Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1345471
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 7 The chief executive officer of Bockstael Construction Ltd. and his family have set up scholarships for full-time University of Manitoba undergraduate civil engineering students, one for those who identify as female and another for an Indigenous student. The inaugural $1,000 scholarships are expected to be awarded this spring. Recipients can apply for summer work placements at the fourth-generation Manitoba company founded in 1912. "Those are the two areas where there's not enough scholarships," says Bockstael, who was chair of the Canadian Construction Association in 2019. When he joined the family business in 1985, there was a female receptionist/ bookkeeper and no women in the field crew. Now its key project-delivery group of 16 staff includes a female senior project manager, three project managers and two project co-ordinators. "They're there as leaders, managers, co-ordinators of the work," Bockstael says. "What I find is they're very thorough. They work hard on the details and on closing out jobs." There is also a female estimator, carpenter and labourer among its estimated 150 employees. Recognizing the barriers has been an emphasis for the company and industry, Bockstael adds. "You have to open the door. You have to interview. You have to encourage and explain the possibilities and the career paths and make this workplace more welcoming." ◗ BOCKSTAEL BUILDS A BETTER FUTURE WITH WOMEN By Judy Owen John Bockstael doesn't just say he'd like more women working in the construction industry — he backs that up with actions. Essential Skills for Women in the Workplace program • Taking control of your situation • Showing your Courage • inking to the Future We took a moment and reflected on these words, as an organization and as individuals. It was clear: we wanted to celebrate a woman within our own that is the definition of Essential Skills for Women in the Workplace. Marlene Gogal started with WEM 14 years ago. She is a true Northerner and would not have it any other way. From partnering with First Nations to encouraging female specific programing and education to all Manitobans, Marlene is a trailblazer in her own right: a strong leader within WEM. It is her drive and her fearlessness that moves us forward. All of this, while balancing her own family life and being a Mom. In all that she does, she brings strength, resilience and a kindness that is ever present. She has never demanded credit or accolades, but now is the time. ank you, Marlene, for letting us celebrate all that you bring to WEM, Essential Skills and to Manitoba. "I hope this inspires other women to look for where they can make their contribution. I'm so proud to make my mark in any way I can for the North. It will be a challenge but listen to your gut. Take that challenge. You can do it!" - Marlene Gogal, WEM Director of Strategic and Partnership Development. To register for Essential Skills for Women in the Workplace, please email jlorusso@ wem.mb.ca today. Funding provided by: e Government of Canada e Manitoba government To register for Essential Skills for Women in the Workplace, email jlorusso@wem.mb.ca From left: Ceilidh Houston, project manager; Lisa Reichart, project manager; Victoria Munro, senior project manager; Kayla Gervais, project co-ordinator, Kelsey Lapointe, skilled labourer; Traci Cluff, project co-ordinator; Samantha Lewis, carpenter. Photo by Darcy Finley