Magic Moment: For me, my proudest moments are the moments when I see my proteges realize their own potential and rise to the challenges presented to them.
Key Influence: My mom and Lisa Kurina.
Key Lesson: As a pilot, my mom was also in a career traditionally dominated by men and she excelled to become the first woman captain in her company. She set the bar high for me and led by example, encouraging me to succeed at whatever I wanted to do. She never let the long-standing gender biases in her profession get in her way.
I’ve been lucky to work alongside Lisa Kurina, operations manager at PCL Constructors Canada Inc., for the last 7 years and to witness how she leads by example. Lisa’s leadership style is one of the many reasons she has established herself as a well-respected individual in the construction industry. She also has a special way of creating team atmospheres and always takes a personal interest in those around her. I’ve learned so much from her over the years and look forward to being part of her continued success in the industry.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Ensuring that young people, especially young women, are encouraged to and want to join the construction industry. There are so many opportunities in the industry, and overcoming the negative mindset about pursuing a career in construction is a big hurdle to overcome.
On Championing Others… I champion others by encouraging them to get involved in initiatives and activities, whether it be via groups or events, which will help strengthen their networks. I’m also passionate about increasing the awareness young women have about the career possibilities that exist in infrastructure to make sure there continues to be an increased presence of women in this exciting industry.
One word that captures you: Determined. I’ve always been someone unafraid to challenge the status quo.
Secret Talent: My photoshop skills!
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: There isn’t a particular moment that specifically shaped my journey, but I believe that every experience counts. Every opportunity that I have had to learn something new, to work on something that I have never done before, adds to my growth as a person. Every experience adds up to make me who I am today. I have enjoyed throughout my career countless opportunities to get involved in different ventures, and I will never stop putting up my hand or searching for the new opportunity ahead.
Key Influence: Sam Kwok and Mary Ellen Bench.
Key Lesson: Sam was my pastor and coached me and selected others in our university years to become youth leaders. It was my first exposure to leadership, mentorship and project management. I remember Sam telling us that if through these experiences, we get to know ourselves well, including our interests, strengths and weaknesses, it will help us go a long way in our careers ahead. He was proven to be right.
Mary Ellen was my boss and mentor for almost 18 years. I have learned so much her, and I don’t think I would be able to become who I am without her guidance, coaching and support throughout these years. She offered me opportunities to work on matters that I never thought I was able to do at the time. She had more faith in my abilities and potential than I did. As I have benefitted so much from my experience with my two mentors in life, I feel that it is my responsibility to do the same for others and help those with lesser years of experience grow.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Affordability of housing and cost of living especially for those who are just starting out. Can someone without support from older generations be able to support themselves even with a decent paying job.
On Championing Others… Mentorship and sharing of experience, and look for opportunities for others to participate in initiatives outside of my present organization. It is important to build our networks within and outside our organization, to learn from one another and to work together on broader initiatives.
One word that captures you: Big picture. I believe everything fits together somehow into something bigger than itself. I always look for the big picture in things – why is something happening and where does it fit in with the broader picture of life.
Secret Talent: I have perfect pitch and can identify musical notes with my hearing.
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: I am very proud to be part of a company and a larger industry that has tangible and meaningful impacts on communities. I feel pride of ownership when I’m driving around my city and I spot projects under construction or in operation that I had a hand inclosing or is currently part of my portfolio. On a personal level, I am proud of the resiliency and resourcefulness of my family over this past year on figuring out how to survive and thrive with all of us (3 kids!) schooling and working from home.
Key Influence: Heather Crawford and Godyne Sibay.
Key Lesson: She is a wonder and an inspiration: a truly present and devoted mother of 5, an excellent lawyer and one of the kindest and most compassionate human beings I know. And how lucky I am to have the pleasure of working with her everyday and seeing these qualities in action.
She is another working mother, successful lawyer force of nature! She was the only woman senior partner in my department at the law firm when I was starting out and from her, I saw that you can work and be a mom and be successful at both.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: A vision for tackling climate change and social inequality. Both challenges are complex and require a real commitment from all stakeholders to use their particular sphere of influence to work towards a common goal. And that is the first and most formidable gate – what is the common goal and what does success in climate change and social inequality look like? Getting through this gate requires vision. Equity investors such as Fengate can do more internally to reflect on our company’s values and articulate an environmental and social vision. We can also do more to influence and encourage policy makers to engage in similar reflection and articulation for our collective vision (for our city, province, country and as part of the global community).
On Championing Others… I am a sympathetic listener and look for opportunities to teach and help others.
One word that captures you: Diamond – I am cherished and precious (in the good way) and also strong, durable and can cut through the you-know-what!
Secret Talent: I am awesome at making pie dough from scratch. They always turn out!
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: I have always felt guilty if I didn’t make the sustainable choice (e.g. left the water running or lights on; if I drive when I could bike) it suddenly occurred to me one day in the lunch room that few people think like this all the time. I realized we need to build our infrastructure (our background operating system) sustainably; so the sustainable choice became the easiest one, the default choice. This has been foundational to my entire career since.
Key Influence: Eric Miller and Heather MacLean.
Key Lesson: More change is possible within a decade than it ever feels like, but it has to be done with existing tools.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We need to figure out how to tackle the dual challenges of both needing more – more housing, more transport, more space for more people – while consuming less. Less construction materials, less pollutions, less stuff overall. A first step is to study the problem, we can’t fix things we don’t understand and don’t measure. Simultaneously we need to act, through experimentations, higher standards, and spending more effort in design and stewardship of our built environment.
On Championing Others… I am a teacher and a cheerleader.
One word that captures you: Persistent. My response to failure is to try again, harder.
Secret Talent: I bake a mean croissant.
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: This industry and my career have been full of magic moments, but if they can all be housed in one space, it would be the annual BILD Awards where we profile all the extraordinary work that home builders and all those involved in creating communities are showcased. Being a part of how they house the residents of this vibrant region, and contributing to those meaningful dialogues to move the policy needles to help make things happen – – they continue to inspire and shape my journey to this day.
Key Influence: Julie DiLorenzo from Diamante Developments and My Father.
Key Lesson: Julie taught me early on that giving up is not an option, that there is a solution to every challenge, and if you think hard enough and are committed to the task, and if you pull from the strength of those that surround you, there is always a way forward.
The first lesson my Father taught me: ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.’ The second was to listen with my eyes as much as my ears, and to listen before I speak.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Biases, stigmas, assumptions — getting away from those and having fact based discussions where all stakeholders are willing to listen and understand each other…. If we can get to that place, any city-region challenges can be met.
On Championing Others… Championing others requires recognizing their strengths, and allowing them to grow… leading from behind and allowing their voice to be heard in a meaningful way.
One word that captures you: Although questionable, I’ve been described as a puma – – adaptable, elusive and always hunting for information and ways to navigate situations before striking on a solution…
Secret Talent: I can make anyone smile.
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: The whole journey of the last 14 years in Canada has been magical- starting from scratch in a foreign land, learning the ropes of the planning profession, adapting to a new culture, getting accustomed to Canadian jokes, and learning to drive on icy roads. My message to new immigrant leaders- ‘it will be hard, sometimes very hard but it is not impossible and will be worthwhile. Aim higher, irrespective of your current position, built a strategy and build your resume slowly and consistently’.
Key Influence: Deborah (Babulal) Giannetta – Manager Richmond Hill and My child and husband.
Key Lesson: She pulled me up when I was at my lowest and made me realized the ‘strength of motherhood’. Motherhood has truly provide me a strength and drive to strike higher and harder.
They always have my back and glitter in their eyes whenever I achieve something.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: We all know that the next biggest challenge for the Greater Toronto Area is the lack of affordable housing, however, the bigger challenge is how to maintain this affordability for the long run. We need new innovation not only in policies, public-private partnership models but also in forms and materials of housing to maintain this affordability.
On Championing Others… By Developing a “hip pocket” skill. Meaning a skill you become so good at, you are seen across the organization as the expert at it and no one else in the same field in the same organization has it. Such as, I use my design skills for problem-solving and finding a alternative solution.
One word that captures you: Dependable.
Secret Talent: Writing a blog with a secret name that on all forms of spirituality and enjoys questioning the powers that be.
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: My ‘magic moment’ was when I realized the opportunity that my travel experience, my work experience, my educational experience, and my personal experience could all come together to make a contribution to community planning that was meaningful.
Key Influence: My first corporate boss and My first ‘planning’ boss.
Key Lesson: She taught me foundation skills that have supported me throughout my career.
She taught me to look at everything objectively; and that while expertise always plays a role in making good decisions, so does common sense.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I think supporting all of the great people in this city-region to find their space in the face of the incredible growth that we are experiencing is really important. Change isn’t easy; we’re asking a lot of community members to envision a future GTHA region that will look and function very differently from what we have always known. I think that bringing everyone, from all backgrounds and ages, along in the process is key to supporting the social infrastructure necessary to make the future successful.
On Championing Others… I think supporting the next generation of planners is critical to the profession. I am a mentor/sponsor for planners hoping to achieve their RPP designation. I also volunteer for various initiatives to engage youth, including MyTOin10.
One word that captures you: Hopeful – because it’s the only way of thinking that makes sense to me.
Secret Talent: Singing karaoke – specifically Shania Twain (and I’m working on my Dolly Parton)…but I don’t think anyone will get us mixed up anytime soon
erin June 18th, 2021
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Magic Moment: One experience I am most proud of was in n my previous role. I was part of a multi-sector team, including City Councillors, developers and planners, that legalized the construction of laneway suites in Toronto. This experience taught me a great deal about collaborative team leadership, public engagement and real estate. Another significant milestone in my career was my transition into real estate. While I had spent many years working to create more sustainable cities, I had never been on the developer side. Joining Allied in 2020 was a remarkable change in my career, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to advance environmental and social issues throughout our work across the country.
Key Influence: Jeb Brugmann and my dad.
Key Lesson: Jeb carries compassion, intellect and curiosity in a way that I have continuously found to be inspiring and impactful throughout my career.
My dad is a constant source of guidance. One of his enduring quotes – ‘Failure is inevitable, defeat is optional.’
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Housing affordability. The protection and creation of green space, particularly in cities. We need to push all real estate actors and policymakers to think for the long term, not the short term, so that decisions are being made to create livable, connected and inclusive communities for future generations.
On Championing Others… I strive to build meaningful interpersonal relationships, share learnings and foster dialogue between my colleagues inside and outside of Allied. I am committed to elevating my team members by supporting them in their work and sharing their successes, but also providing insightful feedback or guidance as needed to help them advance in their careers.
One word that captures you: Collaborative.
Secret Talent: I’ve bicycled across the southern United States.
erin June 18th, 2021
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