Magic Moment: Doing a trial by myself when I had been a lawyer for only one month. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, and I learned that doing things that scare you is how you grow.
Key Influence: Barney Kussner. From Barney I learned the importance of being meticulous and thorough in my work and of acting with integrity in dealing with others, whether clients, colleagues or adversaries.
Lyn Townsend. Lyn taught me that if you have confidence in your own abilities, others will have confidence in you.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: I think that climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time. Our industry has a long way to go on the issue, and needs to be focussed on how we can continue to grow without harming the planet.
Secret Talent: Spelling words backwards.
On Championing Others… I had the benefit of being championed by others early in my career and feel that it’s important to do the same for others. I mentor a number of women and men, both inside and outside my firm. Through WLI I have tried to do some small part to increase the visibility of younger women and women from equity seeking groups in our industry.
One word that captures you: Tenacious.
erin July 23rd, 2020
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Magic Moment: The moment I decided to leave CIBC for a new formed Provincial crown agency, Infrastructure Ontario, in 2006. I was lucky to be an early part of an organization that would play a key role in shaping how infrastructure is built in Canada. The formative five years at IO allowed me to appreciate the tangible worth of infrastructure, allowed me to learn the nuances of the public and private sectors and helped propel my career. It was during this time that I met some of the most talented people I know and admire and are now mentors to me.
Key Influence: Godyne Sibay. I don’t know anyone who is a bigger cheerleader and champion for women. Godyne is always available at all times for everyone, helping, mentoring, guiding. She taught me that being successful is not just about hard work and results, it is also about propping up and mentoring the next generation. She also taught me that you don’t always have to break the glass ceiling but sometimes it is about finding an alternative and smart solution. Godyne continues to be a very big influence in how i want to shape the rest of my career.
Vickie Turnbull. Vickie has been someone I have admired and respected for all my career. She is someone that balances work with life, details with strategy with so much poise, ease and grace. Vickie is one of the most formidable leaders within the Capital Markets and Infrastructure industry. She is a great champion and mentor to me from a professional and personal perspective.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Integrating communities with more accessible transit and transport, building smarter, greener and technologically advanced infrastructure that will help reduce Toronto’s carbon footprint.
Secret Talent: It is not a talent, but I live to learn new experiences. Everything from pottery to coding to photography to snowboarding. It doesn’t matter if I am good at it or even if I continue the experience as a hobby. For me, it is the act of being outside my comfort zone that is very satisfying.
On Championing Others… My mentoring style is to provide all rounded support. This could be as simple as listening and guiding or providing references and introductions. Every person is talented in their own way and harnessing and optimizing that talent in the right manner for the right purpose is most important to me.
One word that captures you: Passionate and energetic.
erin July 21st, 2020
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Magic Moment: In 2016 I was a panelist at the IIDEXCanada Design Show for a discussion that centered on the challenges to women within design and construction. Initially, I was hesitant to discuss the challenges specific to Black female architects as I did not want to be solely identified by race to the audience. The conversation developed and I shared lessons learned from my own experience. The “Magic moment” occurred when two female architecture students in the audience thanked me for my contribution. They had yet to hear anyone acknowledge the challenges within the Architecture profession specific to racialized communities which they both belonged. I no longer hesitate or fear discomfort by conversations pertaining to race and gender.
Key Influence: Dori Tunstall, Dean of Design at OCAD University. Dori has cut her own path amongst institutions to promote educational curriculums that decolonize design and empower marginalized communities. I have learned the importance of having a seat at the proverbial table but also to not be afraid to make your own and surround it with those with likeminded vision.
Betsy Williamson, Principal – Williamson Williamson. Betsy serves on the Advisory Committee for the organization Building Equality in Architecture Toronto. She is very approachable and I admire her continued dedication to challenge established organizations on their commitment to support and raise the profile of women and visible minorities within the design profession.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: The distribution of municipal resources and public amenities are fragmented across the city and often lacking within marginalized communities.
Secret Talent: I have solved one face of a Rubix Cube.
On Championing Others… There is a disproportionate representation of women and visible minorities within the Canadian architecture profession. I am a founding member of the Building Equality in Architecture Toronto. This is a volunteer-run organization that promotes equality in the profession through advocacy, mentorship and networking. I also sit on the Executive Committee for the Black Architects and Interior Designers Association (BAIDA) is a non profit organization made up of 100 students, planners, interior designers, and architects. BAIDA aims to support diversity, equity and inclusion in the profession of architecture and interior design. Our tools are advocacy, mentorship, networking, and outreach.
One word that captures you: Intentional. When it comes to the various initiatives I have aligned myself with, I am committed to the time required to learn, prepared to encounter challenges and recognize all advancements and achievements made by all.
erin July 20th, 2020
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Magic Moment: One of my proudest moments occurred when I visited the communities I helped design such as the Angus Glen and Cornell Communities in Markham and the Winston Road Community in Grimsby.
Key Influence: Philip Weinstein. Because of his passion for community design and infectious enthusiasm.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Design needs to respond to the big disrupters of our time such as climate change and the gig-economy which are to have an impact on how we plan our communities. We should be making a serious commitment to address climate change not only at the building/construction level but at the community design level.
On Championing Others… I believe on encouraging people to take ownership of their projects, to continue to learn and to go after opportunities as they present themselves.
One word that captures you: Quality.
erin June 13th, 2019
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Magic Moment: There are too many magic moments in my career to mention them all. But the most important ones have been the seemingly impossible tasks that were only achieved because of hard work, perseverance and outstanding teamwork. It is important to celebrate every victory, no matter how big or how small.
Key Influence: My parents. Their key lessons: Become a lifelong learner, explore every opportunity available and use your creativity whenever you can.
Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Finding solutions to providing more affordable housing and enhanced active transportation networks are going to be challenges for our communities. We need to explore strategic partnerships and leverage opportunities to solve increasingly complex challenges facing our urban environments.
Secret Talent: I can quickly read a room and respond in an inclusive way.
On Championing Others… I believe in helping others identify their goals and then creating strategies to ensure they reach their full potential through educational opportunities, professional development and work experience. In a team environment, success always belongs to the whole team. I believe in crediting others for their contributions and recognizing their accomplishments.
One word that captures you: Fearless.
erin June 13th, 2019
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Throughout my 27 years of hands-on construction experience in the field and project management, I’ve strived to be a leader and trusted mentor to PCLers and the industry. I remain committed to supporting the professional development of men and women in the industry and push others to see the best in themselves to achieve success while balancing work-life integration, having myself raised a family while juggling a demanding career.
In my role as operations manager, I provide strategic leadership and technical experience to ensure that project teams feel supported, have the experience and access to the resources necessary to execute projects to operational excellence.
I am a believer in the value of mentorship, ensuring that everyone I work with is properly linked with the correct person, so they receive strong mentorship to help them succeed and take on challenges. Having experienced the challenges of being a woman in an industry that contains a high percentage of men, I believe I am an expert mentor for young women entering the industry with my strong values, leadership skills, technical experience and ability to handle myself in various situations, while sharing practical and tangible advice.
I also seek to model these traits with our trade partners. I believe I am straightforward, but equally fair when handling situations and making decisions to provide constructive feedback while genuinely desiring success for people to flourish in both their careers and lives.
As a champion for diversity and inclusion, I have been part of a team that has been integral to inspiring the creation of PCL Toronto’s first Diversity and Inclusion Team and remain committed to the success of this initiative. As a member of the Toronto Urban Land Institute’s Women’s Leadership Initiative Championship Team, I act as a mentor to ULI’s Toronto’s real estate market membership base. I was recognized as the Toronto District winner of PCL’s prestigious internal Robert Stollery Construction Leadership Award and a graduate of PCL’s Peter Greene Leadership Course.
My purpose is to be an authentic leader that inspires higher levels of performance to create amazing experiences, buildings and communities.
erin June 13th, 2019
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