BCIT is proud to celebrate Tamara Pongracz, retired Department Head of Trades Access, on receiving the 2026 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the category of Education, Training, and Development.
The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions help build stronger communities throughout the Lower Mainland. Since the awards began in 1984, more than 2,400 nominees have been honoured for creating meaningful and lasting impact.
As an award recipient in the Education, Training, and Development category, Tamara is applauded for the lasting impact she’s made in building more inclusive and accessible pathways into trades career.
“Over Tamara’s distinguished career, she has advanced access to the skilled trades through innovative programming, meaningful community partnerships, and unwavering advocacy for underrepresented groups,” says Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, President, BCIT. “Her leadership has not only shaped BCIT’s approach to trades education but has influenced workforce development across British Columbia and beyond.”
Tamara, a Red Seal-certified tradeswoman of Indigenous heritage, began her journey into the trades more than three decades ago. Encouraged by her father, who worked as a plumber and pipefitter, she entered an industry where women were highly underrepresented. What started as a personal career path evolved into a lifelong commitment to helping others access the same opportunities that shaped her own future.
Championing accessible pathways into trades
When Tamara joined BCIT, she quickly became a champion for programs that help students explore career options, strengthen foundational skills, and prepare for success in technical training and employment.
As Department Head of Trades Access, a role she held until her retirement in December 2025, Tamara helped guide the growth of programs designed to support students at every stage of their journey into the trades. Under her leadership, Trades Access became an important entry point for students seeking practical experience, academic training, and confidence before entering technical programs.
Among Tamara’s most significant contributions was her role in expanding BCIT’s Trades Discovery programs. These hands-on experiences introduce participants to a variety of skilled trades, helping them identify career paths that align with their interests and strengths. Over the years, the programs have helped hundreds of learners make informed decisions about their futures.
One of those initiatives, Trades Discovery for Women, continues to create opportunities for self-identified women interested in exploring careers in the skilled trades. Delivered through a partnership between BCIT and YWCA Higher Ground, the tuition-covered program helps participants gain valuable exposure to multiple trades while building the skills and confidence to pursue further training or enter the workforce.
“Tamara has been a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in trades,” says Dr. Zabudsky. “Her leadership in Trades Access and Discovery programs, her role in advancing diversity and inclusion, and her long-standing contributions to both BCIT and the wider trades community have not gone unnoticed.”
Empowering youth to pursue a fulfilling trades career
Tamara played a leading role in encouraging young people to consider careers in trades and technology. Through the annual BCIT Jill of All Trades event, she has helped connect thousands of high school students to hands-on learning experiences, mentorship opportunities, and successful women working across the skilled trades sector. She also organized Sneak Peak for Indigenous Youth, creating opportunities for Indigenous students to explore career pathways in trades and technology.
Building a vibrant and inclusive trades community
Beyond the classroom, Tamara has been a respected voice in conversations about workforce development, apprenticeship training, and increasing participation in the skilled trades. She was a member of the BCIT Board of Governors, served as Vice Chair of the Education Council, and has been involved with numerous organizations and committees focused on education, equity, and industry advancement.
Tamara also serves on the Board of Directors of the Construction Foundation of BC, supporting initiatives that help Indigenous learners, women, newcomers, and youth pursue careers in construction and skilled trades. Her leadership and advocacy have earned recognition from across the education and construction sectors, including a BCIT Employee Excellence Award for Inclusivity, a BCIT Teaching Excellence Award, and being recognized as Outstanding Woman in Construction by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association.
Congratulations to Tamara on this well-deserved achievement, and for the lasting impact she has made at BCIT and the skilled trades community across BC and beyond!
Get hands-on experience with over a dozen trades in 16-weeks. Learn more about the BCIT Trades Discovery for Women program.
(Photo credit: Group photo of YWCA Women of Distinction Award recipients taken from YWCA site.)
