
Arlene Dedier
Principal and Managing Director, Canadian Practice Leader, Workplace and Project Management Canada, Avison Young
Sector: Private Sector
Discipline: Construction
Year: 2025
Magic Moment: Agency
I learned the power of agency early understanding that progress begins when you define yourself rather than accept assumptions. That realization shaped my career in construction, where women, especially women of colour, remain underrepresented. Agency became the choice to lead with intent, to claim space, and to move forward without waiting for permission.
Key Influences
My leadership has been shaped by mentors, sponsors, and colleagues who challenged my thinking and expanded my field of vision. From family to industry leaders to the next generation of women entering the profession, each reinforced the importance of perspective, allyship, and sponsorship in building durable careers and stronger communities.
Key Lessons
Three principles guide how I lead and advocate:
- Embrace fear as momentum; growth rarely happens without discomfort.
- Challenge with empathy; progress requires confronting outdated norms while understanding the perspectives behind them.
- Reach one. Teach one. Leadership carries responsibility – to mentor, sponsor, and actively champion others.
The Next Big Challenge: Championing Others
The industry does not lack talent; it lacks sustained advocacy. While more women are entering the workforce, representation in senior leadership and on construction sites remains limited. The next phase of progress requires intentional sponsorship, inclusive leadership models, and leaders willing to use their influence to create access and opportunity. Championing others is how lasting change happens