BCIT ConnectHER Hub hosts Equity in Contracting 3.0 to build future trades leaders

On March 14, more than 90 BCIT students, apprentices, trades professionals, contractors, alumni, and industry partners gathered at the BCIT Burnaby Campus for Equity in Contracting 3.0, a ConnectHER Hub event focused on entrepreneurship, inclusive leadership, and building stronger workplaces in the skilled trades.

The third installment built on the success of Equity in Contracting 2.0 and highlighted business ownership as one way tradespeople can lead change. Through candid discussion and networking, attendees learned how women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs have turned workplace challenges into opportunities to build businesses grounded in respect, quality, integrity, and innovation.

BCIT alumna and Red Seal electrician Priya Hartley-Anderson, president and owner of Rockwood Electric Ltd., moderated a panel featuring four trades entrepreneurs:

• Penny Gotto, Owner, Green Vista Contracting Inc.;
• Chantel Sinnott, Owner, Sinnott Electric;
• Sasha Kassis, Carpenter and Owner, Wild Side Construction;
• and Mahara Gibson-Zeinoun, Owner, Princess Plumbing.

The panelists shared their paths to business ownership, the barriers they encountered, and the lessons they learned while building their companies. They discussed setting higher workplace standards, achieving financial independence, and creating environments where skilled tradespeople can thrive. Their experiences gave students and apprentices practical insight into entrepreneurship, leadership, and the different career paths available in the construction industry.

After the discussion, attendees connected over lunch, exchanged ideas, and built relationships across the trades community. The gathering gave students and apprentices an opportunity to learn directly from contractors and industry leaders while expanding their professional networks.

Equity in Contracting 3.0 was hosted by the BCIT ConnectHER Hub with support from the BCIT Respect, Diversity, and Inclusion department, the BCIT Alumni Association, the Embark Student Foundation’s Major Grant Program, and event volunteers.

The event reflects the ConnectHER Hub’s ongoing commitment to supporting the connection, retention, and advancement of women and gender-diverse people in the skilled trades through mentorship, career guidance, leadership development, and community events.