What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? One of the most outstanding professional achievements was making a meaningful contribution to the Union Station revitalization project in Toronto, one of the most significant transit historic stations in North America, and working with over 50 key stakeholders in a fully operational, historic station with a footfall of over 200,000 travelers per day. Playing the role of a middle “woman” between the city of Toronto and Osmington Inc. to help facilitate retail construction at the station was one of the most challenging and the best learning experience of my career so far.

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? It is such an exciting time to be a woman in construction–not very long ago, a construction company or a contractor who employed a woman was considered “progressive.” Today, it is prevalent to find women holding an executive, a project manager, and even a superintendent position in construction firms. Times are changing, and workplaces now focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion, and there is no better time to be a woman in construction than NOW!

Starting in the construction business, who or what empowered you? My love for buildings, beautiful spaces, and the resilience to succeed in my career empowered me to work in the construction industry. My journey from an architect to an assistant project manager over the last seven years has been very fulfilling, and one that I have truly enjoyed. My exposure in the construction industry has been very diverse, fueling my passion for buildings. All of which led to me moving across the globe from India to studying and working in Toronto and New York and completing my bachelor’s degree in Architecture, two Master’s degrees, and being PMP Certified.