Forging Her Place in Steel The Story of Anna Tokar

Forging Her Place in Steel: The Story of Anna Tokar and Her Commitment to Elles de la construction

October 23rd, 2025

Supporting the mission of Elles de la construction also means shining a light on the women who build, innovate, and inspire in an industry still largely dominated by men. Vice President and co-owner of Gagné Métal, a Montreal-based SME specializing in the design, fabrication, and installation of wrought iron and aluminum balconies and staircases, Anna Tokar embodies the kind of female leadership that is paving the way for a more inclusive construction industry. As a woman entrepreneur, she oversees the company’s strategic and administrative operations with the goal of optimizing internal processes and ensuring customer satisfaction. In the photo, we see Ms. Tokar alongside her business partner and right-hand man, Mr. Michael Gagné.

A Journey of Integration and Resilience

Anna Tokar shares her journey as a Ukrainian expatriate who arrived in Canada in 2016 through Quebec’s federal Skilled Worker selection program.

“I overcame the challenges of cultural integration and obtained Canadian citizenship in 2021. A polyglot fluent in several languages, I have turned my diversity into an asset for building connections, strengthening my team, and advancing our business. My higher education in management, finance, and administration in France and Ukraine, followed by training at HEC Montréal, along with experience in demanding professional environments, has allowed me to structure Gagné Métal, optimize processes, and ensure quality. I make it a priority to maintain a respectful workplace that complies with construction industry standards. What drives me is turning obstacles into opportunities and showing that women have a rightful place in construction. My beginnings in this sector taught me to assert myself and demonstrate that credibility and determination have no gender, origin, or race. Every balcony and staircase we create reflects our commitment and values, forged through my journey as an economic immigrant.”

A Commitment Both Personal and Community-Focused

Her involvement goes beyond the scope of her business. By supporting the mission of Elles de la construction as a partner, she lends her experience and voice to a cause that is close to her heart.

“Joining Elles de la construction means supporting a mission that is close to my heart: promoting the role of women in a traditional sector with both care and credibility. I want to encourage women to believe in themselves, claim their space, and contribute to a more inclusive industry. Through our partnership, Gagné Métal supports this vision of a sector where diversity is a strength and every woman can succeed and feel supported.”

This personal commitment is part of the continuity of her journey: that of a woman who builds—not only for herself, but also for her team and for others.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

A testament to her commitment and influence in the industry, Anna Tokar was awarded the Femme Relève Entrepreneur prize at the Elles de la construction 2025 Gala.

An honor that highlights both her outstanding journey and her contribution to advancing the role of women in the construction industry.