For this first gathering, more than 70 participants came together at the Miller Thomson offices at 1000 De La Gauchetière Street West, offering a stunning view of Montreal. It was a valuable opportunity to bring together diverse areas of expertise, forge new connections, and, above all, connect two communities that had rarely had the opportunity to engage with one another in this way.
Two networks, one shared drive to move things forward
The goal of the evening was to go beyond traditional networking and create a genuine space for dialogue between professionals who work at different stages of the same project. While their realities may differ, many of them face similar challenges, approached from different perspectives and areas of expertise.
Under the theme "Exchanging to Build," participants were first welcomed by Tania L. Pinheiro, Partner - Construction Law at Miller Thomson, who greeted attendees. She was followed by Jenny-Kate Sgarbi, President of CREW M, Judive Jean-Gilles, President of Elles de la construction, and Rochelle Methot, Events Director at CREW M.
These remarks highlighted the complementary nature of the two networks and their shared commitment to advancing their respective sectors. While the women of CREW M play an active role in shaping commercial real estate, the members of Elles de la construction are likewise helping to transform their industry and expand the presence, development, and visibility of women within it.
Reflection and dialogue on concrete challenges
The evening then took the form of a collaborative small-group workshop. Participants were invited to reflect and exchange ideas on very concrete issues related in particular to project management, collaboration, leadership, and relationships between the various stakeholders.
What stood out most from this experience was the richness and candor of the exchanges. The discussions allowed participants to compare on-the-ground realities, share experiences and ways of working, and also see just how many challenges are common to both industries.
The collaborative approach also helped surface avenues for reflection and concrete solutions, rather than staying at the level of theoretical discussion. Around the tables, questions, experiences, and perspectives multiplied, creating a rich dialogue among people with varied backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Building bridges between two networks
The evening continued in a convivial atmosphere, with informal conversation over hors d'oeuvres. A great opportunity to carry on the discussions started during the workshops and to keep connecting members of the two networks.
This first joint event helped build bridges between two particularly engaged communities. CREW M works to advance women in the commercial real estate sector, while Elles de la construction works to increase the presence, development, and visibility of women in the construction industry.
And the connection was entirely natural. Real estate, construction, architecture, engineering, project management: in practice, these sectors work together every day. It was only fitting that their communities should also have more opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate.
This first collaboration shows the real potential in breaking down silos between networks and creating spaces for dialogue among professionals from complementary sectors.
A first collaboration, then — but certainly not the last!
Relive the event in pictures
Relive the best moments of the event by browsing all the photos below.
