a welcoming space for women and gender-diverse trades students. It offers year-round networking events, alumni connections, trades-specific support, and opportunities to engage with industry allies.
Explore the ConnectHer Hub webpage to discover mentorship, resources, and upcoming opportunities and stay in the loop by following ConnectHER Hub.